This article reflects one person's lived experience with a prescription-only medication, under medical supervision. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another.

I was prescribed weight loss medication because I had experienced some weight-related health issues. During the pandemic and Victoria’s lockdown period, I put on 18kg. I comfort ate and drank quite heavily to escape mentally. It was a tough time working from home whilst homeschooling two kids with dyslexia.

Fast forward a year or so and I was still struggling to lose the weight I had gained. I believe it was a combination of stress, alcohol, relationship and work issues, and perimenopause.

Watch: Here's how women of perimenopausal and menopausal age, who were previously targeted with weight loss marketing, are now being marketed menopause-related products. Post continues below.

Once the country began to open up, work got very busy and required travel, as well as attending and managing several big events.

At the end of the year, I ended up in hospital with diverticulitis — an infection and inflammation in the digestive tract. Factors that increase the risk of diverticulitis include stress, heavy alcohol use and obesity.

A gastroenterologist advised me to stop drinking alcohol and lose weight. They discussed clinical treatment paths with me and wrote a prescription for a weight-loss medication. She didn't explain how the drug worked or give me any advice about side effects or how to manage them. When I raised some questions, she brushed me off and sent me on my merry way.

I had no luck the first few times I tried to fill the prescription, so I put it on the back burner. In the meantime, I was reading about the results many people — including celebrities — were reporting.

At the time, there were significant supply pressures, and I was conscious that others with more urgent medical needs should have priority access. I waited until my local pharmacy had enough stock available before filling my script.

I officially started the medication just over five months ago, under medical guidance to begin on a low dose and gradually increase over time.

In the initial weeks on the starting dose, my body adjusted slowly. I lost a little weight — about 2kg in the first eight weeks. My appetite decreased slightly, but I was still getting hungry throughout the day.

I experienced waves of nausea and some headaches, which I discussed with my GP to manage appropriately. I was also fatigued and, if I could, I would nap in the afternoon. Not ideal, but at this stage, I could cope with the side effects.

I upped my exercise, visiting the gym for strength training three times a week, going for nature walks and adding two dance classes. I tried to eat protein at every meal. I didn't lose my fondness for chocolate (some people report they completely lose the taste for sugar), but I certainly cut back.

As the treatment plan progressed over the next few months, the physical impact changed. My appetite decreased substantially, and I lost another 4kg.

What was strange was that initially the side effects seemed okay, but over time they worsened to the point where I was feeling very sick daily: nausea, extreme exhaustion, abdominal pain and constipation.

This is when I decided to do some research and speak to medical professionals. I called a surgeon friend and went back to my GP to discuss what I was experiencing.

What I learnt — particularly from consulting standard product safety guidelines and speaking directly with my doctor — was sobering.

The side effects some people experience on these medications can be significant. Beyond the common gastrointestinal effects like nausea and constipation, more serious side effects can include kidney problems, gallbladder issues and pancreatitis. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should speak to their doctor promptly.

I had completely quit alcohol and was exercising regularly, so I felt I should be feeling better than I was. The side effects were making everyday life difficult.

My GP and I agreed it was best to stop the medication temporarily to see how I felt. Within days, my hunger returned strongly.

Based on my personal experience, taking a break meant the appetite suppression stopped immediately, making me highly aware of the ongoing challenge of weight management.

Fortunately, I started to feel better once off it. The headaches dissipated fairly quickly, the constipation eased, and my energy improved.

Unfortunately, I was hungry again and began eating more. I was still making healthy choices, but I was getting ravenous in the afternoon. I experienced a slight weight fluctuation, gaining 1kg back, and was bitterly disappointed.

Any person who has continuously battled with their weight knows that once you find an approach that works, you want to hold onto it. The emotional complexity of that is real and not talked about enough.

After discussing it with my GP, I made an informed decision to restart at a lower dose, with closer monitoring.

My treatment plan was later adjusted under my doctor's guidance. Some side effects have returned — mainly headaches and tiredness — and I've noticed some hair loss, but at this stage they are manageable. I have noticed a positive change in how my clothes fit.

In total, my individual response showed a loss of about 7.5kg over five months, which included my two-week break.

For me, this class of treatment is by no means a wonder drug. On a higher dose, the side effects were intolerable — I could not manage everyday life feeling so unwell.

What I've learnt is that everyone reacts differently. Some people report no side effects; others experience the full range. And what I cannot stress enough is that navigating this without close medical supervision would have been genuinely dangerous. My GP has been essential to helping me manage this experience safely.

This is not an easy path, and it is not a quick fix. It is a medically supervised treatment for a health condition — and it should be treated as such.

Disclaimer: This article reflects one person's unique lived experience and is intended for broad public-interest and informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice or a clinical endorsement. Prescription-only (Schedule 4) weight-management medicines carry specific medical indications, requirements, and potential side effects, and they are not suitable for everyone. Readers must always consult a qualified Australian healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any prescribed medical treatment.

Feature image: Getty.