Name: Weight loss drug Wegovy close to PBS approval
Uploaded: 2025-12-20T06:28:11.441Z
Duration: 1 min 56 s
Description: Medical professionals and users of a weight-loss drug have welcomed a recommendation to make it more available and cheaper. Currently, the drugs are discounted only for diabetics, but Wegovy could soon be subsidised for weight loss.

Medical professionals and users of a weight-loss drug have welcomed a recommendation to make it more available and cheaper. Currently, the drugs are discounted only for diabetics, but Wegovy could soon be subsidised for weight loss.

Melbourne

Wegovy, a medication used for weight loss, has been recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) advisory committee for subsidization in Australia. The recommendation would make Wegovy more affordable for people with heart problems or grade 2 obesity, reducing the monthly cost from $380 to less than $40 for eligible patients.

The drug, which shares its active ingredient with Ozempic, is currently subsidized for type 2 diabetes patients. While the move is seen as a significant step toward addressing obesity-related health risks, authorities emphasize the need for continued education on proper use and caution regarding potential mental health impacts.

Weight loss drug Wegovy close to PBS approval

A fat-busting phenomenon on the brink of becoming cheaper for some. I do believe this is a very significant outcome for the future of health in Australia. Wigovi is an appetite suppressant. It uses the same active ingredient as Azempic and other drugs. They're all PBS listed for people with type 2 diabetes. The advisory committee for the PBS has just recommended Wigovi is listed for people who need serious weight loss. It works. We've seen results from it and obviously the patients are seeing the results from it. And by reducing weight, that actually reduces people's risks of other health conditions. The PBS listing for weight loss would only include people with heart problems or those who have a high risk body size. It's not going to be available for everyone who might be obese. It's what we call grade 2 obesity. Taylor Johnson has lost 26 kilos since she started using Wigovi. I'm able to play with my daughter. I run around after my daughter. But it costs her $380 every month. If the drug does get listed on the PBS, that would reduce the cost for eligible people to less than $40 a month. I wouldn't have to go without for some things. The company that makes Wigovi, says the PBS recommendation, reflects the growing recognition of the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk in people living with obesity and marks an important first step towards securing more equitable access. There are still hoops to get through and more education needed for those using it. What we do see is that patients aren't following through with the original prescribing guidelines to be prescribed with a healthy diet and also lifestyle. The Therapeutic Goods Administration recently warned about the potential mental health impacts these drugs might have. An investigation couldn't find the drugs are a direct cause of suicidal thoughts, but it uncovered enough signs to urge caution. Careful use, well worth it for many. Rory Campbell, 10 News.

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