Weight Management

Weight management and individualised support

Many people find that adjusting their diet and increasing physical activity helps them manage their weight. Others, even with consistent effort and strong willpower, may still find it difficult to achieve or maintain their goals.

Weight management is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and environment. For this reason, most effective plans are personalised and developed in consultation with a qualified health professional.

No “magic pill”

There is no single medicine or “magic pill” that can replace a healthy eating plan, regular movement and ongoing support from your healthcare team.

In some cases, your doctor or specialist may consider prescribing medicines as part of a broader weight management strategy. These are usually used alongside:

• a structured nutrition plan
• physical activity appropriate for your health and mobility
• behavioural and lifestyle support

Your prescriber will determine whether medicines are appropriate for you, and which options are suitable based on your medical history.

Where medicines may play a role

When prescribed by a doctor, certain medicines used in weight management may work by:

• supporting appetite control
• influencing how the body uses or stores energy
• helping manage associated factors such as blood sugar regulation, in conjunction with diet and exercise

Nutritional supplements and trace elements may also be recommended in some cases to support overall health and help address specific deficiencies, if identified by your health professional.

Any decision to use these options is made by your prescriber, who will consider your overall health, other medications and individual risk factors.

How a compounding pharmacist may help

Most weight management medicines are supplied as standard, commercially available products. In some situations, however, your doctor may choose to involve a compounding pharmacy.

Compounded medicines are prepared individually by a pharmacist, following the directions on your prescription. This can be helpful when your prescriber needs to:

• use a specific strength that is not readily available in standard products
• combine certain prescribed ingredients into a single dosage form, where appropriate
• request a different dosage form to help with taking or absorbing the medicine

Depending on your prescription, compounded medicines may be prepared as:

• capsules
• oral liquids or drops
• lozenges (troches)
• nasal sprays

Your doctor or specialist will decide which medicine, strength and dosage form are appropriate for your circumstances.

Working with your doctor

All weight management medicines we compound are prescription-only and can only be supplied on receipt of a valid script from a qualified medical practitioner.

Our pharmacists work closely with your prescriber to:

• clarify the required strength, dosage form and directions
• prepare your medicine according to the prescription
• provide advice on storage and how to take the medicine as directed

For more information on how we can support weight management under the supervision of your doctor, contact National Custom Compounding on 1300 731 755 or email admin@customcompounding.com.au. For personalised advice about weight management or treatment options, please speak directly with your GP or specialist.