Date: 23 May 2024
The Eating Disorders Alliance (EDA), a coalition of leading eating disorder organisations in Australia and New Zealand, is encouraged to see the impact of our national advocacy campaign to address the significant medical risks posed by inappropriately promoted or prescribed weight loss products, particularly compounded GLP-1 receptor agonist analogues (GLP-1RAs).
We are heartened by Minister Butler’s announcement that due to increased safety concerns, “from October, compounding these similar weight-loss products – or compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) – will be banned.” (The Guardian, May 2024).
These products pose severe risks to millions of Australians who are currently dealing with or are at risk of an eating disorder, and those who care for them.
Our advocacy efforts included comprehensive engagement with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and direct written communication with The Hon. Mark Butler, Minister for Health, and Aged Care.
Minister Butler emphasised that most of the 20,000 patients using compounded GLP-1RA products were doing so for weight loss, meaning the ban is not expected to significantly impact diabetes patients. “This action will protect Australians from harm and save lives,” Butler said (The Guardian, May 22, 2024).
Debra Christian, a pharmacist with a lived experience of an eating disorder, highlighted her concerns “These drugs are of great concern, as there appears to be minimal to no prescribing guidelines for these medications unless they are being used for diabetes management. From my experience in pharmacy, these medications are often used off-label for weight loss and are prescribed by those who unfortunately do not have the knowledge of signs to look out for regarding those with, or at risk of, eating disorders. Many prescribing these medications are simply not aware that eating disorders come in a vast range of body types across the weight spectrum and are often prescribed based on the BMI/body weight of the patient. Additionally, the ease of accessibility of these medications via online platforms and telehealth providers, with no in-person face-to-face contact, is alarming.”
EDA will continue its efforts to advocate for policies and regulations that protect the wellbeing of those impacted by eating disorders.
We thank Minister Butler and the TGA for their commitment to safeguarding public health and addressing the concerns raised by our campaign.
-ENDS-
About the Eating Disorder Alliance (EDA)
EDA comprises Butterfly Foundation, Eating Disorders Families Australia, Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders Queensland, Eating Disorders Victoria, and Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand, formed to to raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders, and to collaborate for improved outcomes for the 1.1 million people in Australia living with an eating disorder, and those who care for them.
For more information, please contact:
Media Contacts
Melissa Wilton, Head of Communications & Engagement, Butterfly
Ph: 0402 259 652
E: [email protected]
Breanna Guterres, Eating Disorders Victoria Director of Communications, Advocacy and Engagement
Ph: 0431 717 177
E: [email protected]
Belinda Chelius, Eating Disorders Queensland CEO
Ph:0405 906 466
E: [email protected]
Bailey Wightman, Eating Disorders Families Australia Marketing and Communications Team Leader
Ph: 0435 214 355
E: [email protected]
Melissa Zea, Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders
Ph: 0478 142 901
E: [email protected]
Megan Tombs, EDANZ Board Director
[email protected]
