Patient Guide
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medicines
How they work, the benefits, and what to expect
~15%average weight loss with Wegovy in studies
~21%average weight loss with Mounjaro in studies
Weeklyjust one small injection under the skin
How these medicines help you
Less hunger, fewer cravings
They calm the appetite signals in your brain, so food feels less constant and meals satisfy you sooner.
Feeling full for longer
They slow how fast your stomach empties, so smaller portions keep you comfortably full.
Steadier blood sugar
This medicine class began as a diabetes treatment — it helps your body manage blood sugar.
Heart protection
In people with existing heart disease, Wegovy lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Help with sleep apnoea
Mounjaro is also approved to ease moderate-to-severe sleep apnoea that's linked to weight.
Knock-on benefits
As weight comes down, blood pressure, cholesterol and joint strain often improve too.
The two current options Australia's weight-loss GLP-1s are now Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). The older daily option, Saxenda, was discontinued here in December 2025 — so most people now start on one of these two.
Wegovy or Mounjaro? Your two options
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Once-weekly injection under the skin
- Around 15% average weight loss in studies
- Also lowers heart-attack & stroke risk if you have heart disease
- Can be used from age 12 and up
- Dose is built up slowly over about 4–5 months
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Once-weekly injection under the skin
- Around 20% average weight loss in studies
- Also approved for weight-related sleep apnoea
- Works on two gut hormones, not just one
- Can make the contraceptive pill less reliable — ask about backup
Starting out & staying safe
1
Start low, go slow
The dose is raised gradually over weeks so your stomach can adjust.
2
A weekly injection
A tiny needle just under the skin — quick and easy to do yourself.
3
Eat & move alongside
The medicine makes healthy choices easier; it doesn't replace them.
4
It's long-term
Weight tends to return if you stop, so treatment is usually ongoing.
See your doctor promptly if:
- Severe or lasting tummy pain, especially spreading to your back
- Vomiting that won't stop, or signs of dehydration
- Upper-right tummy pain, fever or yellowing of the skin
- Side effects so bad you can't eat or drink normally
Good to know before you start
- It's for weight-related health, not cosmetic weight loss
- Tell your GP if pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a baby
- Mention any personal or family history of a rare thyroid cancer
- Not PBS-subsidised for weight loss — it's a private script
Help — not a shortcut
The medicine quietens the hunger; your healthy habits make it last. Weight has often been a long, hard road — you don't have to walk it on willpower alone.
— Dr Regu
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Print-ready A4 PDF to take home or hand to a patient.
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