Australian doctors who prescribe weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic should be obliged to refer the patient to dieticians at the same time, the nutrition industry's peak body says.
Any prescription of such medication must happen alongside a referral to an accredited practising dietitian to ensure their unique nutrition needs and preferences are supported, Dietitians Australia president Fiona Willer said.
The Royal Australian College of GPs earlier called for weight-management medication - surging in popularity in Australia - to be subsidised under the nation's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
In February, pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic, and Eli Lilly reportedly asked the federal government to list their weight-loss drugs on the scheme as a way to curb obesity rates in Australia, where two in three people are overweight.
"We acknowledge the strong and growing evidence base on the efficacy of semaglutide medications for inducing weight loss and regulating blood sugar as well as the significant side effects experienced," Dr Willer said.
"We know more Australians are turning to semaglutides for weight loss.
"We also know these medications can have a major impact on people's appetite and nutrition and it is critical they are well supported by their GP and dietitian."
The office of Health Minister Mark Butler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Novo's Ozempic, approved to treat diabetes, contains the active ingredient semaglutide that is also used in the company's weight loss drug Wegovy.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration advised that Ozempic supply would be limited in 2025 due to high demand sparked by viral videos about people using it to achieve rapid weight loss.
People who live with obesity experience higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, some cancers and other chronic diseases, according to the federal government.
