Here’s a startling truth: the rise of telehealth clinics prescribing weight-loss medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is sparking serious concern among Australia’s leading eating disorder experts. But here’s where it gets controversial—while these clinics promise convenience, advocates argue they’re bypassing critical safeguards, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at risk. The Butterfly Foundation reports a surge in calls from people with eating disorders and their families, worried about the unchecked use of drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. And this is the part most people miss—many patients are accessing these medications through online-only platforms like Juniper or Mosh, which operate largely outside the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), leaving a gaping hole in oversight and data collection.
Clinical psychologist and director of the National Eating Disorder Collaboration, Dr. Sarah Trobe, highlights the dilemma: “People with eating disorders may not disclose their condition because they want access to these medications, leaving us reliant on the few who do come forward.” This lack of transparency, coupled with insufficient regulation, has experts sounding the alarm. “These medications aren’t being regulated nearly enough,” Dr. Trobe warns.
A recent ABC report underscores the issue, detailing a woman’s hospitalization after accessing GLP-1 RAs via telehealth despite disclosing a history of disordered eating and mental health struggles. Eucalyptus, the parent company of Juniper, was named in the case, though its clinical director, Dr. Matt Vickers, insists they prioritize patient safety with extensive screening and mandatory practitioner training. Yet, critics argue that telehealth consultations alone may not suffice for such complex assessments.
Here’s the bold question: Are we sacrificing safety for convenience? GLP-1 medicines and telehealth clinics are both relatively new, creating a uniquely slippery landscape. Dr. Trobe points out that major clinical trials often exclude individuals with mental health conditions, leaving a critical knowledge gap. “What happens when someone with severe depression or an eating disorder takes these medications?” she asks.
The Eating Disorders Alliance is urging the government to step in, demanding stricter regulations for doctors operating outside the MBS and mandatory comprehensive medical assessments for telehealth patients seeking weight-loss drugs. “You need to actually see the person, assess their physical comorbidities, and ensure an informed care team—a dietitian and GP at minimum, with mental health support ideally,” Dr. Trobe emphasizes.
This isn’t just about weight—it’s about treating conditions like fatty liver or high blood pressure while safeguarding mental health. But here’s the counterpoint: Could tighter regulations limit access for those who genuinely need these medications? We want to hear from you—do these concerns justify stricter controls, or is this a necessary trade-off for innovation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
