Online Weight Loss Programs in Australia

On the back of the pandemic and the popularity of new weight loss medications, online weight loss options have become increasingly popular. Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to science-based habit change and/or medication-driven weight loss programs supervised by doctors or specialists. If you’ve been looking for a way to have consistent care while reducing costs and downtime for doctor’s visits, digital weight loss solutions may be an option for you. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

Weight loss programs can be found as stand-alone lifestyle services, such as the popular CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, or as part of more comprehensive online telehealth providers like Docto On Call. Some providers also specialise in questionnaire-based prescription-centred medication delivery, for example Burst Health, although these services lack the supervision recommended by Australian medical bodies [1].

Studies show that people using a combination of doctor-led interventions like medications or surgery and lifestyle changes have higher and more sustained weight loss both in the short and long term [2]. Weight loss can be sped up by weight loss drugs but lifestyle changes and consistency in taking the medication are both needed to successfully keep the weight off. Additionally, tracking your progress, having nutritionist and/or endocrinologist and other support may help you stay motivated and on track. If you choose a less comprehensive program, you may also benefit from using a mobile app [3], online program or support group to implement sustainable lifestyle changes. So, let’s focus on comprehensive services offering specialist support including medication and/or lifestyle change support.

• NuYu Medical Clinic is a specialised weight loss clinic on the Gold Coast offering telehealth consultations. Their services centring around weight management are more comprehensive than most other providers and include in-depth tests and longer consultations around your individual needs, followed by a personalised plan and ongoing support as well as optional dietitian consultations. Their service is available via bulk-billing from $84.90 or privately from $262 for the initial treatment plan. This clinic also offers a mix of in-person and telehealth appointments and bariatric surgery if required.
• Alevia is a similar partially bulk-billed service that offers telehealth weight loss options, psychologists, dietitians and exercise physiologists.
• Aussie Clinic is a holistic telehealth weight loss provider. It offers many of the same options as NuYu but has a special focus on offering alternative solutions as well as medication. In terms of weight loss, this means specialised psychologists as well as exercise plans and natural supplements, if you choose. The initial telehealth consultation will cost $129 and follow-ups $78.
• CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is a well-established and science-based program that helps you make individualised dietary changes, exercise and lifestyle changes. The emphasis is on sustainable change. Supported by some health funds, it also offers a partial refund for clients who successfully change their habits in the long-term. Health coaching, meal replacements, and peer support groups are all part of the approach. Starts from $39/month on a 12-month plan.
• LiveLighter and Noom offer similar online- or app-based solutuions focussing on lifestyle and dietary changes.
• Updoc’s comprehensive telehealth services include one-off weight loss consultations or monthly subscriptions for individualised weight loss programs, that can include medication, personalised diet, exercise plans and regular supervision. Both the one-off consultation and the monthly subscription cost $79.
• HubHealth and some other telehealth providers also offer subscriptions or healthfund supported plans.
• Phenix Health offers a wraparound weight management solution from online doctors’ consultations over science-based nutrition and exercise advice to medication and specialist referrals where needed. The telehealth provider has a 24/7 1800 support line. All appointments cost $59 but there are partial rebates available, meaning the ingoing sessions may cost you as little as $12.30.
• My Weight Loss Clinic is a similar provider that also has some bulk-billing available for the first session.
• Qoctor is a comprehensive telehealth service that also has one-off weight loss consultations with doctors. Online doctors’ consultations for weight management can include various blood tests and regular check-ins, medication, and lifestyle change advice. Referrals to specialists are also available. One-off consultation from $49.99. Bulk-billing for eligible patients available.
• DoctorsOnDemand, SimpleOnlineDoctor and many other telehealth providers listed on MediCompare offer similar services.
• Docto’s telehealth platform let’s you book a weight loss consultation with a specialist endocrinologist in their virtual weight loss clinic. The consultation offers a deep dive into your medical history, a general health check-up, tailored diet, exercise plan and to discuss the most appropriate appetite suppressant options available to you. The appointment can be subsidised with a gap fee $224 of if you have a referral. (Docto also offers these via a standard doctors’ consultation for $79.) Private cost is $303.

In summary, depending on your needs, you can choose between a multitude of telehealth providers or those that mix telehealth with in-person appointments. For the most comprehensive option, your costs may be higher but this guarantees a more personalised approach through hormone tests, nutrition, exercise and psychological support. Getting informed about your options and weighing up what matters to you is the first step to sustained long-term weight loss and lifestyle change.

This information is based on independent research and based on the most up-to-date data available at time of posting. Prices may change. Please do your own research.

Telehealth is a great complementary option to primary medical care and may hep you save money or have greater accessibility and long-term support. Please ensure you seek the guidance of a doctor to make informed medical decisions that best suit your individual needs.

1] https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/debate-over-doctor-approved-weight-loss-drugs-obta#:~:text=Juniper%20claims%20to%20offer%20a%20%27holistic%20and,across%20my%20Facebook%20feed%2C%27%20she%20told%20newsGP
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832#:~:text=The%20combination%20of%20weight%2Dloss,lost%20with%20lifestyle%20changes%20alone
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074937971930025X