Yes, approved for weight management
TGA approved August 2024 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with comorbidities, and adolescents 12+ with obesity. Also approved for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Well-studied; same molecule as Ozempic
Same active ingredient as Ozempic at higher doses. Extensive clinical trial data from the STEP programme (15,000+ participants). SELECT trial showed 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events.
5 years globally, sold in Australia since Aug 2024
FDA approved June 2021. TGA registered September 2022; on sale in Australia from August 2024. The 7.2mg dose is approved in Australia as three 2.4mg injections (PI June 2026). No tablet form is registered in Australia.
$250-370/month (private only)
Private prescription only. On 6 Oct 2026 Chemist Warehouse listed the starter doses (0.25 to 1mg) at $249.99 and the 1.7mg and 2.4mg pens at $369.99. Not on the PBS: PBAC recommended a narrow listing (established heart disease, BMI 35+) on 5 Nov 2025, the sponsor’s documentation was not accepted in Feb 2026 and a revised proposal is before the Nov 2026 PBAC meeting. A PBS script would cost $25 ($7.70 concession).
Private prescription from a GP or specialist
Available via private prescription from any registered doctor. No PBS subsidy. No specialist referral required, but clinical assessment of BMI, comorbidities, and lifestyle history is standard.
Wegovy Australian Regulatory Status
Wegovy Mechanism of Action
Same molecule as Ozempic at a higher dose (2.4mg, or 7.2mg given as three injections) registered for weight management. Mimics the GLP-1 hormone, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying and improving satiety. Only the injection is registered in Australia.
Wegovy Dosing Schedule
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Escalation |
| 1mg | Weeks 9-12 | Escalation |
| 1.7mg | Weeks 13-16 | Escalation |
| 2.4mg | Week 17+ | Maintenance dose |
Very common
- Nausea (38% vs 14% placebo)
- Diarrhoea (27%)
- Vomiting (22%)
- Constipation (22%)
- Headache (13%)
Common
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Reflux and indigestion
- Gallstones (1.6%)
- Hair loss (2.5%)
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Acute pancreatitis (0.2%)
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Dehydration and kidney injury
- Sudden vision loss (NAION)
- Bowel obstruction
- Severe allergic reaction
Wegovy Clinical Evidence
STEP 1
14.9% weight loss vs 2.4% placebo
SURMOUNT-5 (vs Mounjaro)
13.7% weight loss vs 20.2% with tirzepatide
STEP UP (7.2mg)
18.7% weight loss vs 15.6% at 2.4mg
SELECT
20% reduction in CV events
Wegovy Clinical Trial Sources
STEP 1
NCT03548935
14.9% mean weight loss vs 2.4% placebo at 68 weeks in 1,961 adults without diabetes
N Engl J Med 2021;384:989-1002
2021
STEP 3 (With Behavioural Therapy)
NCT03611582
16.0% weight loss with intensive behavioural therapy at 68 weeks
JAMA 2021;325:1403-1413
2021
STEP 5 (2-Year)
NCT03693430
15.2% sustained weight loss at 2 years
Nat Med 2022;28:2083-2091
2022
SELECT (CV Outcomes)
NCT03574597
20% MACE reduction in 17,604 adults; -10.2% weight at 4 years
N Engl J Med 2023;389:2221-2232
2023
OASIS 1 (Oral Semaglutide)
NCT05035095
15.1% weight loss with oral semaglutide 50mg at 68 weeks
N Engl J Med 2023;389:898-909
2023
OASIS 4 (Oral 25mg)
NCT05564117
16.6% mean weight loss at 64 weeks vs 2.7% placebo in 307 adults
2025
Source data from published peer-reviewed studies. Wegovy clinical trials listed above are the primary weight loss and cardiovascular outcomes studies. Links open in a new tab to external medical databases.
Compare Wegovy with Other Medications
Wegovy vs Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~7% avg. weight loss
Wegovy vs Mounjaro
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
~21% avg. weight loss
Contrave vs Wegovy
Opioid antagonist + NDRI combination
~5-8% avg. weight loss
Orlistat vs Wegovy
Lipase inhibitor
~3-5% avg. weight loss
Saxenda vs Wegovy
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~8% avg. weight loss
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This website is for informational and research purposes only.
We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.