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Obesity Management Medication
Managing obesity is not simply about willpower. Treatment is most successful when it combines healthy eating, increased physical activity, psychological support, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a long-term health condition where excess body fat increases the risk of other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, heart disease, and some cancers.
It is a complex condition influenced by biology, environment, lifestyle, and genetics.
What medications are available?
At Intus, we provide access to two new medications for weight management:
Semaglutide (Wegovy®) – a once-weekly injection that mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) to help regulate appetite, reduce hunger, and promote fullness.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) – a newer once-weekly injection that acts on two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to enhance appetite control and support weight loss.
Both medicines have been shown in large clinical trials to support significant weight loss when used alongside lifestyle changes.
Access in New Zealand
Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) are approved in New Zealand by Pharmac, but they are not funded. This means patients must pay for the medication themselves.
The monthly cost is currently several hundred dollars. To access either medicine, you must have a consultation with a doctor. They will confirm whether you meet the criteria for safe, medically guided weight management.
These medicines are not suitable for everyone. At Intus, your doctor will provide an individualised assessment of all available options, including lifestyle treatment, medication, and bariatric surgery, to find the approach that best suits your needs, health, and goals.
Care at Intus
At Intus, obesity management with medication is supported by a specialist team. This ensures that treatment is not just about prescribing medication but about supporting long-term health and wellbeing.
Obesity is a chronic condition, but effective treatments are available. Medications such as Wegovy® and Mounjaro® can be powerful tools when combined with the support of an integrated, specialist team.
At Intus, you will not be managing this journey alone. Our integrated team will work with you to achieve the best possible outcomes for your health and wellbeing.
Our team includes:
Specialist doctors – trained and experienced in obesity management and the safe use of Wegovy® and Mounjaro®
Nurses – providing education, practical support, monitoring, and day-to-day guidance throughout treatment
Dietitian – providing personalised nutrition guidance and sustainable eating strategies
Physiotherapist – designing safe, realistic, and effective physical activity plans
Psychologist or counsellor – supporting behaviour change, motivation, and emotional wellbeing
This integrated model of care helps maximise the benefits of medication and supports long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Nigel S. Rajaretnam
General, Oesophago-gastric & Endocrine Surgeon
