The three main FDA-approved injectable weight loss medications are semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda), and the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide (Zepbound), all working by mimicking gut hormones to reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying, leading to less food intake and weight loss, with semaglutide and tirzepatide generally offering greater weight loss than liraglutide.
1. Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
No, Wegovy (semaglutide) is not yet fully listed on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for general weight loss, but significant progress has been made, with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommending it for PBS listing for specific high-risk groups with obesity and cardiovascular disease, a step that awaits final government approval. Until then, it remains a high out-of-pocket cost medication, though its approval for heart-related conditions could make it accessible for many more Australians.
Studies comparing Wegovy and Ozempic show both drugs are effective at helping patients diagnosed with obesity or overweight reduce their body weight, but Wegovy reduces weight more effectively than Ozempic does.
There are various types of injectable medications for weight loss, which can be injected into the stomach or other areas. These include commonly prescribed drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and even Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).
Prescription Medication: Under a doctor's supervision, medication was part of her weight loss plan. High-Protein Diet: Eating a balanced, protein-rich diet helped her control hunger and reduce calorie intake. Walking: Regular, low-impact walking sessions helped Clarkson stay active and burn calories consistently.
The most common long-term side effects of Ozempic are stomach-related, including nausea, vomiting, and associated symptoms. If you experience gastrointestinal issues like these for more than a few weeks, contact your physician.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include:
Nausea. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Constipation.
By the end of month two Wegovy patients should lose around 4% body weight, 6% after the third month, and 8% after the fourth month. By the 18-month mark you can expect weight loss of around 17% of your starting body weight.
Wegovy and Ozempic, both forms of semaglutide, are used for different medical conditions but come at similar costs. Typically, these medications are priced at: Weekly: $50 to $87.50 per week. Monthly: $200 to $350 per month.
$249.99. Find your local Chemist Warehouse storeto talk to our pharmacists for further assistance.
Wegovy can be expensive without any insurance coverage or discounts, but there are various ways to save. As of 2025, the $25 savings offer is no longer available—however, the good news is that there are still affordable ways to get Wegovy, and some people (with insurance) will pay as little as $0.
Adele's significant weight loss wasn't from a quick fix but a two-year journey combining intense strength training, Pilates, hiking, boxing, and cardio, alongside major lifestyle changes focused on managing anxiety, not restrictive diets like the Sirtfood Diet, with workouts happening multiple times daily for mental and physical strength. Her routine included morning weights, afternoon hikes or boxing, and evening cardio, emphasizing getting stronger, which naturally led to fat loss and improved well-being.
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
Diabetes medications can cause weight changes by affecting your body's insulin levels and how your body uses glucose (sugar). Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are examples of diabetes medications that can cause significant weight loss.
Research has shown that Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) can lead to a weight loss of around 16% of your body weight, or 16-17kg, after 68 weeks. Most of this weight loss occurs in the first 32 weeks (9 months) and plateaus thereafter as the body adapts to the medication and patients find a sustainable way of eating.
There are no forbidden foods on Wegovy, but certain foods can worsen side effects and hamper your long-term weight management goals. Foods to avoid when taking Wegovy include ultra-processed foods, fatty and sugary foods, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and spicy foods.
Wegovy has been approved for use in medical weight-loss treatment plans for those who are considered obese (have a BMI of 30 or higher) or for those who are considered overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition (BMI of 27 or higher).
The potential side-effects of GLP-1 medication have attracted attention. In clinical trials, the proportion withdrawing from GLP-1 treatment ranges from 15% to 25%. About half of people who stopped taking the drug did so as a result of side-effects – mostly gastrointestinal problems.
It can take an average of 4 to 5 months to lose 20 pounds on Wegovy. However, timing varies based on your starting weight and other factors like diet and exercise.
"Ozempic hands" is a slang term for the visible changes in hands due to rapid fat loss from GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, making them look thinner, bonier, and more aged with prominent veins, tendons, and thinner skin, as subcutaneous fat diminishes and skin doesn't fully contract quickly. It's not a formal diagnosis but a common cosmetic effect of significant weight loss, similar to "Ozempic face".
The digestive effects of sugary drinks can be particularly uncomfortable: Increased nausea and vomiting - Sweet beverages can trigger or worsen the most common side effects of Ozempic. Exacerbated GI upset - Sugary drinks often intensify digestive discomfort already present from the medication.
When you take Ozempic, it mimics GLP-1 and activates receptors in the brain, especially in areas like the hypothalamus. This leads to several neurological effects, including: Decreased hunger and fewer food cravings. Earlier feelings of fullness.
The "best" weight loss medication depends on individual health, but tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) are generally considered most effective for significant weight loss (15-20%+) by mimicking gut hormones, curbing appetite, and slowing stomach emptying, while other options like liraglutide (Saxenda) and combination drugs like phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) offer good results, with orlistat (Xenical/Alli) working by blocking fat absorption; a doctor's guidance is essential to find the right fit.