Endocrinologist: What everyone should know about the rise of ‘game-changing’ weight loss medications like Ozempic in Australia
A leading endocrinologist has urged Australians to stop viewing ‘game-changing’ GLP-1 medications as the ‘only answer’ for weight loss – as private prescriptions continue to increase ten-fold.
With more than half a million Australians now taking drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro every month, Senior Kolling Institute researcher, Professor Sarah Glastras, has called for a shift away from the perception that they’re a one-step weight loss solution.
This is due to new and emerging evidence on the risk of weight gain once the medication is stopped, as well as the potential loss of lean muscle and bone density caused by rapid weight loss.
These can then lead to further issues like a much lower metabolic rate, an increased risk of insulin resistance and heart disease, muscle atrophy, weakness, fatigue and chronic, long-term health issues.
Professor Glastras is part of a growing body of health professionals advocating for a holistic approach, pushing for a team of endocrinologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists and counsellors in addition to GLP-1 use.
A more rounded approach is especially important when it comes to the treatment of more complex health challenges like obesity and heart disease.
‘If we’re going to be able to make leaps and bounds in the space of weight management, not just for the individual, but for their family and their children, it has to be a lot more holistic than just the medication,’ Professor Glastras said.
‘Hopefully, we’ll see better wraparound care going forward, including a national approach with qualified practitioners, like exercise physiologists who can really offer patients structured and safe programs.’
With more than half a million Australians now taking drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro every month, Senior Kolling Institute researcher, Professor Sarah Glastras, has called for a shift away from the perception that they’re a cure-all for weight loss
In a bid to tackle the proper handling of long-term weight management, the Royal North Shore hospital’s Diabetes and Obesity Research team is currently seeking participants for two clinical trials.
Susan Judd’s experience is a prime example of the importance of a more holistic and informed approach, with the Aussie trying Ozempic in a bid to shed weight after reaching 96kg.
‘After my GP did some research to ensure it was safe, I started taking Ozempic. I was hopeful it would change my life,’ she told Daily Mail+ this month.
Sadly for Susan, a diabetic, her experience on the weight-loss drug was far from smooth sailing. As her doctor gradually increased her dose month on month, she experienced progressively worsening side effects.
‘By the time I got to the full dose, I had headaches, felt constipated, then had diarrhoea and awful stomach cramps,’ Susan recalled.
Susan quickly learned that living well with diabetes while on a GLP-1 was no longer about being ‘thin’ – it was about staying healthy.
This push comes after a groundbreaking new study found just 7,000 steps a day – not 10,000 – is all it takes to live longer and reduce the risk of early death, dementia and heart disease.
The research, led by the University of Sydney, found that walking just 7,000 steps a day provides almost identical benefits to 10,000.
Susan Judd’s (pictured) experience is a prime example of the importance of a more holistic and informed approach, with the Aussie trying Ozempic in a bid to shed weight after reaching 96kg
The study was the largest and most comprehensive review ever done on step counts, analysing data from 57 studies conducted across more than 10 countries, including Australia, the US, UK and Japan, between 2014 and 2025.
Professor Melody Ding, from the School of Public Health and lead author of the study, said the findings offer a more realistic benchmark for millions of people who find 10,000 steps daunting.
They found that walking 7,000 steps a day slashed the risk of dying prematurely by 47 per cent, almost identical to the benefits of hitting those higher amounts.
In addition, dementia risk dropped by 38 per cent and type 2 diabetes risk fell by 22 percent.
‘For people who are already active, 10,000 steps a day is great. But beyond 7,000 steps, the extra benefits for most of the health outcomes we looked at were modest,’ explained Dr Katherine Owen, co-author and chief analyst of the study.
The researchers are now working with the Australian government to help update national physical activity guidelines based on the new findings.
The push for a more well-rounded approach to long-term health comes after a groundbreaking new study found just 7,000 steps a day – not 10,000 – is all it takes to live longer and reduce the risk of early death, dementia and heart disease
Top personal trainer Rachael Attard (pictured) also agrees, crediting incredible health and fat-burning benefits of walking over intense gym sessions
They also stressed that future studies would allow them to dig deeper into how step goals should vary depending on age, health status and location – something that could make daily movement targets more tailored and achievable for different groups of people.
A top personal trainer also agrees, crediting incredible health and fat-burning benefits of walking over intense gym sessions.
‘Walking has all of the health benefits that I’m sure you’ve heard of, like improved cardiovascular fitness and endurance, reduced blood pressure and heart disease prevention,’ Gold Coast PT Rachael Attard, 36, told the Daily Mail.
The average person can burn around 300 calories on a one hour walk which is often all you need to put your body in a calorie deficit to lose weight.
Disclaimer: Always speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to receive medical advice about what’s right for you
