Evidence-Based Weight Loss Guidance for Australians

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sofia Miller, BPharm (Hons), MClinSci

At DuromineAustralia.com, our mission is to help Australians make informed, safe and confident decisions about prescription weight-loss medications and non-prescription alternatives.

Unlike commercial platforms, we do not sell Duromine, phentermine, Semaglutide, or any other Schedule 4 medication. Instead, we function as an independent, research-driven resource dedicated to explaining how these medications work, who they are suitable for, what the risks are, and how Australians can navigate treatment options responsibly.

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated significant advancements in prescription therapies, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide and Liraglutide. These medications show meaningful improvements in appetite regulation, glycaemic control and long-term weight reduction for eligible patients under medical supervision.

At the same time, traditional appetite suppressants like phentermine-based treatments (Duromine and Metermine) remain widely prescribed in Australia, particularly for short-term weight reduction when used alongside behavioural and nutritional support.

Understanding the differences between these medication classes is essential — and our goal is to break down this information into clear, practical insights that everyday Australians can rely on.

However, prescription medications are not suitable for everyone. Eligibility criteria, side-effect profiles, cardiovascular considerations, mental-health screenings and ongoing GP monitoring all play a crucial role in safe use.

For this reason, our platform also evaluates evidence-based non-prescription options, including scientifically supported ingredients, OTC appetite suppressants, thermogenic formulations and meal-replacement systems.

These alternatives are helpful for Australians who may not meet prescription criteria, prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches, or seek complementary strategies within a broader weight-management plan.

By combining medical review, evidence-based analysis and consumer-focused readability, DuromineAustralia.com aims to be one of Australia’s most trusted educational resources on prescription weight-loss medications and safe non-prescription alternatives.

Our commitment is simple: to give Australians the knowledge they need to make informed, responsible, and health-positive decisions.

What Are Weight Loss Medications?

Weight loss medications are therapeutic agents designed to help people lose weight by targeting one or more of the following:

• Suppress appetite (reducing hunger and cravings)
• Increase thermogenesis (raising metabolism to burn more calories)
• Reduce fat absorption (blocking dietary fat)
• Improve satiety (helping you feel full faster)
• Support behaviour change (when combined with diet + activity plans)

In Australia, weight loss medications fall into two categories:

1. Prescription Weight Loss Medications
   • Require a GP evaluation
   • Indicated for BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with comorbidities
   • Include: Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Orlistat, Phentermine, Duromine, Metermine, Phendimetrazine
2. Non-Prescription / OTC Weight Loss Supplements
   • Legal to buy online
   • Include thermogenic fat burners & appetite suppressants
   • Example: PhenQ, the top non-prescription option in Australia 2025

Comparison of Approved Weight Loss Medications in Australia

Below is a clear, simplified comparison to help Australian consumers understand the differences.

1. Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic)

Drug Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
How It Works:

• Slows gastric emptying
• Reduces appetite
• Helps control blood sugar

Pros:

• Strong clinical weight loss results
• Reduces cardiometabolic risk

Cons:

• High demand → supply shortages
• Expensive without rebates
• Significant nausea for many
• Prescription only

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2. Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Class: GLP-1 agonist
Mechanism: Same category as semaglutide but daily injections.

Pros:

• Effective appetite control
• Long clinical history

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Frequent nausea
• Requires daily injections

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3. Orlistat (Xenical)

Class: Lipase inhibitor
Mechanism: Blocks about 30% of dietary fat absorption.

Pros:

• Non-systemic
• Can assist modest weight loss

Cons:

• Oily stools, urgency, flatulence
• Requires low-fat diet
• Discontinuation rate is high

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4. Phentermine (Short-Term)

Class: CNS stimulant / appetite suppressant
Mechanism: Boosts norepinephrine → reduces hunger

Pros:

• Strong appetite suppression
• Low cost

Cons:

• Short-term use only (up to 12 weeks)
• Insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety
• Not suitable for people with heart conditions

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5. Duromine

Active Ingredient: Phentermine + slow-release resin
Mechanism: Prolonged appetite suppression

Pros:

• Strongest prescription suppressant in Australia
• Once-daily dose

Cons:

• Side effects: insomnia, mood swings, dry mouth
• Strict eligibility
• Schedule 4 prescription-only

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6. Metermine

Generic version of Duromine
Pros:

• More affordable
• Same active ingredient

Cons:

• Same risks as Duromine

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7. Phendimetrazine

Class: Sympathomimetic amine
Mechanism: Appetite suppression via central nervous system

Pros:

• Effective for short-term weight loss

Cons:

• CVS side effects (heart rate, BP)
• Not a first-line option
• Prescription only

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8. PhenQ (Non-Prescription) — Appetite Suppressant + Fat Burner

Category: Over-the-counter thermogenic + multi-action formula
Legal Status: 100% legal to buy online in Australia
How It Works:

• Reduces hunger & cravings
• Boosts metabolic rate
• Improves energy
• Enhances fat oxidation
• Contains natural ingredients (no prescription stimulants)

Why Australians Prefer It:

• No pharmacy visits
• No prescription required
• No stimulant “crash”
• Safe for both men & women
• No known major side effects
• Works as appetite suppressant + fat burner + metabolism booster

Key Considerations Before Starting Any Weight Loss Medication

1. Medical Assessment Matters

Before using prescription medication, Australian guidelines require evaluation of:

• BMI
• Cardiovascular risk
• Mental health history
• Sleep patterns
• Medications & interactions
• Blood pressure
• Metabolic markers

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2. Medical Oversight and Monitoring

Essential for prescription medications like:

• Semaglutide
• Liraglutide
• Duromine
• Phendimetrazine

Monitoring includes:

• Weight trends
• Glucose markers
• Heart rate / BP
• Mood changes
• Gastrointestinal tolerance

OTC options like PhenQ do not require medical monitoring due to their natural profile.

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Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications

GLP-1 Medications

• Nausea, vomiting
• Constipation
• Reduced appetite
• High cost
• Injection site reactions

Phentermine / Duromine / Metermine

• Rapid heart rate
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Irritability
• Dependence risk

Orlistat

• Oily stools
• Urgency
• Flatulence
• Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency

OTC Supplements (PhenQ)

• Mild caffeine sensitivity (rare)
• Usually minimal due to natural formula

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Cost and Availability in Australia (2025)

Medication	Approx Cost (AUD)	Availability
Semaglutide	$300–$450/month	Prescription; shortages
Liraglutide	$350–$500/month	Prescription
Orlistat	$70–$120	OTC/pharmacy
Duromine/Metermine	$90–$150	Prescription
Phendimetrazine	Varies	Prescription
PhenQ	$89–$129	Legal, online, non-prescription

PhenQ is the most affordable option with no GP costs.

Meal Replacement in Weight Management

PhenQ Meal Replacement Shake (Australia’s Top Formula 2025)

Meal replacement shakes support weight loss by:

• Providing controlled calories
• Delivering macro-balanced nutrition
• Replacing high-calorie meals
• Reducing cravings
• Simplifying diet adherence

PhenQ Meal Shake is preferred because:

• High-protein, low-calorie formula
• MCT-oil for appetite control
• Vegan-friendly ingredients
• No artificial sugars
• Excellent for breakfast or dinner replacement

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The Future of Weight Loss Medication in Australia

1. Emerging Medications

• New GLP-1/GIP dual agonists
• Triple-action incretin therapies
• Injectable + oral combinations

2. Supply and Access Challenges

• GLP-1 shortages expected to continue into 2026
• High demand and limited production
• Patients turning to safer OTC options

3. Long-Term Care Models

• More clinics adopting medication + behavioural + nutritional support
• Telehealth prescriptions expanding
• Insurance still lagging behind

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Conclusion: Why PhenQ is the Best Weight Loss Supplement in Australia (2025)

After reviewing all prescription and OTC options available in Australia, PhenQ remains the safest, most accessible, and most cost-effective solution for men and women in 2025. See Phenq Before and After results photos

Why Australians Prefer PhenQ

• Non-prescription & legal
• No serious side effects
• Powerful appetite suppressant
• Proven thermogenic fat burner
• Energy and metabolism support
• Suitable for long-term use
• Can be combined with PhenQ Meal Shake and PhenQ PM

Best Stack of 2025

• PhenQ (day formula) → appetite + fat burning
• PhenQ Meal Replacement Shake → calorie control
• PhenQ PM (night formula) → overnight fat metabolism

This 3-step approach is now one of Australia’s most used non-prescription weight loss systems.

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Australian Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Weight loss medications should be used under the supervision of an Australian-registered healthcare practitioner. Results vary between individuals. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining medications or supplements.