When It Becomes Unaffordable, What Are Your Options?
Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have changed how many people think about weight management. For some, these treatments can reduce appetite, support healthier eating patterns, and finally make weight loss feel achievable after years of frustration.
But there’s a reality that many people don’t hear enough about until they are living it.
What happens when you can’t afford to stay on the medication long-term?
A recent Toronto Star opinion piece titled “I couldn’t afford to keep taking Ozempic. Here’s what happened when I stopped” captures this experience with honesty. The author describes reaching a milestone weight, and feeling surprised that it didn’t bring the relief they expected. Not because the medication didn’t help, but because the bigger issue was still there:
The cost. And the fear of what happens when you stop.
While that story is based in Canada, the emotional and financial pressure is familiar to many Australians too.
The ongoing cost of weight loss medication can be a real barrier
In Australia, medical weight loss therapy may include
- prescription medication (including GLP-1 therapies)
- regular clinician check-ins
- program or subscription fees (depending on the provider)
- blood tests and monitoring
For some people, this becomes a manageable short-term expense.
For others, it turns into a monthly cost that feels hard to sustain, especially when treatment is needed for longer than expected. In some structured programs, costs can reach up to $1,000 per month, depending on what’s included.
And that’s where the stress often begins.
Because weight loss isn’t just about ‘starting’, it’s about maintaining progress in a way that fits your real life.
Why stopping medication can feel so difficult
The Toronto Star article highlights something important: stopping isn’t always a choice.
Many people stop because:
- the monthly cost becomes too high
- coverage changes or access becomes difficult
- they can’t justify the ongoing expense long-term
And when medication is removed, some people experience:
- appetite returning strongly
- cravings increasing
- weight becoming harder to manage
- fear of ‘slipping back’ into old patterns
This can be deeply discouraging, especially if medication was the first thing that felt like it truly helped.
It’s also worth saying clearly, this is not a willpower problem.
Weight regulation is complex, and many factors affect hunger, metabolism, and long-term weight stability.
The big question isn’t ‘Does it work?’… it’s ‘Can I afford it long-term?’
If you’re currently using medical weight loss therapy, or considering it, it’s worth asking:
- What will this cost me over 6 months?
- What will it cost over 12 months?
- What happens if I stop?
- Do I have a long-term plan beyond medication?
Because for many people, the financial strain becomes its own form of stress, and stress rarely supports sustainable change.
A longer-term pathway to consider: Weight loss surgery
For Australians who want a structured medical option that doesn’t rely on ongoing monthly medication costs, weight loss surgery may be worth exploring.
At East Sydney Private Hospital, we support patients who are considering surgery as a next step, particularly when lifestyle changes alone haven’t been enough, or when the ongoing cost of medical therapy feels unsustainable.
Weight loss surgery isn’t a shortcut. It’s a serious decision, and it should be approached with the right support, information, and care.
But for many people, it can offer a clearer pathway forward.
Weight loss surgery options at East Sydney Private Hospital
Our bariatric surgeons offer established procedures, including
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- Mini Gastric Bypass
- Revision (Revisional) Surgery (for selected patients)
Your consultation is a collaborative conversation, where your surgeon takes the time to understand your history, your goals, and what approach may suit you best.
What about cost? Many patients use superannuation
Cost is one of the biggest reasons people delay surgery, even when they feel ready.
The good news is many patients choose to fund weight loss surgery through early release of superannuation on medical grounds, where eligible.
This can help patients:
- reduce the pressure of a large upfront cost
- avoid ongoing monthly medication expenses
- move forward sooner, rather than waiting years
Our team can explain the process clearly and guide you through what documentation is typically required.
Medication vs surgery: it doesn’t have to be ‘either/or’
Some people:
- start with medication and later explore surgery
- try medication but stop due to cost or side effects
- choose surgery because they want a defined pathway with long-term structure
There’s no ‘right’ answer, only the right option for your health, circumstances, and budget.
The important part is knowing you have choices.
A supportive next step: talk it through
If you’ve been thinking:
- “I can’t afford to keep doing this forever…”
- “I’m scared of regaining if I stop…”
- “I just want a plan that’s realistic long-term…”
A confidential conversation can help you feel clearer.
At East Sydney Private Hospital, we can guide you through:
- your suitability for weight loss surgery
- what the process looks like
- expected costs and funding pathways (including superannuation for eligible patients)
Your next step can be simple
If you would like guidance tailored to your goals book a personalised call with Judy
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. The content on this page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Before commencing your surgical journey, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
