Pharmac has funded dulaglutide and liraglutide for type 2 diabetes, but not for weight loss – so those who are prescribed them for weight loss must pay for them. GLP-1s offer some health benefits that come about as a result of weight loss, as well as other unexpected positives. By triggering rapid weight loss, GLP-1s can lower that risk, as well as that of stroke. That’s partly because obesity can impact fertility in both men and women, so rapid weight loss can boost it. According to Ministry of Health clinical guidelines for health practitioners around weight loss management, “people should always use weight-loss drugs in conjunction with lifestyle changes”.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 23, 2025 15:09 UTC