Weight Loss Medication Program at OClinic
At OClinic, we understand that weight loss is a personal journey and that surgery may not be the right option for everyone. That's why we offer a 6-month medication-based weight loss program, designed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more who want to lose weight with the guidance of experienced professionals—without the need for surgery. (check your BMI here)
Our comprehensive program is priced at $990 and includes everything you need for a successful weight loss journey.
What’s Included in Our 6-Month Weight Loss Program?
Initial Consultation with Our Physician
- During your first meeting, we’ll discuss your weight history, prescribe the most appropriate medication for your needs, and teach you how to safely administer your medication.
Monthly Follow-Up Appointments
- Each month, you’ll have a check-in consultation with our clinic physician to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and adjust your medication dose if necessary. (6 consultations in total, either in person or via Telehealth)
Blood Tests for Baseline Health & Monitoring
- At the start of your program and during follow-up visits, we’ll conduct blood tests to assess your baseline health and track your progress.
Nutrition Consultations with Expert Dietitians
- You’ll meet with our experienced weight management dietitians at the start of the program, and again at 2 and 4 months, to tailor your diet plan for optimal results, ensuring you get enough protein and nutrients. (3 consultations in total, either in person or via Telehealth)
Interactive Mindset & Lifestyle Webinars
- Monthly live Telehealth webinars with our FreshStart behavioural coaches will help you address emotional eating and build long-lasting habits for a healthier lifestyle.
6-Month Program Conclusion Consultation
- At the end of the program, you’ll meet with Dr. Craig Taylor, one of Australia’s leading weight management specialists, to review your progress and create a plan for maintaining your success. (either in person or via Telehealth)
Note: Weight loss medication is purchased directly from your pharmacy and is not included in the program price.
Weight Loss Medications We Use
As a specialist weight loss clinic, we offer the complete range of medications to help manage your hunger and support sustainable weight loss. We’re committed to providing the latest treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, as well as other effective medications that have shown positive results. Here’s a closer look at the medications we commonly prescribe:
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is one of the most innovative weight loss medications currently available. Mounjaro is unique because it activates not only the GLP-1 receptor (like Wegovy) but also the GIP receptor, which are both involved in regulating blood sugar and appetite. This combination enhances its effectiveness in reducing hunger and promoting weight loss.
Wegovy and Ozempic (Semaglutide)
This GLP-1 agonist mimics a natural gut hormone that helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s effective in controlling appetite and has become one of the most widely prescribed medications for weight loss.
Originally used for managing type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide has also been shown to aid in significant weight loss due to its appetite-suppressing effects. Although the same drug, Wegovy is approved for weight loss, whereas Ozempic is used to treat diabetes.
Topamax (Topiramate)
An off-label medication originally used to treat epilepsy and migraines, Topiramate has also been shown to help control appetite, contributing to weight loss. It is sometimes used in combination with other medications such as Phentermine for enhanced results.
Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Contrave combines Naltrexone and Bupropion, two medications that work together to help control appetite and reduce cravings.
Naltrexone helps reduce cravings by affecting the brain's reward system, making it easier to resist emotional eating, whilst Bupropion suppresses appetite by influencing brain chemicals involved in hunger regulation and mood.
Duromine (Phentermine)
A well-known appetite suppressant that works by stimulating your central nervous system. It is effective for short-term weight loss and is often prescribed to jump-start a weight loss program.
Xenical (Orlistat)
This medication works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines, making it an effective tool for weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Another GLP-1 agonist, Liraglutide helps control hunger and reduce food intake by mimicking the natural hormone that signals satiety, promoting sustainable weight loss. It needs to be injected daily.
Why Choose a specialist Weightloss Clinic to prescribe your Medication?
Managing weight loss can be challenging, but with the support of our specialist weight loss clinic, you're not alone. Here's how our program is different:
- Expertise: Our physicians, dietitians, and behavioural coaches are highly experienced in weight management and really know our stuff. You’ll receive the latest, evidence-based treatments and continuous monitoring to ensure optimal progress whilst minimising unwanted side effects of medication. We will also provide you with tips and tricks to help you access your medication in the most cost effective way, including PBS discount support where applicable, and microdosing techniques.
- Personalized Approach: No two patients are the same. We treat every patient as individuals and customise your program according to your specific medical and weight loss background.
- Long-Term Success: We don’t just want you to lose weight; we want to help you maintain it. With monthly follow-ups, mindset coaching, and tailored nutrition advice, our program supports both your immediate and long-term success.
More information about our most common Weight loss Medications
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – A Revolutionary Weight Loss Medication
Mounjaro is one of the most innovative weight loss medications currently available. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by targeting both insulin resistance and appetite regulation. This dual-action approach has made Mounjaro a powerful tool in helping individuals lose weight and manage their overall health.
How Mounjaro Works:
- GLP-1 and GIP Hormones: Mounjaro is unique because it activates not only the GLP-1 receptor (like Wegovy) but also the GIP receptor, which are both involved in regulating blood sugar and appetite. This combination enhances its effectiveness in reducing hunger and promoting weight loss.
- Appetite Suppression: By mimicking natural gut hormones, Mounjaro helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall food intake. This can make it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet without feeling deprived.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Mounjaro helps your body process glucose more efficiently, which can support healthy blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Key Benefits:
- Significant Weight Loss: Clinical studies have shown that Mounjaro can lead to substantial weight loss—many patients experience up to 15-20% weight reduction over the course of treatment.
- Reduced Hunger and Cravings: One of the most impactful benefits of Mounjaro is its ability to curb hunger and food cravings, which is a common struggle for many people trying to lose weight.
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Because of its dual mechanism, Mounjaro is also beneficial for those managing type 2 diabetes, improving both weight loss and metabolic health.
Administration:
Mounjaro is administered via a once-weekly injection, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. Your clinic physician will guide you through the injection process to ensure you’re comfortable and confident in administering the medication.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) – A Trusted GLP-1 Agonist for Weight Loss
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that has become a leading option for weight loss in recent years. Semaglutide was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (under the brand name Ozempic), but its ability to promote significant weight loss led to its approval as Wegovy for weight management.
How Wegovy Works:
- GLP-1 Hormone Mimicry: Wegovy works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone, which is naturally produced in your gut. This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar.
- Appetite Control: By acting on areas of the brain involved in hunger signals, Wegovy reduces appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness after eating. This makes it easier to eat less without experiencing extreme hunger or cravings.
- Slower Gastric Emptying: Wegovy also slows down the emptying of your stomach, which means food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel full longer.
Key Benefits:
- Proven Weight Loss: In clinical trials, patients taking Wegovy have lost 10-15% of their body weight, making it one of the most effective medications for weight management. Many users also experience improvements in body composition and muscle retention during weight loss.
- Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Conditions: By achieving significant weight loss, patients may experience improvements in other health conditions linked to obesity, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and high cholesterol.
- Sustained Results: Studies have shown that patients who continue using Wegovy for long periods maintain their weight loss, demonstrating its effectiveness for sustained weight management.
Administration:
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, similar to Mounjaro. It’s available in pre-filled pens, making it easy to administer at home. Your clinic physician will ensure you’re properly trained on how to administer the medication and can answer any questions you might have along the way.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have proven to be highly effective for weight loss, and we prescribe them as part of our holistic, multi-disciplinary weight management program. These medications work best when paired with lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, which is why we offer support from nutritionists and behavioural coaches throughout your treatment.
With their ability to control appetite, reduce cravings, and enhance metabolic health, Mounjaro and Wegovy represent some of the most promising options for those seeking non-surgical weight loss solutions.
Side Effects of both Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Wegovy/Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Like all medications, GLP-1 Agonists can cause some side effects. Most people tolerate the medication well, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and discuss any concerns with our clinic physician.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea – This is one of the most commonly reported side effects, particularly when starting the medication. It tends to subside over time as your body adjusts. This is why GLP-1 agonists are started at a lower dose and then increased as your body adjusts, and why frequent check ins with our clinic physician are needed.
- Vomiting – In some cases, patients may experience vomiting, especially during the initial phase of treatment.
- Diarrhea – Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea may occur, but these side effects often lessen as your body adapts.
- Constipation – Some patients may experience constipation, which can be managed with dietary changes and hydration.
- Decreased Appetite – While this is the desired effect for weight loss, it can sometimes lead to a reduction in overall food intake, which may result in fatigue or nutrient deficiencies if not managed properly. This is especially true for patients who do not receive quality nutritional support to go along with these medications, who are at risk of protein malnutrition, and loss of muscle and bone mass.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Headache – Some people may experience headaches, particularly when starting the medication.
- Dizziness – Lightheadedness or dizziness may occur in some individuals.
- Fatigue – Fatigue or feeling unusually tired may be experienced, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
Serious Side Effects (Rare):
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas): There have been rare cases of pancreatitis in patients using GLP-1 agonists like Mounjaro. It’s important to contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain or persistent nausea and vomiting. If you have had pancreatitis in the past these medications may not be suitable for you.
- Thyroid Tumours: There is a potential risk of stimulating a very rare form of thyroid tumour called medullary thyroid cancer, in patients who already have a background susceptibility for this type of cancer- eg a family history. A thorough history and regular monitoring will help detect any issues early.
- Kidney Problems: In some individuals, GLP-1 agonists may affect kidney function, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) – Appetite Control and Craving Reduction
Contrave is a combination medication made up of Naltrexone and Bupropion. Naltrexone works by affecting the brain’s reward system, helping to reduce cravings and emotional eating. Bupropion, a medication typically used for depression and smoking cessation, helps suppress appetite by influencing brain chemicals that regulate hunger and mood. Together, they provide a powerful approach to controlling appetite and reducing food cravings, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
Weight Loss Results
Studies show that patients using Contrave can expect to lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight over a 6-12 month period when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. While individual results may vary, many patients experience significant improvements in hunger control and a reduction in emotional eating, which can lead to lasting weight loss.
Side Effects
As with any medication, Contrave may cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, and insomnia. These side effects are generally mild and tend to subside as the body adjusts. Rare but more serious side effects may include seizures (due to Bupropion) and increased blood pressure, so regular monitoring is important. Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure Contrave is right for you.