Injectable Weight Loss Medications and New Oral GLP-1 Medications: a 2026 Updates (from your Surry Hills GPs)
In Part 1 of our injectable weight loss medications guide, we explored how medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have changed the way doctors treat obesity and metabolic disease.
In Part 2, Injectable Weight Loss Medications Part 2: Wegovy vs Ozempic – Which Medication Is Better? we compared Wegovy to Ozempic, outlining the medical evidence supporting the effectiveness in weight loss management.
In this article, we review the latest updates in 2026. Medical weight management is evolving rapidly and if injectables are not right for you, new oral weight-loss medications are on the horizon. These emerging treatments, including oral semaglutide (currently available in the US) may eventually replace injectable GLP-1 therapies for many patients.
For patients searching online for a weight loss GP in Surry Hills, understanding the latest developments in weight loss medicine can help you make informed decisions about your health and assist you when discussing treatment options with your Surry Hills doctor.
Important Considerations When Using Weight Loss Medications
Whilst medications can be highly effective, they are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits. The best long-term results occur when medications are combined with:
- Balanced nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Strength training to preserve muscle mass
- Sleep optimisation
- Behavioural and lifestyle support
If healthy habits are not adopted, the evidence indicates there is a high chance of regaining weight after medication cessation.
New Weight Loss Medications Already Available in the United States
Several newer medications are already available in the United States but are not yet widely available in Australia.
These include:
- Higher-dose tirzepatide medications specifically marketed for weight loss
- Expanded indications for semaglutide therapies such as fatty liver treatment; and
- The New Wegovy oral (semaglutide pill) that obtained regulatory approval in late 2025.
Before becoming available in Australia, these medications must undergo review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure safety and effectiveness.
At Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hills’ trusted medical centre, our doctors closely monitor emerging treatments so we can provide the latest medical advice to patients visiting from Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst and surrounding areas.
The Next Generation of Weight Loss Medications
Injectable medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have demonstrated impressive weight-loss results in clinical trials. Many patients under the care of a Surry Hills doctor specialising in weight management have seen meaningful improvements in:
- Body weight
- Blood sugar control
- Cholesterol levels
- Cardiovascular risk; and
- Fatty liver disease
The latest oral and injectable medications have also demonstrated similar benefit.
New Oral Weight Loss Medications Being Developed
Several new oral medications are currently being studied in large clinical trials. Whilst not widely available in Australia, they represent the next frontier in obesity treatment.
Orforglipron – A Promising Oral GLP-1 Medication
One of the most promising medications currently being studied is orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable medications such as Wegovy or Ozempic, orforglipron is taken as a simple once-daily tablet.
Clinical trial results have been encouraging. Patients taking the highest dose in a major study experienced average weight loss of approximately 12% of body weight over 72 weeks, compared with minimal weight loss in placebo groups.
Researchers also observed improvements in:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood pressure; and
- Metabolic health markers
Regulatory review is currently ongoing in multiple countries but is expected to become available in the United States by mid to late 2026 and Australia by 2027.
Aleniglipron – Another Oral GLP-1 Under Investigation
Another medication currently being investigated is aleniglipron, an oral GLP-1 therapy showing promising early results. In clinical trials, some patients experienced weight loss of up to 16% of their body weight after approximately 44 weeks of treatment.
Researchers are particularly interested in this medication because it may offer:
- Significant appetite suppression
- Improved metabolic outcomes
- Lower rates of treatment discontinuation due to side effects
Further research is still underway before this medication becomes widely available.
Next-Generation Obesity Medications
Scientists are also studying medications that act on multiple hormone pathways simultaneously. These new drugs aim to improve weight loss outcomes while also addressing metabolic disease.
Amycretin – Dual Hormone Therapy, next-generation weight-loss drug developed by Novo Nordisk that functions as a unimolecular co-agonist, targeting both GLP-1 and amylin receptors. Early trials indicate significant potential, with up to 13-14% body weight loss observed in trials over 12 to 36 weeks
Retatrutide – Triple Hormone Therapy
One of the most exciting medications currently being studied is retatrutide, a treatment that targets three key metabolic hormones:
- GLP-1
- GIP
- Glucagon receptors
Early studies suggest retatrutide may produce substantial weight-loss results in clinical trials, making it one of the most anticipated future treatments for obesity.
If approved, medications like this could become important tools for doctors managing obesity and metabolic disease.
At Crown St Medical Centre, our team of experienced Male & Female Surry Hills GPs provide personalised medical weight-loss support.
Our approach focuses on long-term health rather than quick fixes.
Patients visiting our Surry Hills GP clinic may receive:
🩺 Comprehensive medical assessments
🩺 Screening for diabetes, cholesterol and metabolic disease
🩺 Personalised nutrition and exercise guidance
🩺 Discussion of medical weight-loss medications
🩺 Monitoring for side effects and treatment effectiveness
Our Surry Hills doctors work collaboratively with patients to create sustainable health plans that support long-term wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy weight is about more than appearance—it plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnoea
• Joint and mobility problems
Regular health check-ups with a Surry Hills GP can help identify risk factors early and support long-term health.
Crown St Medical Centre provides medical weight management for patients across Inner Sydney. Patients frequently visit our Surry Hills Medical Practice from Redfern, Paddington, Waterloo, Centennial Park, Woollahra, Darlinghurst, Alexandria and beyond. Our team of Surry Hills doctors provide a safe and supportive environment where patients can discuss their health goals without judgement.
If you are interested in learning more about injectable weight loss medications, new oral GLP-1 therapies, or medically supervised weight management, our experienced doctors are here to help. Book an Appointment with one of our Surry Hills GP
FAQs – Injectable and Oral Weight Loss Medications
- Are oral weight-loss medications available in Australia yet?
Most new oral GLP-1 medications are still undergoing clinical trials or regulatory review. Approval timelines vary depending on safety and effectiveness data. It is possible oral semaglutide will be available on Australian shores by late 2026
- Can my GP in Surry Hills prescribe weight-loss medications?
Yes. A GP can assess your health risks, discuss treatment options, and determine whether weight-loss medications are appropriate for your individual situation.
- What are the costs of Oral Wegovy compared to Injectables?
Based on American data, it is likely that oral semaglutide will be cheaper than injectable semaglutide.
- What are the additional health benefits of GLP-1 medications?
In addition to weight loss, current evidence indications GLP-1 medications are effective in managing reducing Cardiovascular disease risks, Fatty liver disease, Obstructive sleep apnoea, potential benefits are also seen in inflammatory arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Last medically reviewed: 19 March 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hills Medical Practice
Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW
