Weight Loss Apps vs. Telehealth Weight Loss Subscriptions

When looking for long-term virtual weight loss solutions in Australia, choices mostly come down to telehealth provider subscription models and apps. There are distinct benefits and limitations to both options, which I’ll explore in this comparison. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, perhaps, but let’s take a closer look at pros and cons and popular options.

Many Australian telehealth providers offer some access to weight loss support, but not all have specific subscription models. These models often provide comprehensive support, in the form of medically supervised programs, sometimes access to weight loss medication and lifestyle change support, even specific apps to help you track your progress and stay motivated. They represent a tailored approach dedicated to help you lose weight in line with Australian medical bodies’ recommendations for supervision, especially of medicated weight loss [2].

A popular example is Juniper, a specialised telehealth weight loss clinic. NuYu offers treatment plans privately or subsidised by Medicare both online and in-person. And there are many other providers such as Alevia, Updoc and HubHealth, which offer subscription-based weight loss services.

Most of the ones I vetted offered questionnaires or free initial assessments to determine your suitability. For example, a body mass index (BMI) over thirty or over 27 with weight-related health conditions may make you a suitable candidate. Here’s a rundown of what these programs may include:

Telehealth subscription models generally include an initial clinical assessment via phone or video and any necessary tests plus ongoing regular access to AHPRA-registered doctor’s consults, follow-ups with nurses, check-ins with the treating physician as well as referrals for further tests and specialist consultations.

Medication Access

Having a treating physician evaluate your need for medical intervention beyond lifestyle changes, also means you may be prescribed weight loss medication. Most telehealth services offering this service will arrange for discreet monthly medication delivery or, alternatively, provide you with an eScript to fill at your closest preferred pharmacy. Prescriptions are entirely at the doctor’s discretion, and they may also discuss other suitable options with you, such as surgery.

Integrated Support

Beyond the ongoing support by the treating physician and nurses, telehealth subscription models may also include ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team. The added assistance of dietitians, health coaches, and psychologists can assist in making it not just easier to help lose weight but also to sustain the weight loss through a healthier lifestyle.

Testing & Referrals

As mentioned above, telehealth subscription models often include any necessary tests and referrals, which helps patients get any additional assistance they may need without blowing out costs. It helps both you and the doctors to have a clearer picture of your progress and intervene and adapt your treatment in a timely manner.

Cost

Telehealth subscription models are normally paid on a monthly basis. Depending on the provider, the costs may be lower than in-person clinics. Some also offer additional in-clinic support, where suitable. However, telehealth weight loss subscriptions are often not covered by Medicare, although some specific services may be. It is worth evaluating whether you need the additional support offered as part of the program and the regular access or if bulk-billed telehealth offerings may be an alternative. Medication costs are generally separate. Your health funds may cover some costs of weight loss programs.

Weight loss apps not associated with a service provider function primarily as a lifestyle management tool. They offer a personalised approach, sometimes following plans developed by experts. But they do not provide a supervised approach, medical treatment or clinical assessments and tests.  

As lifestyle changes are one of the major factors in the success of weight loss [3], they can still be a valuable tool in your weight loss journey. Noom, The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, and MyFitnessPal are two of the most popular choices. Here’s how they can help:

Self-Guided Approach

Standalone weight loss apps allow for a self-guided approach. This can help you, if you are motivated to focus on behavioural change through self-monitoring. They also allow you to see your progress regularly and can help you hold yourself accountable.

Core Features

Instead of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, apps give you access to features such as food diaries, calorie tracking, exercise and activity tracking, nutrition insights, and meal planning tools. While this means you may not receive the individual expert guidance, some users become more invested and learn well when they are actively and regularly using these tools. Some also integrate with smart watches or other devices, providing you with additional progress tracking and motivation.

Support Level

For most standalone apps, support is limited to community support/ peer interaction or general automated guidance. This means there is often no access to additional support within the app.

Cost

Apps are generally more affordable than private telehealth weight loss subscription models. Even if you qualify for rebates from Medicare or your health fund for some aspects of your telehealth weight loss program, the overall costs tend to be higher, as you receive professional medical services.

Regulation

Apps are less regulated from a medical standpoint (compared to telehealth services). There is less oversight from government bodies than for providers of medical services. The apps I mentioned above are highly reputable, especially the government-developed CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet [4]. Some telehealth providers also include access to MyFitnessPal for free with their weight loss plans, for example.

Whether you choose a weight loss app or a telehealth weight loss subscription really depends on your needs. If you are pretty self-motivated, have less weight to lose or are at the beginning of your weight loss journey, for example, an app may suit you well and keep your costs down.

If you have tried other solutions, need to shift more weight or have had the weight for a longer time, the structured guidance of a doctor-led approach, perhaps with access to medication or other treatments, may be more effective in your case.

You could check out providers using MediCompare’s tools or read more about different weight loss options here [1]. Fully bulk-billed telehealth providers may also be an option, if you need less supervision or support.

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://medicompare.com.au/blog/weight-loss/online-weight-loss-programs-in-australia/
[2] https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/debate-over-doctor-approved-weight-loss-drugs
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/index.html#:~:text=A%20lifestyle%20with%20good%20nutrition,people%20who%20lose%20weight%20quicker
[4] https://www.totalwellbeingdiet.com/au/pricing/