Research

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Cardiovascular diseases Obesity
Volume 224 - Issue 8

Estimating Eligibility for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Chronic Weight Management and Cardiovascular Disease in Australia: Cross-Sectional Analysis of National Health Survey Data

Authors:  Jasmin Castrillon, Chris Schilling, Sharmala Thuraisingam, Michael W. Hii, Priya Sumithran, Peter F. Choong, Michelle M. Dowsey, Cade Shadbolt

Correspondence: cade.shadbolt@unimelb.edu.au

Med J Aust 2026 || doi: 10.5694/mja2.70253
Published online: 16 August 2026
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Abstract

Objective 

To estimate population-level eligibility for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications among adults in Australia, according to Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved indications for chronic weight management and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Study Type

Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 National Health Survey.

Setting, Participants

Non-pregnant adults aged ≥ 18 years who were residents of Australia living in a private dwelling.

Main Outcome Measures

Total number of adults eligible for GLP-1RA medications according to approved indications for chronic weight management and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with overweight or obesity, across subgroups defined by body mass index, weight-related comorbidities and/or sociodemographic factors.

Results

Overall, 39.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.4%–41.0%) of adults were eligible for GLP-1RA use for chronic weight management, accounting for 7.8 million (95% CI, 7.6–8.1 million) individuals. Among those eligible, 2.9 million (95% CI, 2.7–3.1 million) adults had no weight-related comorbidities, 3.3 million (95% CI, 3.1–3.4 million) adults had one weight-related comorbidity and 1.7 million (95% CI, 1.6–1.8 million) adults had at least two weight-related comorbidities. The proportion of adults eligible under this indication varied across clinical and sociodemographic factors. Among those eligible under the chronic weight management indication, up to 338.9 thousand (95% CI, 271.3–406.5 thousand) adults also met the indication criteria for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

About 7.8 million Australian adults are eligible to access GLP-1RAs for chronic weight management, with up to 338.9 thousand adults also qualifying according to the indication for established cardiovascular disease. This study provides a valuable reference for policymakers to understand the number of adults in Australia who may access GLP-1RA medications based on approved indication criteria and under various coverage scenarios.

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