Brenda Khan
Australia has a billion-dollar weight-loss industry, with many weight-loss products available on the market. These include prescription weight-loss treatments such as oral medications and GLP-1 injections, which can be highly effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, it is important to note that weight-loss products are not a 'magic bullet' and should not replace a healthy diet and physical activity. Before taking any weight-loss products, individuals should consult a health professional and ensure the product is approved for supply in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Some weight-loss products, such as yohimbe and glucomannan tablets, have been banned in Australia due to safety concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pills in Australia | Part of Australia's billion-dollar weight-loss industry |
| Should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise to be effective | |
| Can be purchased online with a prescription | |
| Require a precise diagnosis from a doctor | |
| Should be discussed with a health professional before use | |
| Can have side effects such as nausea, headaches, and digestive issues | |
| Must meet quality and safety standards and be entered on the ARTG to be supplied in Australia | |
| Can be seized and destroyed by the Australian Border Force if they are found to be unsafe |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription weight loss pills
Currently, there are only four medications approved for obesity management in Australia, with three available on the market: phentermine (Duromine), which suppresses appetite by acting on the brain to inhibit hunger; orlistat (Xenical), which reduces dietary fat absorption by inhibiting an enzyme called lipase in the gut; and liraglutide (Saxenda), a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and fullness. GLP-1 agonists, such as liraglutide, change the way the body handles glucose from food. The fourth medication, semaglutide (Wegovy), has been approved by the TGA for weight loss but is not yet available in Australia.
Other prescription weight loss drugs available in Australia include topiramate, which was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of obesity in combination with phentermine in 2012, and bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave), which was released in Australia in February 2019. Bupropion and naltrexone work by increasing activity in the melanocortin system of the hypothalamus, suppressing appetite and controlling cravings. Liraglutide and semaglutide can also be prescribed in combination with phentermine and topiramate or the bupropion/naltrexone combination. However, phentermine should not be combined with bupropion/naltrexone due to the risk of increased circulating serotonin, which can cause heart valve fibrosis.
It is important to note that prescription weight loss medications are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise regimen. They are meant to be used in conjunction with lifestyle interventions, such as specialist meal replacement shakes, to enhance weight loss efforts. Additionally, weight loss medications should only be taken under medical supervision due to potential side effects and safety concerns. For example, yohimbe, an ingredient in some dietary supplements, has been banned in many countries due to serious adverse effects, including increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. Similarly, tablet forms of glucomannan, another dietary supplement ingredient, have been banned in Australia due to the risk of oesophageal obstructions.
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Dietary supplements
Some dietary supplements can be dangerous and misleading and have serious side effects. For example, yohimbe, which is promoted for weight loss, bodybuilding and libido enhancement in men, can increase blood pressure and cause anxiety, headaches, hypertension, and even heart attacks or cardiac failure. Yohimbe is banned in many countries and is considered a prescription-only medicine in Australia. Another example is glucomannan, a soluble dietary fibre that can absorb a lot of water and is marketed as an appetite suppressant. However, there is little proof that it aids weight loss, and it has been banned in Australia in tablet form due to safety concerns.
If you are considering taking a weight-loss product that is a medicine, it is important to choose one that is approved for supply in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – look for an AUST L or AUST R number on the label. The TGA regulates medicines and ensures they meet quality and safety standards. It also publishes safety alerts on known products of concern. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand also produce standards that foods must meet.
Prescription weight-loss treatments, such as oral medications and GLP-1 injections, can be effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. These treatments are recommended by healthcare professionals based on your health profile and can help reduce cravings and appetite, support metabolic changes, and offer tailored solutions.
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Weight loss products
If you are considering taking a weight loss product that is a medicine, it is important to talk to a health professional about alternatives. You should also ensure that the product is approved for supply in Australia by the TGA (look for an AUST L or AUST R number on the label).
Prescription weight loss treatments, such as oral medications and GLP-1 injections, can be effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. These treatments can help reduce cravings and appetite, support metabolic changes, and offer tailored solutions based on your health profile.
There are a number of online platforms in Australia, such as Burst Health, that offer prescription weight loss treatments. These platforms work with licensed medical professionals who will review your health history and prescribe medications or treatments based on your goals.
It is important to note that weight loss medications can have potential side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and digestive issues. It is always recommended to discuss any potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before taking any weight loss product.
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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is the medicine and therapeutic regulatory agency of the Australian Government. It is responsible for evaluating, assessing, and monitoring products defined as therapeutic goods. Therapeutic goods include medicines, medical devices, biologicals, and certain other goods that are represented to have a therapeutic effect. The TGA regulates the safety, quality, efficacy, and advertising of these goods in Australia.
The TGA is part of the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, and it works to keep Australians healthy and safe. It also includes seven specialised statutory committees that can provide assistance on technical and scientific issues. The TGA's website contains a wealth of information, including guidance, consultations, forms, publications, and other resources. The website also allows users to search the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) by name, ID, or sponsor.
In addition to regulating therapeutic goods, the TGA plays a crucial role in approving vaccines for use in Australia. For instance, the TGA provisionally approved the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for patients over 16, and later approved the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the country. The TGA also works with other regulatory bodies, such as Medsafe in New Zealand, to share information and cooperate on medicine regulation.
The TGA's role extends beyond approval and regulation. It also provides updates on product recalls and safety issues. For example, the TGA website may notify consumers about specific batches of products that are being recalled due to compliance issues or unacceptable amounts of certain substances. The TGA encourages reporting adverse events related to medicines and medical devices to improve the safety of these products for all Australians.
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Counterfeit products
Diet pills are a part of Australia's billion-dollar weight-loss industry. However, the Australian market has seen an influx of counterfeit weight-loss products, which pose serious health risks to consumers. These products are often purchased online and may contain dangerous substances. For example, in March 2024, a pill-testing service in Canberra found methamphetamine in a counterfeit diet pill that was expected to contain phentermine, a prescribed substance for reducing appetite in the treatment of obesity.
The Australian Government and organizations like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are taking measures to protect citizens from the dangers of counterfeit weight-loss products. The TGA works closely with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to prevent the entry of illegal and unsafe products into the country. They sample and identify suspect products to prevent their future shipments from entering Australia. Additionally, the TGA publishes safety alerts on known products of concern, which can be searched alphabetically.
Compounded weight-loss products, which are personalized medicines, have also raised concerns. These products are not subjected to the same safety regulations as other medicines, and their large-scale manufacture has led to increasing reports of adverse events and hospitalizations. The government is addressing these concerns by implementing changes to the regulation of compounding, consistent with advice from the TGA.
To ensure the safety of consumers, it is recommended to only use weight-loss products that are approved for supply in Australia by the TGA. These approved products will have an AUST L or AUST R number on the label. It is also advised to consult with a health professional before taking any weight-loss product to discuss potential alternatives and risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills are considered medicines under Australian law and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA has strict criteria for prescribing oral and injectable medications for weight loss. Prescription weight loss pills can be obtained from Burst Health, which works with licensed Australian healthcare professionals to prescribe and deliver medication Australia-wide.
A licensed medical team in Australia will review your health history and prescribe medications based on your health and lifestyle goals. Your BMI, health history, and lifestyle factors will be evaluated to determine whether pills, injections, or a combination of treatments are best suited to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Diet pills can have potential side effects, including nausea, headaches, digestive issues, or no effects at all. It is important to note that weight loss medications are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. People who are considering using weight loss supplements should talk with their doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
