Safety Concerns and Expanded Use: What You Need to Know About Ozempic, Wegovy, and Other GLP-1 Medications
If you’ve been hearing about Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Mounjaro®, you’ve probably noticed two things: they’re being used more than ever — and they’re also under growing safety scrutiny.
New updates from both Australia’s medicines regulator (TGA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight two sides of the same story:
these medications are changing how we treat obesity, but they must be used safely, with care and understanding.
A Global Shift: WHO Endorses GLP-1 Medications for Obesity
Although safety concerns have made headlines, GLP-1 medications are also gaining worldwide recognition as powerful tools in managing obesity.
The World Health Organization has now endorsed Ozempic-style medications as long-term treatments for obesity, urging countries to make them more affordable and accessible.
The WHO’s new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), recommend that GLP-1 drugs be used alongside healthy eating, physical activity, and regular counselling sessions — as part of lifelong care.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
👉 Read more here: WHO recommends Ozempic-style medications for obesity – ABC News
However, the WHO also cautioned that even with increased production, these drugs may reach fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030 — due to high prices and limited supply.
This marks a major turning point: obesity is now recognised as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring lifelong care, not just a “lifestyle issue.”
⚠️ The TGA Safety Update: What’s the Concern?
Around the same time the WHO released its global guidance, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)issued a class-wide safety alert for GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
Here’s what patients need to know:
- Possible mood changes
- Some users have reported depression or suicidal thoughts.
- While a direct cause hasn’t been proven, it’s important to monitor your mood closely.
- If you feel unusually down, anxious, or distressed, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
- Birth control effectiveness
- GLP-1 medicines slow digestion, which can affect how oral contraceptives are absorbed — particularly in the first weeks or after dosage adjustments.
- Ask your doctor whether you should use a backup method temporarily.
- Surgery and sedation
- These drugs delay how quickly the stomach empties, which can raise the risk of vomiting during anaesthesia.
- Always tell your surgeon or anaesthetist if you’re taking a GLP-1 medication.
- Digestive side effects
- Nausea, constipation, or bloating are common early on but usually improve as your body adjusts.
- Smaller meals, hydration, and fibre can help.
- Muscle loss and fatigue
- Some studies suggest muscle loss can occur alongside fat loss.
- Regular exercise and protein intake can help protect muscle mass.
What Are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone your body produces to help regulate appetite and digestion.
GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone to:
- Slow digestion and steady blood sugar
- Reduce appetite
- Help you feel full for longer
They were originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, but are now approved in many countries for long-term weight management.
These drugs are not magic — but for many, they’ve been life-changing when combined with consistent lifestyle changes and medical follow-up.
If You’re Taking or Considering GLP-1 Medications, Here’s What to Do
Thinking of starting Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medication? Or maybe you’ve already begun and want to stay safe and informed?
Here’s how to get the best results while minimising risk:
1. Have an honest chat with your GP or pharmacist
Ask about:
- Whether you’re a suitable candidate
- How long you’ll likely stay on treatment
- What other support (diet, counselling, activity) can help you succeed
2. Keep a mood and side-effect journal
Track how you feel — physically and emotionally — especially in the first few months. Bring this up at each check-in.
3. Plan for the long term
GLP-1 medications work best as part of a comprehensive plan, not a short burst.
If you stop suddenly, your appetite may return quickly, so talk with your doctor before changing your dose.
4. Don’t forget the basics
Medication is only one part of the puzzle.
Balanced eating, daily movement, hydration, and sleep all make a difference — and help the medicine work better.
5. Be patient and kind to yourself
Weight loss is gradual and unique to every person. What matters most is sustainable progress and improved wellbeing, not a number on the scale.
Access and Cost
In Australia, GLP-1 drugs are only subsidised under the PBS for diabetes, not obesity.
That means some people currently pay up to $700 per month privately.
The WHO has urged governments to expand access, especially as the patent for semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) will start expiring soon.
This could allow new manufacturers to enter the market and help bring costs down over time.
Feeling Confused by the Headlines?
It’s understandable — the media coverage around Ozempic and similar medications can feel overwhelming.
If you’re unsure what’s true or what applies to your situation, we’re here to help.
We’re offering a free one-on-one Telehealth consultation to help you understand your options, side effects, and what to discuss with your doctor.
👉 Book your free Telehealth consult here
You’ll speak directly with a pharmacist who can explain how these medicines work, what to expect, and what kind of questions to ask your doctor — all in plain, honest language.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are indicated to treat obesity, they are not for everyone and should be strictly used under the supervision of your general practitioner.
They come with responsibilities: regular monitoring, honest communication with your healthcare team, and an understanding that no medication replaces healthy habits.
If you’re using or considering these medicines:
- Stay in regular contact with your doctor or pharmacist
- Watch for side effects and mood changes
- Maintain your lifestyle and mental wellbeing
- Think long-term — treat it as ongoing care, not a short-term fix
🔗 Related Reading
👉 WHO recommends Ozempic-style medications for obesity – ABC News