Supplements & Natural Remedies for Weight Loss
An honest, evidence-based review of 8 popular weight loss supplements available in Australia. Each supplement is rated by clinical evidence quality, with Australian TGA status, safety information, and cost.
- 8
- Supplements reviewed
- 1
- With strong evidence
- $1-450
- Monthly cost range
- 0
- TGA-approved for weight loss
Evidence at a glance
8 reviewed- Strong1
- Moderate2
- Weak2
- None3
Rated on the number and quality of randomised controlled trials for weight loss. No supplement is TGA-approved for weight loss.
Weight Loss Supplements Reviewed
Berberine
Botanical extract
- Form
- Capsule / tablet
- Prescription
- No
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fermented food / supplement
- Form
- Liquid / gummies / capsules
- Prescription
- No
Protein Powder
Protein supplement
- Form
- Powder (whey, casein, plant-based)
- Prescription
- No
Weight Loss Patches
Transdermal patch
- Form
- Adhesive skin patch
- Prescription
- No
Natural Appetite Suppressants
Multiple ingredients
- Form
- Various (capsules, powders, teas)
- Prescription
- No
Peptides for Weight Loss
Peptide therapy
- Form
- Subcutaneous injection
- Prescription
- Yes
Lemon Balm
Herbal supplement (Melissa officinalis)
- Form
- Tea / capsules / extract
- Prescription
- No
Pink Salt (Himalayan Salt)
Mineral / food product
- Form
- Salt crystals / sole water
- Prescription
- No
Compare All Supplements
| Supplement | Evidence | Dose | Cost/mo | TGA Status | Rx? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berberine | Moderate | 900-1,500 mg/day, split into 3 doses with meals | $35-75/mo | AUST L listed medicine | No |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Weak | 15-30 mL liquid daily diluted in 250 mL water | $3-25/mo | Food product (liquid) or AUST L (supplements) | No |
| Protein Powder | Strong | 25-30 g per serve, 1-2 serves daily (total protein target: 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day) | $30-90/mo | Regulated as food by FSANZ | No |
| Weight Loss Patches | None | Varies by product (one patch per day, typically) | $10-50/mo | Not specifically regulated; many non-compliant | No |
| Natural Appetite Suppressants | Moderate | Varies by ingredient | $10-40/mo | Varies (some OTC, some restricted/banned) | No |
| Peptides for Weight Loss | Weak | Varies by peptide; administered by subcutaneous injection | $150-450/mo | All Schedule 4 (prescription-only) | Yes |
| Lemon Balm | None | 300-1,600 mg/day (capsules) or 1-3 cups of tea daily | $15-40/mo | AUST L listed | No |
| Pink Salt (Himalayan Salt) | None | N/A (no evidence-based dose exists) | $1-5/mo | Food product (not regulated by TGA) | No |
Compare with clinically proven prescription weight loss medications
Talk to an AHPRA-registered doctor about supplements vs medication
Get personalised advice from an accredited practising dietitian
Medical disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements are not a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor, pharmacist, or accredited practising dietitian before starting any supplement.
Supplements listed as AUST L on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods have been assessed by the TGA for safety and quality only, not for efficacy. An AUST L listing does not mean the TGA has verified that a supplement works for weight loss.
Data sourced from PubMed, Cochrane, TGA ARTG, FSANZ, and published clinical trial data. Last reviewed April 2026.