February 4, 2026 — The increasing availability of weight-loss medications in Australia is raising alarms among health professionals, who warn that these drugs may be contributing to the development of new eating disorders. Patients like Kacey Martin, who began using such medication in June, are experiencing a resurgence of harmful behaviors.
Martin, who has a history of bulimia and other eating disorders, initially found relief with the medication, stating, “It reduced the food noise.” However, she soon noticed a return of compulsive behaviors, including frequent body-checking and weight-monitoring. “That psychological preoccupation with my weight has come back for me and gotten worse,” she admitted.
Concerns Over New Eating Disorders
As GLP-1 drugs become more accessible, experts are advocating for stricter prescribing guidelines, comprehensive eating disorder screenings, and enhanced medical support. The concern is that these medications could trigger new eating disorders or exacerbate existing conditions, especially for individuals with a history of anorexia.
Dr. Terri-Lynne South of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners highlights the risk of atypical anorexia, where individuals with a history of living in larger bodies become fixated on weight loss. “We need to be very mindful of whether we are setting people up to have an unhealthy relationship with food,” she cautioned.
“The medications can be prescribed appropriately and in doing so, actually cause someone to have disordered eating or an eating disorder.” – Dr. Terri-Lynne South
Regulatory Actions and Recommendations
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has taken steps against healthcare providers who improperly prescribe these medications, particularly through telehealth services. In some cases, inappropriate prescribing has led to severe consequences, including emergency hospitalizations for patients with anorexia.
An AHPRA spokesperson emphasized the need for thorough patient assessments before prescribing weight-loss medication, taking into account vulnerabilities like disordered eating or body image issues. “We have seen examples of patients admitted to hospital due to inappropriate prescribing of weight-loss medication,” they noted.
Expert Opinions and the Need for Support
Kacey Martin, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of NSW, expressed a desire for therapy to address the recurring thoughts she has experienced since starting the medication. “People often jump between eating disorders,” she explained, emphasizing the potential risks associated with assuming safety in prescribing these drugs to individuals with a history of eating disorders.
Josephine Money, a spokeswoman for Dietitians Australia, pointed out that GLP-1 medications could complicate adequate nutrition. “A starved brain has increased thoughts about food, increased anxiety, fear and drive for control,” she stated, linking these factors to typical anorexia cognitions.
Money estimates that about 40 percent of her clients are either taking GLP-1s, considering taking them, or curious.
Implications and Future Directions
While current evidence suggests that GLP-1 medications may benefit some individuals with binge-eating disorders, experts like Money stress the importance of “wraparound” support, including dietitians and mental health professionals, to mitigate risks of malnutrition and restrictive eating disorders.
Looking ahead, the debate over weight-loss medications underscores the need for comprehensive patient care and the potential for these drugs to influence eating disorder dynamics. As the conversation continues, health professionals and regulatory bodies must work together to ensure patient safety and well-being.
For confidential and free support for eating disorders, call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email.
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