GPs Raise Concerns Over Patients Not Disclosing GLP-1 Use
03 Nov 2026
A recent RACGP newsGP poll found that 52% of respondents had discovered patients were using these medicines without previously telling them.
More Australians are taking GLP-1 medications without informing their regular GP, raising concerns about patient safety and gaps in ongoing care. A recent RACGP newsGP poll found that 52% of respondents had discovered patients were using these medicines without previously telling them.
The findings come after the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists urged patients to disclose GLP-1 medications and unapproved peptides before surgery to help prevent complications.
Melbourne GP and eating disorder clinician Dr Preeya Alexander says several factors contribute to patients keeping their medication use private, including misinformation, weight stigma and limited understanding of these treatments.
She acknowledges that GLP-1 medicines can provide significant health benefits for people with a clear medical need. However, she is concerned about their use for cosmetic weight loss or by people with eating disorders.
Dr Alexander also raised concerns about telehealth-only clinics providing prescriptions without proper communication with patients' regular GPs. This can leave treating doctors unaware of medications their patients are taking, increasing the risk of missed side effects and drug interactions.
She said some patients may receive prescriptions without face-to-face consultations, eating disorder screening or appropriate counselling about treatment risks.
Concerns Over Unapproved Peptides
Health authorities have also warned about the growing use of unapproved peptides. Reported health risks include severe allergic reactions, liver damage and oesophageal injuries.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued warnings as health professionals work to educate patients about the dangers and reduce related hospital presentations.
More Australians Turning to AI for Health Advice
Separate findings from the Australian Healthcare Index survey show that 36% of respondents used AI for health-related purposes over the past year, including checking symptoms and searching for general health information.
Healthcare costs remain a concern, with 39% of respondents delaying or missing a GP appointment because of cost. Another 43% reported delaying or missing an appointment with a non-GP specialist.
Meanwhile, the RACGP's 2026 Health of the Nation report, released on 28 October, found that 44% of GPs consider medical misinformation an increasing challenge, up from 35% in the previous year.
GPs Urged to Support Safe Treatment
Dr Alexander says GPs have an important role in making GLP-1 treatment safer and addressing misinformation.
She recommends screening patients for eating disorders before starting treatment, providing ongoing support and discussing possible side effects, treatment duration and costs.
She also highlights the need for regular follow-ups to identify unhealthy eating patterns, excessive exercise or other behaviours that may develop during weight loss.
Dr Alexander says weight regulation is influenced by hormonal, biological, genetic and socioeconomic factors. She stresses that GLP-1 medicines are not a shortcut or a form of cheating, but treatment should be based on individual clinical needs rather than body size alone.
GPs Raise Concerns Over Patients Not Disclosing GLP-1 Use
Source: RACGP newsGP.