A prominent endocrinologist has issued a stark warning to Australians, urging them to stop viewing so-called 'game-changing' GLP-1 medications as the 'only answer' for weight loss. This comes as private prescriptions for drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have surged ten-fold, with over half a million Australians now taking these medications monthly.
Risks of Rapid Weight Loss
Professor Sarah Glastras, a senior researcher at the Kolling Institute, is calling for a significant shift in perception away from seeing these drugs as a one-step solution. Her warning is based on emerging evidence highlighting serious risks, including weight regain once medication is discontinued, as well as potential loss of lean muscle and bone density due to rapid weight loss.
These issues can lead to further health complications, such as a much lower metabolic rate, increased risk of insulin resistance and heart disease, muscle atrophy, weakness, fatigue, and chronic long-term health problems.
Advocating for Holistic Care
Professor Glastras is part of a growing cohort of health professionals championing a more comprehensive approach. She emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary team, including endocrinologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and counsellors, to work alongside GLP-1 use.
'If we're going to be able to make leaps and bounds in the space of weight management, not just for the individual, but for their family and their children, it has to be a lot more holistic than just the medication,' Professor Glastras stated. 'Hopefully, we'll see better wraparound care going forward, including a national approach with qualified practitioners, like exercise physiologists who can really offer patients structured and safe programs.'
Personal Experience Highlights Dangers
The importance of this holistic approach is underscored by personal stories, such as that of Susan Judd, an Australian who tried Ozempic to lose weight after reaching 96kg. 'After my GP did some research to ensure it was safe, I started taking Ozempic. I was hopeful it would change my life,' she recounted.
However, her experience was far from positive. As her doctor increased the dose monthly, Susan suffered progressively worsening side effects, including headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, and severe stomach cramps. She learned that managing diabetes while on a GLP-1 drug is more about overall health than merely achieving thinness.
Supporting Research on Physical Activity
This push for a well-rounded health strategy coincides with a groundbreaking new study from the University of Sydney, which found that walking just 7,000 steps daily—not the often-cited 10,000—can significantly reduce risks of early death, dementia, and heart disease.
The research, the largest review of step counts to date, analysed data from 57 studies across over 10 countries, including Australia, the US, UK, and Japan, between 2014 and 2025. It revealed that 7,000 steps daily slashes premature death risk by 47%, nearly matching the benefits of higher step counts, while also reducing dementia risk by 38% and type 2 diabetes risk by 22%.
Professor Melody Ding, lead author, noted that this offers a more realistic benchmark for many. Co-author Dr Katherine Owen added, 'For people who are already active, 10,000 steps a day is great. But beyond 7,000 steps, the extra benefits for most of the health outcomes we looked at were modest.'
Expert Endorsement of Walking
Top personal trainer Rachael Attard supports this approach, praising the health and fat-burning benefits of walking over intense gym sessions. 'Walking has all of the health benefits that I'm sure you've heard of, like improved cardiovascular fitness and endurance, reduced blood pressure and heart disease prevention,' she explained, noting that an hour's walk can burn around 300 calories, aiding weight loss.
Researchers are now collaborating with the Australian government to update national physical activity guidelines based on these findings, aiming to tailor step goals by age, health status, and location for greater achievability.
In a related effort, the Royal North Shore hospital's Diabetes and Obesity Research team is recruiting participants for two clinical trials to improve long-term weight management strategies.
Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
