Compare Orlistat vs. Ozempic
Orlistat and Ozempic represent opposite ends of the weight loss medication spectrum in Australia. Orlistat is the most accessible option, available over-the-counter at $50-80/month, but produces modest weight loss (~3-5%) by blocking fat absorption. Ozempic is a prescription GLP-1 injection producing ~15% weight loss, but is PBS-subsidised only for diabetes.
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic at a Glance
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic Cost in Australia
Private prescription cost per month in AUD.
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy
Orlistat Clinical Trials
XENDOS
5.8kg loss vs 3kg placebo
Multiple Phase 3
~3-5% body weight reduction
Ozempic Clinical Trials
SUSTAIN 1-12
5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)
STEP 1 (higher dose)
14.9% body weight reduction
Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic Side Effects
Orlistat
Very common
- Oily/fatty stools
- Oily spotting
- Increased flatulence
- Faecal urgency
Common
- Abdominal discomfort
- Liquid stools
- Frequent bowel movements
- Headache
Serious (rare)
- Liver injury (very rare)
- Kidney stones (rare)
- Reduced fat-soluble vitamin absorption (A,D,E,K)
- May affect absorption of some medications
Ozempic
Very common
- Nausea (20-44%)
- Diarrhoea (8-30%)
- Vomiting
Common
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Thyroid tumours (animal studies)
- Suicidal ideation (under investigation)
Compare How Orlistat and Ozempic Work
Orlistat
Lipase inhibitor
Completely different mechanism to GLP-1 drugs. Inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes, preventing approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Unabsorbed fat passes through the digestive system. Does not affect appetite or the brain. Most effective with a reduced-fat diet.
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. Slows gastric emptying, increases insulin production, reduces glucagon, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger. Once-weekly injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule
Orlistat
Oral capsule with meals (up to 3x daily)
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 60mg OTC | With each meal | Up to 3 capsules/day |
| 120mg Rx | With each meal | Up to 3 capsules/day |
Ozempic
Weekly subcutaneous injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Dose escalation |
| 1mg | Week 9+ | Maintenance dose |
Compare Orlistat vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Orlistat
- TGA Status
- Registered (OTC and prescription strengths)
- PBS Listed
- No PBS listing
- OTC Availability
- 60mg available without prescription at pharmacies
- Key Advantage
- No needles, no Rx for lower dose, cheapest option, longest safety record
- Limitation
- Modest weight loss vs GLP-1 drugs; GI side effects related to fat intake
Ozempic
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for type 2 diabetes
- PBS Listed
- Yes, for type 2 diabetes (Authority Required)
- Off-label Use
- Restricted since Oct 2024 for new weight loss prescriptions
- Supply Status
- Ongoing shortage since 2022; improving but not resolved
- Compounding
- Compounded versions banned from 1 October 2024
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We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.