GP College Cautions Against Expanding Weight‑Loss Drugs for Kids
17 Mar 2026
The boss of Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk, Mike Doustdar, told a National Press Club audience that Australia needs to act on rising obesity and that weight‑loss drugs should be easier to access, including for young people. He says early treatment could stop obesity before it gets worse.
Mr Doustdar is discussing plans with the Federal Health Minister to change how the medicines are paid for, including cutting wait times and creating a separate budget for obesity treatment. These drugs, known as GLP‑1 medicines, have become very popular, with about 50,000 Australians using them.
In Australia, Wegovy is approved for weight loss in teenagers aged 12 and over. But Ozempic’s official information says it hasn’t been studied for people under 18.
The RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, says there isn’t enough evidence yet to prescribe these medicines widely for children. He says GPs should focus on “first‑line” treatment such as advice on diet, exercise and nutrition.
“These medications are still new,” Dr Wright told newsGP. “We know they can work for diabetes and help some people lose weight, but they should be one of many options, not the only one.” He also pointed out side effects and the need for regular doctor monitoring.
Cost is another concern. Ozempic is only subsidised for type 2 diabetes under the PBS. People using it just for weight loss could pay hundreds of dollars a month. Dr Wright said money spent on these drugs is money that cannot be spent elsewhere in the health system.
“We only spend a small part of our health budget on general practice,” he said. “We need more funding so people can spend more time with their GP. That gives better results than a big rollout of medicines.”
Novo Nordisk says as more similar drugs become available, prices will come down, making them cheaper whether the Government helps pay or not.
Mr Doustdar says recognising obesity as a long‑term disease and expanding access to treatment would help millions, including teenagers. But Dr Wright said more evidence is needed before giving these drugs to young people.
“In real life, GPs see patients with many health problems at once,” he said. “We need more real‑world evidence of how these medicines work and their side effects.”
Nearby in the Pacific region, Novo Nordisk and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have started a three‑year research program to look at obesity care for teenagers in Pacific Island countries.
Dr Wright says caution is still needed in Australia. Trials have so far only included limited groups, the medicines are expensive, and GPs will still need time with their patients. He says changes to Medicare will help give doctors more time with patients.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP