The heightened call for regulation occurs as pharmaceutical companies makes moves to ‘bypass bricks-and-mortar pharmacies and deliver its GLP-1 medication directly to consumers’ doors’¹. 

The EDA is particularly concerned about practices where these medications may be prescribed and dispensed without the prescriber having access to a patient’s full medical record, and without undertaking a comprehensive clinical assessment conducted either in person or through a real-time video consultation. 

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses with the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Restrictive eating, rapid weight loss, body image concerns, and disordered eating behaviours can be complex presentations that are not adequately identified through questionnaires or asynchronous online processes alone. 

“The prescribing of medications that have significant effects on appetite, eating behaviour and weight must occur within a framework that prioritises patient safety,” said Jade Gooding, CEO of Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders. “Clinicians need access to comprehensive health information and the ability to assess patients directly to identify potential risks, including current or emerging eating disorder behaviours.” 

“We’re consistently hearing from our community that the marketing and media ‘noise’ around these medications is triggering,” said Mel Wilton, Head of Communications and Engagement at Butterfly Foundation. “The news that pharmaceutical companies can deliver direct to door and bypass much needed face-to-face interaction with a healthcare professional adds another level of complexity and danger. We must keep advocating for proper screening and consultations so that people can discuss their concerns and be screened for eating disorder risk and history.” 

The EDA is especially concerned that individuals may be prescribed these medications without adequate screening for eating disorders or without appropriate pathways for psychological and multidisciplinary support.

For people with an existing eating disorder, or those vulnerable to developing one, weight loss medications can present significant clinical risks when prescribed without appropriate assessment, monitoring and follow-up care.

“The issue isn’t just the medication itself. It’s the culture surrounding it,” said Eating Disorders Queensland CEO, Belinda Chelius. “When powerful drugs are marketed into a society already struggling with body image pressures, eating disorders and weight stigma, the potential public health impacts extend far beyond the prescription pad.” 

The EDA believes that best-practice prescribing should include: 

• Access to a patient’s relevant medical history and health records. 
• A comprehensive clinical assessment conducted either face-to-face or via video consultation. 
• Screening for current and past eating disorder symptoms and risk factors. 
• Clear referral and support pathways for patients requiring psychological, medical and dietetic care. 
• Ongoing monitoring and review by appropriately qualified health professionals. 

The EDA supports measures that improve access to healthcare but emphasises that access should not come at the expense of patient safety. 

“Prescribing decisions involving weight loss medications require careful clinical judgement and appropriate oversight,” said Eating Disorders Victoria CEO Paul Bird. “Australians deserve care that is informed, coordinated and supported by the safeguards necessary to identify and respond to eating disorders and other complex health concerns.” 

The EDA calls on regulators and policymakers to ensure that all prescribing models maintain robust clinical standards, protect vulnerable consumers and support safe, evidence-based care. 

-ENDS-