The drug Wegovy approved for heart patients
The regulator has widened its approval for the weight-loss drug to more Australians – but it’s not cheap.
Key facts
A weight loss drug has been approved for treatment of overweight people with heart conditions.
However, it is not listed on PBS and costs between $345 and $645 per month.
Doctors welcome the approval but say the cost is prohibitive to those who need it.
Wegovy was approved in August 2024 for the treatment of people assessed as obese or overweight. It is also used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Now, as many as 3.5 million Australians could be eligible to access the drug after the regulator, the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA), approved its use to treat heart conditions.
However, Wegovy has not been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and without that taxpayer subsidising, it remains extremely expensive.
The manufacturer, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is reportedly planning to resubmit to the TGA saying, “it is very important to enable access to all the eligible patients … who require the product”.
Novo Nordisk told the Australian Financial Review that 4.5 million Australians have cardiovascular disease and 78% of those people are obese or overweight.
While more people are now eligible, many will not be able to afford it because it costs between $345 and $645 per month.
Only Ozempic, another Novo Nordisk drug, is listed on the PBS to treat people with diabetes and it is expected to be in short supply in Australia until the end of this year, according to the TGA.
Eli Lilly, the American company that makes a rival weight-loss drug called Mounjaro, has also called for the obesity drugs to be listed on the PBS.
The TGA said Wegovy could be used as complementary therapy for reducing major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. It is also reported to positively impact inflammation, blood lipids and blood pressure – all crucial in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
How to keep a healthy weight
Here are five actions you can take:
Plan your weekly shop before you go to the supermarket. Healthy, balanced meals are key to keeping a healthy weight. Eating a balanced diet often starts with eating three meals per day and having the right foods at home.
Swap foods and treats that are high in calories, fat, salt and sugars for healthier and home-made alternatives.
If you do order takeaway food, choose the healthiest options. LiveLighter has ideas on how to swap high-kilojoule meals for healthier choices.
Commit to one more way you can increase your level of physical activity. This could include fast walking or cycling. You may need to do more to lose weight. Speak to your doctor for advice.
Identify your vulnerabilities. These are times when you might find yourself eating lots of foods that are high in fat and sugar because you are eating out or feel tired or stressed. Plan your week so that you can limit those foods. However, don't be too strict — an indulgence from time to time is fine.
More information on how to safely lose weight is available here.
You may also like to find out more about healthy eating over 60.
While doctors have welcomed the introduction of Wegovy into the Australian market, they say the cost will mean it won’t be available to treat those Australians who may need it the most.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Dr Gary Deed says, “It would assist patient outcomes if these agents were available at more affordable pricing, notably because often those most likely to benefit have disadvantages socially and economically.”
The RACGP says doctors and patients alike can now think about obesity not just in terms of BMI or weight, but other health conditions which can have a significant clinical impact on cardiovascular events for people who are living in a larger body.
In other words, it’s not just about weight-loss.
“We can talk to patients around the reason that they might want to take a medication to reduce their risk of a further additional cardiovascular event, as opposed to a conversation about weight loss,” a GP said.
Related reading: TGA, AFR, RACGP
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
