GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are available in Australia through prescription only, with costs and eligibility varying depending on your PBS status, diagnosis, and the clinic you attend. This guide explains how these medicines are accessed, what you might expect to pay, and how to find a registered prescriber in 2026.
What are GLP-1 medications and why are Australians interested in them?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of injectable medicines originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. In recent years, several of these medicines have also been approved or used in the context of weight management, generating significant public interest across Australia.
The three names you will most commonly encounter are:
- Ozempic (semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk) — approved in Australia primarily for type 2 diabetes management - Wegovy (also semaglutide, at a higher dose) — approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for chronic weight management in adults meeting specific clinical criteria - Mounjaro (tirzepatide, manufactured by Eli Lilly) — approved by the TGA for type 2 diabetes, with weight management indications under ongoing regulatory review as at 2026
These medicines work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Because they can influence how full you feel and how quickly your stomach empties, they have become a focal point for Australians looking for medically supervised weight loss support. That said, outcomes differ between individuals, and a registered medical practitioner is best placed to assess whether any of these medicines is appropriate for you.
How are GLP-1 medicines regulated and prescribed in Australia?
All three medicines require a valid prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner. They are not available over the counter, and purchasing them from overseas online pharmacies without a valid Australian prescription is not lawful under the Therapeutic Goods Administration's importation framework.
Before prescribing, a doctor will typically review your medical history, current medications, BMI, metabolic health markers, and any contraindications. GLP-1 medicines are not suitable for everyone -- for example, they are generally not recommended for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid conditions. Your prescriber should conduct a thorough assessment.
To confirm that any doctor or nurse practitioner prescribing to you is currently registered, you can search the AHPRA Practitioner Register at any time. AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) maintains the national register of all regulated health practitioners.
PBS listing and what it means for your out-of-pocket cost
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises many medicines for eligible Australians, and the subsidy status of GLP-1 medicines has been a particularly active area in 2025 and 2026.
- Ozempic has been listed on the PBS for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes. If you are prescribed Ozempic specifically for weight loss without a qualifying diabetes diagnosis, you would generally pay the full private (non-subsidised) price. - Wegovy -- at the time of writing, check the PBS website directly for its current listing status, as the eligibility criteria and subsidy arrangements for weight management indications continue to evolve. - Mounjaro -- check the PBS website for the most current listing and any applicable restrictions, as these can change with each PBS update cycle (which occurs on the first of each month).
Because subsidy arrangements change regularly, we do not quote specific dollar figures here. Any price you see quoted on a clinic website or in media coverage may be outdated. Always confirm current costs with your pharmacy and check the PBS medicine search directly.
If you are on a concession card or meet low-income thresholds, your co-payment may be further reduced. The Department of Health and Aged Care publishes information on the Safety Net, which can cap your annual out-of-pocket PBS costs once you reach a threshold.
Finding a weight loss clinic that offers GLP-1 prescriptions
Weight loss clinics and telehealth services that offer GLP-1 prescriptions operate across Australia in person and online. When evaluating any clinic, consider the following:
- Is the prescribing doctor registered? Confirm via the AHPRA register. - Is an ongoing monitoring plan included? Responsible prescribers will schedule follow-up appointments to review your response, side effects, and any required blood tests. - Is the consultation bulk-billed or privately billed? Check whether a Medicare Benefits Schedule item applies to your consultation type via MBS Online. - Are compounded versions being offered? Compounded semaglutide is not an approved medicine in Australia. The TGA has issued guidance on this issue, and consumers should exercise caution.
For curated, independently reviewed clinic listings, see our guides to the best weight loss clinics in Sydney and our full cost guide for weight loss clinics.
Understanding consultation and monitoring costs
Beyond the medicine itself, accessing GLP-1 treatment involves consultation fees, potential pathology (blood tests), and ongoing review appointments. These costs depend on how each clinic structures its services.
Some clinics bundle medicine, consultations, and monitoring into a monthly fee. Others bill each component separately. Under Medicare, certain GP consultations may attract a rebate -- check MBS Online to understand which item numbers apply to longer chronic disease management consultations. For specialist consultations (for example, with an endocrinologist or bariatric physician), different item numbers and out-of-pocket gaps may apply.
When comparing clinics, ask specifically what is included, what pathology is required before and during treatment, and what the total expected cost over the first three months would look like. Our methodology page explains how we assess and compare clinic transparency.
Supply and shortages: what to know in 2026
Ozempic experienced significant supply pressures in Australia in 2023 and 2024, largely attributed to off-label demand for weight management driving up use beyond the diabetes-indicated supply. The TGA managed shortage notifications during this period and worked with sponsors on resupply timelines.
As at 2026, supply conditions have improved, but availability can still vary by pharmacy and region. It is worth ringing ahead to confirm stock before attending a dispensing appointment. Your pharmacist can also advise whether a suitable alternative is in stock if your specific pen device is temporarily unavailable.
If your medicine is listed as in shortage, the TGA's medicine shortage database is the authoritative place to check current status.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I get Ozempic prescribed purely for weight loss in Australia? A: Ozempic's current PBS listing is for type 2 diabetes management. If prescribed outside that indication, it would typically be at full private cost. Your doctor will assess your eligibility and discuss which medicine -- if any -- is appropriate for your circumstances. Q: Is Wegovy available at pharmacies across Australia? A: Wegovy has received TGA approval for weight management in eligible adults. Availability at individual pharmacies varies. Check with your prescriber and local pharmacy, and confirm current PBS status at www.pbs.gov.au. Q: How do I know if an online weight loss clinic is legitimate? A: Verify that the prescribing practitioner holds current registration by searching the AHPRA register. Legitimate telehealth services must employ Australian-registered practitioners and conduct genuine medical assessments before prescribing. Q: Are compounded semaglutide products legal in Australia? A: Compounded versions of semaglutide are not TGA-approved medicines. Regulatory guidance on this matter is available directly from the TGA. Speak with a registered pharmacist or your GP for personalised advice about your options.---
Sources
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) -- medicine approvals and shortage information - Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) -- medicine search and subsidy information - AHPRA Practitioner Register -- verify registered health practitioners - MBS Online -- Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers and rebates - Department of Health and Aged Care -- PBS Safety Net and health policy
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Information in this article is general only and not medical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.
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