Half a million Australians now using GLP-1 drugs as private prescriptions soar
New research indicates that 500,000 Australians are now using GLP-1 medications, with nearly half of these users paying out-of-pocket for private prescriptions. The study highlights a significant surge in demand for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, prompting calls for expanded government subsidies.
Why it matters
The rapid rise in private spending on weight-loss and diabetes medication highlights growing healthcare costs and the need for policy reform regarding pharmaceutical access.
shares Share article Half a million Australians are regularly using GLP-1 medicines , with almost half paying between $200 and $700 out of pocket each month, new research has found.
A study led by UNSW Sydney estimates about 500,000 people were using GLP-1 medicines monthly by April 2025, with private prescriptions accounting for almost 44 per cent of all use.
Half a million Australians are regularly using GLP-1 medicines, with almost half paying between $200 and $700 out of pocket each month. AP
The research is the first to track both subsidised and private GLP-1 use across the country.
Lead author Associate Professor Michael Falster said demand has skyrocketed, with monthly sales jumping from 58,000 in May 2020 to 500,000 in April 2025.
“Over the same five-year period, PBS-subsidised access increased steadily from 58,000 units in the first month to 280,000 units in the last,” he said.
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