Cheapest Weight Loss Medication Australia | 2026 Cost Guide

TL;DR: The cheapest weight loss medication in Australia is Orlistat (brand name Xenical or Alli), available over the counter for around $50 per month. Contrave is the most affordable prescription option at $150 to $200 per month. GLP-1 injectable medications like Wegovy ($350 to $460/mo) and Mounjaro (from $395/mo) produce greater weight loss but cost significantly more. No weight loss medication is currently subsidized on the PBS for weight management alone, though the Wegovy PBS listing is pending following a January 2026 PBAC recommendation.

Cheapest Weight Loss Medication in Australia | 2026 Cost Comparison

The cheapest weight loss medication available in Australia is Orlistat, which starts at around $50 per month and does not require a prescription at the 60mg dose. For Australians exploring prescription options, the cost landscape can be confusing. Six medications are approved by the TGA for weight management, but none of them are subsidized on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) when prescribed specifically for weight loss. That means every patient pays the full private price.

This guide breaks down the monthly cost of each option, explains who qualifies, and outlines how to access treatment through a GP or telehealth consultation. Prices are current as of mid 2026 and reflect typical private prescription costs at Australian pharmacies.

What Are the Cheapest Weight Loss Medications Available in Australia?

Australia has six TGA-approved medications used for weight management. The table below ranks them from cheapest to most expensive based on the typical monthly cost of a private prescription. Orlistat is the most affordable option, while Wegovy and Mounjaro produce the greatest weight loss but carry the highest cost.

Saxenda (liraglutide) was previously available as a daily injection for weight loss but was discontinued in Australia in December 2025 by manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Patients previously taking Saxenda should discuss alternatives with their prescribing doctor.

The cost figures above represent typical private prescription prices. Pharmacy pricing varies, so it is worth comparing prices between pharmacies in your area before filling a prescription.

Are Any Weight Loss Medications on the PBS in Australia?

As of mid 2026, no weight loss medication is subsidized on the PBS when prescribed specifically for weight management. Ozempic is listed on the PBS for type 2 diabetes at $31.60 per script (general) or $7.70 (concession), but using it for weight loss requires a private prescription at the full cost of approximately $134 per month.

In January 2026, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended that Wegovy be listed on the PBS for a specific group of patients: adults with a BMI of 35 or higher (or 32.5 for people of Asian, Aboriginal, or Torres Strait Islander background) who also have established cardiovascular disease, meaning a previous heart attack, stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

Price negotiations between the Australian Government and Novo Nordisk are underway. If Wegovy is listed, eligible patients would pay approximately $25 per script (or $7.70 on a concession card), according to Pharmacy Daily reporting on the PBAC outcome. Based on typical timelines, PBS listing could occur in late 2026 or early 2027. However, the eligibility criteria are narrow and most Australians currently using weight loss medication privately would not qualify under these conditions.

For patients who do not meet the PBS criteria, the full private prescription cost remains the only pathway.

How Much Does Each Weight Loss Medication Cost Per Month?

Here is a detailed breakdown of each medication, including how it works, who it suits, and what you can expect to pay.

Orlistat (Xenical or Alli): $50 to $80 per month

Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of roughly one-third of dietary fat in the gut. It has been available in Australia for over 25 years and has the longest safety track record of any weight loss medication. The 60mg dose (sold as Alli) is available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription. The prescription-strength 120mg version (Xenical) requires a doctor's script. Average weight loss is 3 to 5% of body weight. Common side effects include oily bowel movements and flatulence, particularly when meals are high in fat, according to CHOICE Australia.

Contrave: $150 to $200 per month

Contrave combines two existing medications (naltrexone and bupropion) in a single oral tablet. It targets both the appetite center in the brain and the reward pathways that drive food cravings. Contrave in Australia was TGA approved in 2019 and produces an average weight loss of 5 to 8% of body weight. It is the most affordable prescription weight loss medication that does not require injections. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headache.

Ozempic: $134 per month (private) or $32 PBS (diabetes only)

Ozempic (semaglutide 1mg) is a weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is TGA approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Since October 2024, new off-label private prescriptions for weight loss have been heavily restricted. Patients already on an existing off-label script may continue. If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic on a PBS prescription is the most cost-effective GLP-1 option at approximately $32 per script. For more on the prescription pathway, see our guide to getting an Ozempic prescription online.

Wegovy: $350 to $460 per month

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but at a higher dose optimized for weight management. It is TGA approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 with comorbidities). Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15 to 17%, according to Australian Prescriber. The Wegovy cost in Australia varies between pharmacies but typically ranges from $350 to $460 per month on a private prescription.

Mounjaro: from $395 per month

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and currently the most effective weight loss medication available in Australia. Clinical trials reported an average weight loss of approximately 21% of body weight. It is TGA approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is not listed on the PBS for either indication when prescribed for weight loss. The cost starts from approximately $395 per month on private prescription.

Can You Still Get Compounded Weight Loss Medication in Australia?

No. Since 1 October 2024, Australian pharmacies can no longer compound replicas of GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro). This change was made under amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act following safety concerns about contamination, inconsistent dosing, and lack of regulatory oversight of compounded versions.

Before the ban, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide were significantly cheaper than the branded versions. Patients who were using compounded products now need to transition to TGA-approved branded medications at the full private cost, or explore non-GLP-1 alternatives like Contrave or Orlistat. If you are currently looking for a compounding pharmacy for other medications (such as HRT compounds, pain management, or dermatology formulations), compounding remains available and legal for those purposes. The ban applies only to GLP 1 replicas.

What Is the Most Effective Weight Loss Medication for the Price?

Choosing a weight loss medication involves balancing cost against effectiveness, side effects, and how the medication is taken. Here is how each option compares on a cost per percentage of weight loss basis.

Best value for budget-conscious patients: Contrave at $150 to $200 per month delivers 5 to 8% average weight loss in oral tablet form with no injections required. For patients who cannot afford GLP-1 medications, Contrave provides a meaningful clinical benefit at a fraction of the cost.

Best value for maximum weight loss: Mounjaro produces the highest average weight loss (~21%) but also carries the highest cost (from $395/mo). However, on a cost per percentage point of weight loss basis, Mounjaro and Wegovy are comparable to each other and significantly more effective per dollar than Orlistat.

Most accessible option: Orlistat at $50 to $80 per month is the only weight loss medication available without a prescription (at the 60mg dose). It produces modest results (3 to 5%) but has the lowest barrier to entry and the longest safety record.

Your prescribing doctor will assess your medical history, BMI, and any existing health conditions to recommend the most appropriate medication. The most effective treatment is one that is both clinically suitable and financially sustainable over the course of treatment.

How to Get a Prescription for Weight Loss Medication in Australia

All prescription weight loss medications in Australia require a consultation with a registered medical practitioner. The process typically follows these steps.

Step 1: Book a consultation with your GP or a telehealth provider experienced in weight management. At HolisticChem, our GP telehealth service assesses eligibility for prescription weight loss medications as part of a medically supervised weight loss program.

Step 2: Your doctor will assess your BMI, medical history, and any weight-related health conditions. For most prescription medications, you need a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 with at least one comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea). Lower BMI thresholds may apply for patients of Asian, Aboriginal, or Torres Strait Islander background, according to RACGP guidance on Wegovy PBS eligibility.

Step 3: If eligible, your doctor will issue a private prescription. You can fill this at any pharmacy. For patients in Bayswater, Knox, or the eastern Melbourne suburbs, HolisticChem dispenses all TGA-approved weight loss medications in store with pharmacist guidance on dosing, side effects, and ongoing monitoring.

Step 4: For patients outside Melbourne, prescriptions can be filled through any Australian pharmacy. HolisticChem also offers Australia-wide delivery via Australia Post Express for eligible medications.

For over-the-counter Orlistat (60mg), no prescription is needed. You can purchase it directly from a pharmacy after a brief pharmacist consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest prescription weight loss medication in Australia?

Contrave is the cheapest prescription weight loss medication in Australia at approximately $150 to $200 per month. It is an oral tablet that does not require injections and is TGA-approved for chronic weight management.

Is Ozempic covered by the PBS for weight loss?

No. Ozempic is listed on the PBS only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. When prescribed for weight loss (off-label), patients pay the full private cost of approximately $134 per month. Since October 2024, new off-label prescriptions for Ozempic for weight loss have been restricted.

When will Wegovy be on PBS?

The PBAC recommended Wegovy for PBS listing in January 2026, but price negotiations between the government and Novo Nordisk are still underway. If listed, the PBS price would drop to approximately $25 per script ($7.70 concession). Eligibility is restricted to patients with a BMI of 35 or above and established cardiovascular disease. A listing date of late 2026 or early 2027 is possible, but not confirmed.

Can I buy weight loss medication over the counter in Australia?

Yes. Orlistat at the 60mg dose (sold as Alli) is available over the counter at Australian pharmacies without a prescription. It is the cheapest weight loss medication option at $50 to $80 per month, though it produces modest weight loss of 3 to 5% on average. A brief pharmacist consultation is required at the time of purchase.

Are compounded semaglutide injections still available in Australia?

No. Since 1 October 2024, Australian pharmacies are prohibited from compounding replicas of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Only TGA-approved branded versions are legally available. Patients who were using compounded products should discuss alternatives with their doctor.

Next Steps: Talk to a Pharmacist or Book a Consultation

The cost of weight loss medication in Australia varies from $50 per month for over-the-counter Orlistat to over $460 per month for GLP-1 injectables like Wegovy. No medication is currently subsidized on the PBS for weight management alone, so understanding your options and their true cost before starting treatment is important.

If you are considering prescription weight loss medication, the first step is a consultation with a doctor who can assess your eligibility and recommend the right treatment for your health profile and budget. At HolisticChem in Bayswater, our GP telehealth team and pharmacists collaborate to offer medically supervised weight loss programs with ongoing clinical support.

Call us on 03 8204 6600 to speak with a pharmacist, or book a GP telehealth consultation to discuss your options.

This article was reviewed by Keith Lee, pharmacist and founder of HolisticChem (AHPRA registration PHA0001484970). This information is intended for general use only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a registered healthcare professional before starting any medication.