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The “Ozempic phenomenon” has captured widespread attention. Celebrity endorsements and viral TikTok transformations continue to fuel the idea that this diabetes medication is a rapid slimming solution. The hashtag #OzempicWeightLoss has drawn hundreds of millions of views, and discussions about which stars are using it dominate entertainment headlines.
In recent years, the popularity of semaglutide-based medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) has skyrocketed around the world, leading to shortages, off-label prescribing, and even a black market. In Australia, Ozempic is only approved for the management of type 2 diabetes,.
At the beginning of the hype in 2023, demand surged so dramatically that it caused nationwide shortages, leaving many people with type 2 diabetes struggling to access their essential treatment. While supply has become more stable, demand remains strong and discussions about whether weight-loss medications should be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are gaining momentum. At the same time, lawsuits have begun mounting in the U.S., with thousands of patients claiming serious side effects such as gastroparesis were not adequately disclosed by manufacturers.
Against this backdrop, it is important to step back from the headlines and examine what Ozempic actually does, who it is for, and why HIF recommends speaking to your GP or specialist before starting any prescription treatment.
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed to help adults with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar levels. It’s taken as a once-weekly injection, working by increasing insulin release when blood sugar is high and lowering sugar production by the liver.
A possible secondary effect is reduced appetite and slower digestion, which may contribute to weight loss. These outcomes can differ from person to person, and while some people experience weight regain after stopping treatment, ongoing research is exploring how patients may retain benefits once the prescription ends.
Because it’s a prescription-only medicine, only a qualified healthcare professional can determine whether Ozempic is safe and appropriate for you. This includes reviewing your full health history and any other medications you take.
Ozempic mimics the body’s GLP-1 hormone to:
- Help the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar rises
- Reduce sugar release from the liver
- Slow down digestion so food is absorbed more gradually
- Decrease hunger signals in the brain
While these effects can support weight loss, Ozempic is most effective when paired with lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Ongoing GP oversight is important to adjust treatment and monitor for side effects.
In Australia, Ozempic is approved only for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate blood sugar control through diet, exercise, or first-line medications. It is officially registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for this use and is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), provided patients meet specific clinical criteria. For example, eligibility may require documented blood glucose levels above targets and evidence that other treatments have been ineffective.
Despite Ozempic’s high visibility, especially on social media and in celebrity circles, it remains licensed only for diabetes, not weight loss, in Australia. That means its apparent popularity for slimming purposes does not reflect official medical approval.
However, some Australian doctors do prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management. This practice allows for individual clinical judgment when patients may benefit from its appetite-suppressing effects. Off-label prescribing is legal but should occur only under careful medical supervision.
Like any medicine, Ozempic comes with potential side effects:
- Common issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach discomfort
- Rare but serious risks may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury, and possible thyroid tumour links
- Research highlights that weight regain is likely after stopping the medication, and long-term outcomes for using it purely for weight loss remain under study.
Recently, these risks have also become the subject of major lawsuits in the United States, where thousands of patients are suing manufacturers over claims that serious complications like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and other gastrointestinal injuries were not adequately disclosed. While these cases are still unfolding, they highlight the importance of approaching Ozempic and similar medications with caution and under close medical supervision.
Cost is another key consideration. For patients with diabetes, Ozempic is PBS subsidised; but for off-label weight-loss use, the cost is not subsidised and can be expensive.
Cost is another key consideration. For patients with diabetes, Ozempic is PBS subsidised; but for off-label weight-loss use, the cost is not subsidiesed and can be expensive.
If you’re exploring non-PBS options, check whether your Extras Cover may include rebates for weight management services.
Ozempic is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Lifestyle changes:
- Enhance the effectiveness of the medication
- Promote long-term health benefits beyond weight
- Reduce dependence on ongoing drug use
Without supporting lifestyle adjustments, stopping Ozempic often results in rebound weight gain. Professional support, including dietitians, exercise physiologists and health coaches, can help sustain healthy habits.
HIF offers resources like the Healthy Weight For Life program and Healthy Lifestyle Cover to help members build sustainable habits.
Here’s what to know about Ozempic access:
- PBS access is limited to type 2 diabetes, under defined criteria
- Off-label prescribing for weight loss requires a private prescription and should only occur under careful supervision
- The TGA prohibits consumer advertising of prescription medicine and has restricted unsafe compounded versions
While medications like Ozempic can play a role in certain circumstances, many people achieve lasting, sustainable weight loss without relying on ongoing prescriptions. This often involves:
- Structured lifestyle programs that combine balanced nutrition, regular movement, and behavioural change strategies.
- Medically supervised plans tailored to an individual’s health conditions, goals, and preferences.
- Daily habit building that makes healthy choices part of everyday life rather than a short-term push.
The benefits of achieving weight loss through healthy living habits extend far beyond what the scales show. Regular exercise brings physiological rewards like improved cardiovascular health, better energy levels, and stronger bones, but also delivers powerful mental and emotional gains. These include the endorphin rush from a good run, the mental resilience built from pushing through a tough workout, and the confidence boost from achieving fitness milestones.
Lifestyle-led changes often create a sense of belonging through community and connection, whether that’s a walking group, a local sports team, or a gym class. They offer personal challenge and healthy competition, teaching discipline and perseverance in a way that a weekly injection cannot replicate.
While Ozempic can support weight loss, it does not replace the holistic wellbeing that comes from an active lifestyle. Medication may help manage appetite, but it will not give you the camaraderie of team sport, the satisfaction of finishing a challenging hike, or the pride in knowing you’ve built strength and stamina over time.
If you’re looking for practical ways to start, HIF offers resources like the Healthy Weight For Life program, along with a range of Healthy Lifestyle blogs and Fitness articles to help you build habits that last and support every aspect of your wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
While Ozempic has dominated headlines, its approved use in Australia remains the management of type 2 diabetes for patients who meet specific PBS criteria. This prioritises access for those who need it most, people managing blood sugar levels that cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes and first-line medications.
Research and public discussion may lead to broader approval for obesity treatment in the future, but for now, weight loss remains an off-label use that should only be pursued under close medical supervision.
At HIF, we believe true health extends beyond a prescription. A holistic approach that supports physical activity, balanced nutrition, mental wellbeing, and social connection provides benefits that medication alone cannot. Whether Ozempic is part of your care plan or not, building sustainable habits and staying active are the foundations of lifelong wellness.
For members living with diabetes, some HIF cover includes benefits for diabetes education consults and Diabetes Management resources to support your overall health. And for those working towards weight management goals, our Healthy Weight For Life program and Healthy Lifestyle blogs and Fitness articles can help you create lasting, positive change.