Australia is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which are revolutionizing the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. A groundbreaking report from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has spotlighted this extraordinary growth, highlighting how these drugs are transforming the nation's health systems.

Originally developed to mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar and appetite, GLP-1 RAs slow gastric emptying, promote satiety, and enhance insulin secretion. What began as diabetes treatments has evolved into powerful weight loss tools, prompting widespread adoption amid rising obesity rates—currently affecting over 30% of Australian adults.

📈 Explosive Growth: From Niche to Mainstream

The UNSW-led analysis reveals a dramatic escalation in GLP-1 RA dispensing. In May 2020, just 57,941 units were supplied; by April 2025, this jumped to 496,875—a nearly tenfold increase. Over the year from May 2024 to April 2025, more than 6 million units were sold, equivalent to monthly injections for half a million Australians, or almost 2% of the adult population.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) dominated with 63.3% market share.
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) captured 30.7%, reflecting its dual GIP/GLP-1 action for superior efficacy.
• Other GLP-1s like dulaglutide and liraglutide made up the rest.

This boom continues into 2026, with private sales filling gaps in public access and fueling debates on sustainability.

Public vs. Private Access: A Divided Landscape

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidizes GLP-1 RAs primarily for type 2 diabetes, not obesity, leading to bifurcated access. Roughly half of 2024/25 usage occurred via private prescriptions, estimating 180,000 to 240,000 Australians paying out-of-pocket—often $300–$500 monthly.

PBS data underestimates total use, as private markets evade tracking. This disparity exacerbates inequities, with higher-income groups dominating private uptake while lower-socioeconomic patients rely on subsidized diabetes indications.

Who Is Using GLP-1s? Demographic Insights

Early adopters skewed female and younger adults, but usage broadened. Women comprised 55–60% of initiators, driven by weight loss demand, while men increased for cardiometabolic benefits. Age groups 40–64 saw highest volumes, aligning with obesity prevalence peaks.

Regional patterns show urban centers like Sydney and Melbourne leading, but rural access lags due to supply chains. UNSW researchers note a shift from diabetes-only to off-label obesity use, straining monitoring.

Health Benefits: Beyond Weight Loss

GLP-1 RAs deliver multifaceted gains. Clinical trials show 15–20% body weight reduction, alongside improved glycemic control, cardiovascular risk reduction (up to 20% lower MACE), and kidney protection—delaying end-stage disease by 20–30% per UNSW studies.

• Reduced hospitalizations for heart failure and strokes.
• Better lipid profiles and blood pressure.
• Potential NAFLD reversal.

Population-level, this could avert billions in healthcare costs if scaled equitably.

Photo by mostafa meraji on Unsplash

Strain on Health Systems: Costs and Supply Challenges

The surge poses systemic pressures. Private spending exceeds $1 billion annually, while PBS costs for diabetes indications hit $500 million in 2025. Full obesity subsidy could add $2–5 billion yearly, per modeling.

Supply shortages peaked in 2024, resolved partially by 2026, but global demand persists. GPs report increased consults for initiation/monitoring, shifting primary care focus.

UNSW's Medicines Intelligence program underscores real-world evidence needs for policy.Health research careers are booming in pharmacoepidemiology.

Risks and Safety Concerns

• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting) cause 10–20% discontinuation.
• Weight regain post-cessation: 2/3 within 2 years.
• Emerging: Scurvy risk from appetite suppression; suicidal ideation alerts (TGA 2025).
• Eating disorder exacerbation in vulnerable groups.

Ongoing UNSW monitoring highlights balanced prescribing.

PBS Subsidy Debates: Equity vs. Affordability

2026 sees intensified calls for obesity listing. Health Minister cited UNSW data amid PBAC reviews; Wegovy gained limited subsidy Jan 2026. Proponents argue long-term savings outweigh upfront costs; critics fear rationing other drugs.

UNSW's Leadership in Real-World Evidence

UNSW's Medicines Intelligence Research Program, under Assoc Prof Michael Falster, pioneers data-driven insights. Their GLP-1 work influenced policy, exemplifying higher ed's health impact. Opportunities abound in research assistant roles analyzing PBS trends.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Endocrinologists hail benefits; GPs urge holistic care with dietitians. Patients report life-changing results but stress adherence. Industry eyes expansion; policymakers balance budgets.

Photo by Steven Roussel on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Recommendations

Projections: 1 million users by 2028 if subsidized. Prioritize monitoring registries, nutrition integration, equity. For professionals: Upskill via career advice; explore Australian uni jobs.

UNSW research positions universities as health system architects. Check Rate My Professor for pharmacology experts; browse higher ed jobs in health sciences, university jobs, or post yours at Post a Job.