EDA is very concerned about the significant medical risks posed by inappropriately promoted or prescribed weight loss products, in particular the GLP-1 receptor agonist analogues (GLP1-RAs). Inappropriate use of these products poses significant risk to the millions of people across Australia who are currently struggling with, or are at risk of, an eating disorder. For people with a history of disordered eating or eating disorders, these products can be counterproductive to recovery, and may encourage people to engage in disordered eating behaviours including restricting or cutting out food groups. 

“Weight-loss medications can be extremely attractive to people with eating disorders as they are marketed as a ‘quick fix’,” said Butterfly Foundation CEO, Jim Hungerford. “These kinds of weight-loss medications can be very dangerous, with potentially fatal misuse by people where they are clinically contraindicated, and with some people reporting alarming physical side effects which can lead to worsening harmful thoughts and behaviours for those who are vulnerable.” 

Jade Gooding, CEO of Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, said that: “It is essential that there is more regulation around advertising these products, including education about the dangers of using these kinds of medications for weight-loss purposes. Similarly, it’s vital that doctors do appropriate and thorough consultation/screening of eating disorder warning signs before prescribing potentially harmful medications.” 

Eating disorders cost Australia $67 billion every year in economic and wellbeing losses, with 1.1 million people affected. Research has shown that the number of people affected is increasing, the age of onset is dropping, and the impacts are worsening. Every month more than 100 people die due to their eating disorder, and every month 10,000 people develop one.

“Women and girls are twice as likely than other genders to be affected by eating disorders. These weight loss drugs are aimed mainly at women, and we are particularly concerned about the influence of social media targeted marketing to this vulnerable population,” added Eating Disorders Queensland CEO, Belinda Chelius.

As a result of these significant concerns, EDA recommends: 

• Accountability: Introduce measures to ensure telehealth providers who prescribe weight loss medications, particularly GLP1-Ras, are accountable to a safe standard of practice. 
• Comprehensive Medical Assessments: Ensure that comprehensive medical assessments are conducted. This is crucial for identifying any underlying health conditions, including eating disorders and/or disordered eating behaviours, and assessing the suitability of such medications for individual patients. 
• Review of Provider Practices: Review how telehealth providers address co-presentations of eating disorders and higher weight. This review should aim to align with established guidelines such as the “Management of Eating Disorders for People with Higher Weight: Clinical Practice Guideline”. 
• Awareness of Risks: Increasing awareness among telehealth providers about the risks associated with weight loss medications, especially concerning individuals with or at risk of eating disorders. 
• Regulation of Marketing: Advocating for stricter regulations on marketing practices, especially on social media, to prevent the targeted promotion of weight loss products to vulnerable populations, including adolescents.

It is essential that the government and the TGA address these concerns and implement appropriate measures,” said Eating Disorders Families Australia Executive Director, Jane Rowan. “These undertakings would greatly assist in mitigating the potential harms associated with weight loss medications and improve the overall well-being of individuals, particularly those affected by eating disorders.”

“We must have regulations in place so that anyone considering the use of weight loss medications, particularly those with a history of an eating disorder, are only able to access these drugs with appropriate screening, counselling, and full disclosure of potential side effects and psychological risks,” added Belinda Caldwell, CEO of Eating Disorders Victoria. 

The Eating Disorder Alliance comprises Butterfly Foundation, Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA), Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED), Eating Disorders Victoria, Eating Disorders Queensland, and the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand (EDANZ). 

-ENDS- 

Help and Support

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:

• Find safe and effective evidence-based care from Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinicians: connected.anzaed.org.au
• Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email. 
• For urgent support, call Lifeline 13 11 14