Weight Loss Injections Australia: Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro Compared
Key Takeaways
A complete guide to the three main weight loss injections available in Australia in 2026 — what they are, how they compare, what they cost, and how to access them.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medications administered via a small subcutaneous injection — typically once weekly using a pre-filled pen device, similar to an insulin pen. In Australia, the weight loss injections generating the most clinical interest belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a gut hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar regulation.
They are not diet pills. They are not appetite suppressants of the old stimulant type. They represent a fundamentally different — and far more effective — approach to pharmacological weight management. The clinical evidence behind them is the strongest ever seen for a non-surgical weight loss intervention.
This guide covers all three main weight loss injections available in Australia right now — what they are, how they compare, what they cost, who can access them, and what to realistically expect.
The Three Main Weight Loss Injections in Australia
1. Ozempic (semaglutide, up to 2mg/week)
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It is TGA-registered for type 2 diabetes but widely prescribed off-label by Australian GPs for weight management. It comes in pre-filled pens delivering 0.5mg or 1mg per dose, with a 2mg pen also available. It is injected once weekly into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
2. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg/week)
Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but at a higher dose (2.4mg maintenance). It is TGA-registered specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus comorbidities. It follows a slower dose escalation schedule over five months before reaching the maintenance dose.
3. Mounjaro (tirzepatide, up to 15mg/week)
Mounjaro is a newer medication made by Eli Lilly. Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which target only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This dual mechanism produces greater average weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. Mounjaro is TGA-registered and available in Australia by private prescription.
Want to find out which GLP-1 is right for you?
Our GPs can compare your options and assess your suitability via bulk billed telehealth. No referral required.
How Do They Compare?
| Medication | Active ingredient | Mechanism | Avg. weight loss (trials) | TGA indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | GLP-1 agonist | ~10–12% body weight | Type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide 2.4mg | GLP-1 agonist | ~15–17% body weight | Chronic weight management |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Dual GIP + GLP-1 | ~20–22% body weight | Type 2 diabetes & weight management |
Trial averages vary by study, dose, duration and population. Individual results differ significantly.
What Do They Cost in Australia?
All three are private prescription medications for weight management — none is PBS-subsidised for this purpose. Approximate monthly costs at pharmacy in 2026:
- Ozempic: $130–$200/month depending on dose
- Wegovy: $160–$250/month depending on titration stage
- Mounjaro: $200–$320/month depending on dose
GP consultation fees are separate. Some telehealth services, including Weight Loss GP Australia, offer bulk billed consultations — meaning the GP appointment itself has no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.
Side Effects: What to Expect
All three medications share a broadly similar side effect profile due to their shared GLP-1 mechanism:
- Very common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation — usually worst during dose escalation
- Common: Reduced appetite (also the intended therapeutic effect), fatigue, injection site reactions
- Uncommon: Headache, dizziness, heartburn
- Rare: Pancreatitis (seek urgent care if severe abdominal pain)
Slow dose titration minimises gastrointestinal side effects. Most patients adjust well within the first 4–8 weeks.
Who Is Eligible?
Generally, GPs consider these medications for adults who:
- Have a BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related health condition
- Have not achieved sufficient results through diet and lifestyle changes alone
- Do not have contraindications (personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, MEN2 syndrome)
How to Access Weight Loss Injections in Australia
You need a prescription from an Australian-registered GP. No specialist referral is required. Telehealth is a legal and widely used pathway.
- Book a telehealth or in-person GP consultation
- Complete a health history assessment
- Receive a prescription if clinically appropriate
- Fill your prescription at any Australian pharmacy
Weight Loss GP Australia offers bulk billed telehealth consultations for eligible patients. Join the waitlist to be notified when appointments are available in your state.
Ready to speak with an Australian GP about weight loss?
Request an appointment with Weight Loss GP Australia — bulk billed through Medicare. No referral required.
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