GLP-1 Medications in New Zealand: A GP’s Guide to Wegovy, Saxenda & Medical Weight Loss
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Weight loss medications require a strict medical assessment. Always consult your GP.
If you have been watching the news (or TikTok), you have likely heard about the "weight loss revolution" involving drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic.
From Hollywood celebrities to local news, GLP-1 agonists are the most talked-about topic in healthcare. But amidst the hype, there is a lot of confusion. Are they safe? Can you get them in New Zealand? And are they a magic bullet?
As a GP at 1 Health in Wigram, I have seen firsthand how effective medical weight loss can be when combined with lifestyle changes. However, I have also seen the confusion. In this guide, I will break down exactly how these medications work and what you need to know before booking a consultation.
How Do These "Weight Loss Injections" Work?
These medications mimic a natural hormone in your body called Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Normally, your body releases GLP-1 after you eat to signal to your brain that you are full. These medications simply turn that signal up.
- They slow gastric emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel full faster.
- They target the brain: They reduce "food noise" (constant thinking about food) and cravings.
What is Available in New Zealand?
The landscape in NZ is changing rapidly. Currently, the most common GLP-1 options we discuss are:
- Saxenda (Liraglutide): A daily injection. It has been available in NZ for some time for weight management.
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): A weekly injection specifically approved for weight loss.
- Ozempic (Semaglutide): While chemically similar to Wegovy, this brand is primarily indicated for Type 2 Diabetes.
- Oral Options: Medications like Contrave (a pill, not an injection) are also available and work on the reward centre of the brain.
Note: Funding for these medications is limited. During your consultation, we will discuss the costs of self-funding these treatments versus any potential funded options.
The "Muscle Trap": Why We Monitor You Closely
This is the most important part of this article.
When you lose weight rapidly on GLP-1s, you are at high risk of losing muscle mass, not just fat.
Losing muscle lowers your metabolism, making it easier to regain the weight later (the yo-yo effect). This is why at 1 Health, we don't just write a prescription and send you away.
We combine medical weight loss with our new Tanita Body Composition Scanning.
- We scan you before you start to establish a baseline.
- We monitor you during treatment to ensure that the weight you are losing is fat, not muscle.
- If we see muscle loss, we adjust your protein intake and resistance training plan immediately.
Common Side Effects
Like all effective medications, GLP-1s have side effects. Most are gastrointestinal and improve over time as your body adjusts:
- Nausea (very common initially)
- Reflux or heartburn
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Fatigue
We start patients on a very low dose and increase it slowly ("titration") to minimise these effects.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
Obesity is often a complex metabolic condition, not a failure of willpower. If you have a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with weight-related health issues), you may qualify for medical treatment.
However, pills and injections are tools, not cures. They work best when paired with the nutritional advice and monitoring provided by a GP.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
If you are confused by the options and want a safe, medically supervised plan, come and see us.
Have Questions About Your Health?
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Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every person’s health situation is different. For personalised guidance or diagnosis, please consult a qualified clinician.
