Telehealth Providers and Weight Loss Drugs

Telehealth providers prescribing weight loss drugs offer a convenient solution to juggling a busy life and the desire to feel healthier and lighter. But with plenty of virtual healthcare services and different options to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one to pick. This MediCompare guide provides all the information you need to find high-quality care and receive proper guidance. Let’s start by looking at different weight loss drugs approved in Australia before diving into finding premium telehealth providers and weight loss medicine regulations.

Essentially, weight loss medication is regulated by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) [1], which means that telehealth providers must adhere to advertising and prescription guidelines. In essence, telehealth providers cannot advertise certain weight loss drugs to potential patients, for example through social media posts. As some weight loss drugs like Ozempic are approved for Type 2 Diabetes, not general weight loss, they must not be prescribed for weight loss. These rules also extend to semaglutide-like compound medicines and medications shipped from non-registered overseas providers.

When you’ve been struggling to lose weight or keep it off, getting medication sent to you by an online provider may seem like an easy fix. But it’s important you check the credentials and whether they follow TGA regulations. Here’s what to look for in a trustworthy weight loss telehealth provider:

• All doctors prescribing weight loss drugs via online services must be registered with the AHPRA [2].
• Multi-disciplinary approach, i.e. a team including a nutritionist and potentially psychologists, coaches and exercise physiologists to help you implement the necessary lifestyle changes. Medication alone is not the answer.
• Thorough intake process and medical assessment. This should include a questionnaire, video or phone call, discussion of medical history, lifestyle adjustments, exercise and nutrition program and other alternative and evidence-based weight loss options. Discussion of risks and benefits of weight loss interventions such as surgery, medication and lifestyle changes.
• If you decide to go ahead with medication, the doctor should also provide guidance on lifestyle changes necessary to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Weight loss medication on its own is less effective.
• Clear pricing information and how repeat prescriptions and follow-ups work. This is very important, as costs can be extensive depending on your eligibility. Also, non-compliance, if you run out of medication unexpectedly, for example, will seriously affect your long-term outcomes.
• Follow-ups should be part of this process. A high-quality telehealth provider will have a process in place that ensures you are checked on and that continuity of care is good. They have a responsibility towards you, as a patient, as outlined in AHPRA guidelines [2], which is the same as with in-person doctor visits.

As there have recently been a few cases of telehealth providers breaching TGA regulations, it is best that you choose established providers with vetted user reviews. While reviewing telehealth services for MediCompare, I have come across a few bad eggs which seem to be using paid-for reviews to enhance their credibility. Red flags to watch out for are the following:

• Social media ads promoting weight loss claims as a result of specific drugs.
• No reviews available on sites like Trustpilot or mostly five-star reviews from new users to the site (often with no other reviews and over a short period of time), mixed with very bad and often quite detailed customer reviews.
• Questionnaire-only prescription drugs. A video or phone consult is required as per the Digital Health Agency’s Recommendations [3].
• Offering compound weight loss medication. This makes it harder for you to know exactly what is in the medicine and is sometimes used to bypass restrictions around the dispersing of semaglutides.
• Medication shipped from overseas or obtained through an overseas provider. There are risks associated with this, as overseas regulations can be different, and there is no oversight by the TGA.

*The TGA defines “chronic weight management” as a medically supervised programme that combines a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity and prescribed medication.

While many Australian telehealth providers offer weight loss programs and medications, they all take slightly different approaches. I recommend taking a look at the providers below and checking out my MediCompare reviews as well. As weight loss programs require ongoing care, you want to be sure you choose the best provider for you. Below is a quick look at some providers you may want to check out in depth:

• Updoc has pay-as-you-go telehealth services available as well as monthly subscriptions, covering weight loss programs and medication for $79.95.
• InstantScripts offers weight loss consults, including personalised plans for $89 or separate scripts for $24, if you’re already eligible.
• Hub.Health is another service that offers live consults, monthly programs and approved GLP-1 medicines if you are eligible.
• Juniper is a UK-based and Australia-certified telehealth provider delivering Wegovy and other GLP-1 medicines. Costs range from $449 per month for clinical support, with additional medication costs.

1. Eligibility check and consult: During a live video or phone call, the AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor verifies your BMI, medical history and any comorbidities. They ensure that you have tried lifestyle interventions.
2. Informed consent: The telehealth platform captures a digital consent form outlining the benefits, risks (e.g., gastrointestinal upset, rare aspiration risk for GLP-1 agents) and the need for regular follow-ups. A copy of this is available for your review. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
3. Online prescription and medication delivery: After the live consult, your doctor sends an eScript to your chosen pharmacy. Many providers are partnered with a dispensing pharmacy for home or work delivery. Often this is done in discreet packaging with weight loss medication.
4. Follow-up schedule: The recommended review frequency is at least every 3–4 months. This ensures you are receiving the correct dosage and that the medication is working effectively for you. It is also a chance to address any potential side effects.

Achieving weight loss through medication and lifestyle changes is made more accessible through telehealth providers. No matter where you are in Australia, these services will ship the medication to you and offer ongoing support to you at home. Please be safe when choosing a provider.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.

[1] https://www.tga.gov.au/products/medicines/weight-loss-products
[2] https://www.ahpra.gov.au/index.html?aspxerrorpath=/documents/default.aspx
[3] https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/national-digital-health-strategy