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Semaglutide in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Buy Online

Emerging Writers' Festival  
26/05/2020

Millie Baylis is a writer and arts worker, living on Wurundjeri land. She writes essays, memoir and commentary, with recent work in Kill Your Darlings, Overland and The Victorian Writer. In 2019 she was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk fellow and the managing editor of Visible Ink, and in 2020 she is a Moreland Writer in Residence and the Program Coordinator for the Emerging Writers’ Festival.

What drew you to working at EWF?

As an emerging writer myself, I’ve loved attending EWF for years. I think Amazing Babes was the first festival event I ever went to, and I remember being so moved by the incredible work shared by so many amazing women that night. I’ve always loved the welcoming, enthusiastic culture of the festival, as well as the stimulating discussions on the craft of writing and its place in this world.

I’ve worked various jobs in the arts (including at the Wheeler Centre), ushering and getting to listen in on heaps of amazing literary events. Last year, I had a ball working front-of-house for EWF – except for when, while on stage at the National Writers’ Conference trying to get Maria Tumarkin’s mic working, the fly on my pants broke open in front of everyone… but that’s what emerging is all about, right?

It’s extremely exciting to have the chance to contribute to a festival I care about so much now as the Program Coordinator.

Why is celebrating emerging voices in writing important to you?

 There are so many answers to this question! For emerging writers, I think it can be really validating to be invited to share your work and/or ideas in public. That recognition and legitimation can give one the confidence to carry on – something that can be really hard when you’re just starting out. I also believe that writing is a craft that needs practice, and EWF offers a very tangible place for writers to do that – often in front of their first audience too.

There’s so much incredible work being made beyond the more established literary outlets that deserve to be seen and read and listened to. I think it’s so important to help platform this broad range of work, as well as helping writers form connections with each other, from across the continent (and from Aotearoa too.) There’s a shitload of talent to celebrate!

What are you working on outside of EWF?

 I’m working on my own essays – largely to do with mental and physical chronic illness, drawing on memory as well as literature and research to consider the body, trauma, violence, small joys and ideas of ‘healing’.

And I’ve recently joined the team that makes Chronically Chilled, a podcast/radio show about chronic illness and disability, on 3CR.

Is there a book that you feel is the equivalent of a warm hug to you?

To be honest, I’m not often drawn to books of a feelgood nature – but perhaps I should be!

Shadowboxing, the collection of semi-autobiographical linked short stories by Tony Birch, is maybe my favourite book. Birch is so generous and skilled at portraying small, specific moments of his characters’ humanity with such tenderness – I find something profoundly reassuring and hopeful in them.

More recently, Laura McPhee-Browne’s debut novel Cherry Beach made me sob, but it also definitely held me and stroked my hair sweetly after.

If you were an under the sea creature, which would you be?

I want to say a dolphin (from a position of aspiration, rather than recognition). Unlike humans, dolphins have to breathe consciously – it’s not a reflex. There is something staggeringly beautiful about this small but essential detail; that with each breath, they choose to live.

They’re also one of the few animals that are known to have sex for pleasure (and maybe, really, that must influence the breathing thing.) 

Our program launch is all about digital nostalgia – have you got a favourite nostalgic technology throwback?

 Like so many millennials, I spent my pre-teen years – every day at the school library, and every night at home on the family computer via the dial-up modem – talking to other young emos on MSN, and then MySpace. On weekends, I’d take a bus and then a long train to the city to meet internet emos IRL on the Flinders Street Station steps. We’d share headphones to listen to songs on our mp3 players, then return home to change our MSN names to whatever lyrics most matched our mood. (*~* </3 And I’m nothing more than a line in your book </3 *~* – Appears Offline.) I miss the tackiness and earnestness of our curated Myspace profiles back then – one’s choice of Myspace layout and graphics and profile song and ‘who I’d like to meet’ section was an expressive art form! – compared to the sameness of profiles online these days. (Cher Tan, genius emerging writer, wrote a brilliant piece about this btw.)

What are you most excited about for EWF20?

I’m thrilled by how accessible the festival will be online – and how that will mean more people can take part in our huge program of performances, panels, workshops and projects. I’m looking forward to hearing the hard conversations people will have about writing during this intensely unsettling time, to have my thinking challenged, and to experience all kinds of storytelling.

Our program’s out in just a week, and I’m busting to spill its secrets but I won’t, lol. Be sure to check it out when it goes live on June 2 – and I hope to see you during the festival online!

Emerging Writers’ Festival 2020 runs from 16-23 June online.

Buy Semaglutide Online In Australia – What You Need To Know. Visit Our Pharmacy ↓


Semaglutide in Australia: A Doctor’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Health After 30

Written from the perspective of an Australian General Practitioner

Attention: Are You Tired of Feeling Stuck in a Heavier, Exhausted Body?

If you are over 30, you have probably noticed it. The scales creep up even though you are not eating much more. Your energy crashes at 3pm. Your knees ache more. Your blood pressure is climbing, your fasting glucose is “borderline,” and your sleep is disturbed. You wake up tired, drag yourself through work, and come home with nothing left for your family. You may have tried diets, gym memberships, meal replacement shakes and calorie counting. They work for a while — and then the hunger and cravings roar back.

Here is the truth: this is not simply a willpower problem. Your body is fighting against you. After 30, hormonal shifts, insulin resistance and a slower metabolism make weight loss harder. As a doctor, I see patients every day who are frustrated, embarrassed and scared about type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver and sleep apnoea. They are also worried about how their health affects their work performance, their confidence and their long-term quality of life.

That is why I want to talk to you about semaglutide — a medication that has changed the landscape of metabolic health in Australia.

Interest: What Exactly Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural hormone in your gut called glucagon-like peptide-1. After you eat, GLP-1 sends signals to your brain that you are full, slows the emptying of your stomach, and helps your pancreas release insulin only when your blood sugar is high. In simple terms, semaglutide helps reduce hunger, control cravings, stabilise blood glucose and support sustainable weight loss.

Semaglutide is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. It is available in two main forms: injectable and oral. The injectable brands include Ozempic (mainly for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management). The oral form is Rybelsus. All are prescription-only medicines, so they must be started under medical supervision.

Feature Injectable Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus)
How often Once weekly Once daily
How to take Small subcutaneous injection pen, usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm Tablet taken on an empty stomach with a sip of water, then wait at least 30 minutes before food, drink or other medicines
Convenience Set-and-forget, very private, only once a week No needles, but requires a strict morning routine
Stomach tolerance Nausea can occur, especially early on; usually settles Similar gut side effects; absorption can be affected by food or other tablets
Best for People who want weekly convenience and are comfortable with a small injection People who strongly dislike needles and can follow the empty-stomach rule daily

Both forms are effective. As a doctor, I choose based on your lifestyle, preferences, tolerance and medical history. The goal is always the same: better metabolic health, less hunger, and a healthier body weight.

Desire: How Semaglutide Fits Into Your Real Life in Australia

1. Semaglutide and Workplace Considerations

Many Australians over 30 spend long hours at work. Energy dips, brain fog and frequent sick days can hurt your career and your income. Semaglutide helps stabilise blood glucose, which often translates into fewer afternoon crashes, sharper focus and better productivity. When you are not constantly thinking about food, you can concentrate on your job and your family.

If you choose the injectable form, the pen is discreet. Unopened pens are kept in the fridge, but once in use, they can generally be kept at room temperature for up to six weeks — check the specific product information. This makes workplace storage simple. If you choose oral semaglutide, take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you commute, you can take it before leaving home and eat breakfast 30 minutes later. For shift workers, I recommend planning the dose around your longest fasting window.

Semaglutide does not cause sedation or cognitive impairment, so it is safe for driving and operating machinery. However, if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, you need to monitor for low blood sugar and carry a healthy snack at work.

2. Injectable vs Oral Semaglutide — Choosing What Works for You

The table above shows the key differences. My advice for most patients is not to fear the injection. The needle is very small, and once-weekly dosing is often easier to remember than a daily tablet. Oral semaglutide is a good option for people who cannot tolerate injections, but it must be taken correctly or absorption drops. Your GP will help you decide.

3. Semaglutide Meal Planning Tips

Semaglutide reduces your appetite significantly. That means every mouthful matters. You need nutrient-dense food to avoid muscle loss, fatigue and nutrient deficiencies. The best approach is simple: protein first, fibre second, and healthy fats in moderation.

Meal Smart choices Foods to go easy on
Breakfast Greek yoghurt with berries, eggs, oats, a protein shake Pastries, sugary cereals, fruit juice, large milky coffees
Lunch Grilled chicken salad, quinoa bowl, tinned tuna, lentil soup Creamy pasta, deep-fried foods, large white bread sandwiches
Dinner Grilled fish, lean red meat, tofu, steamed vegetables, sweet potato Takeaway burgers, creamy curries, large portions of rice or chips
Snacks A handful of nuts, protein yoghurt, boiled eggs, vegetable sticks Chocolate, biscuits, chips, sugary drinks

Doctor's tip: Stop eating when you are 80% full. Eat slowly. Avoid high-fat, fried or very sweet foods, because they can worsen nausea and bloating. Drink at least 1.5–2 litres of water daily.

4. Semaglutide and Gastrointestinal Health

The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and reflux. This happens because semaglutide deliberately slows stomach emptying. The good news is that these symptoms are usually temporary and improve after the first few weeks.

You can reduce gut discomfort by starting at a low dose and increasing slowly, eating smaller meals, avoiding fatty foods, not lying down straight after eating, and drinking ginger tea for nausea. Fibre and water help constipation. Your gut microbiome also benefits from the healthier food choices that semaglutide makes easier.

Symptom Why it happens Doctor's management tips
Nausea Stomach empties more slowly Small bland meals, ginger tea, avoid high-fat food, start low dose
Constipation Slower gut transit Increase water, fibre from vegetables and whole grains, daily walking
Diarrhoea Gut adjusting to medication Avoid rich or spicy food, stay hydrated, eat plain foods temporarily
Reflux / heartburn Slower emptying and larger meals Avoid late meals, alcohol and coffee; elevate the head of the bed

Rarely, severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting can occur. If you experience severe abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, stop the medication and seek urgent medical attention.

5. Semaglutide and Exercise Intensity

Many people think they need to do punishing workouts to lose weight. On semaglutide, that is not necessary — and early on, it can even be counterproductive. Because your calorie intake drops, doing very high-intensity exercise in the first few weeks can leave you dizzy, weak or exhausted.

My advice is to start with moderate exercise: brisk walking, swimming, cycling or light resistance training, 20–30 minutes most days. Add two strength sessions per week to preserve muscle mass and keep your metabolism strong. As the weight comes off, your joints will hurt less, your fitness will improve, and you can gradually increase intensity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but listen to your body.

6. Semaglutide and Vaccination

Semaglutide does not weaken your immune system. It is safe to receive routine vaccinations while taking it — including influenza, COVID-19 boosters, shingles and travel vaccines. You do not need to stop semaglutide before or after a vaccine.

In fact, staying up to date with vaccinations is especially important for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, because infections can spike blood sugar and make you feel much worse. If you develop a fever after vaccination, rest, drink plenty of fluids and monitor your glucose if you are diabetic. There is no known interaction between semaglutide and vaccines.

7. Semaglutide and Depression

Living with excess weight, fatigue and metabolic problems can take a serious toll on mental health. Many patients over 30 feel low, anxious, embarrassed and hopeless. They avoid social events, struggle with self-esteem and feel trapped in their own body. Semaglutide is not an antidepressant, but by helping you lose weight, improve blood sugar and sleep better, it often leads to a significant improvement in mood and confidence.

There is also emerging research suggesting GLP-1 medications may have beneficial effects on brain inflammation and mood regulation, though this is still being studied. If you have a history of depression, you can usually take semaglutide alongside your antidepressant. However, any medication that changes your body weight or metabolism can affect mood, so I always tell patients to report new or worsening low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm immediately.

8. Semaglutide and Polypharmacy

By the time Australians reach their 40s and 50s, many are taking multiple medications: blood pressure tablets, cholesterol-lowering statins, metformin, reflux medicines, pain relievers and sometimes antidepressants. This is called polypharmacy, and it increases the risk of side effects and drug interactions.

One of the hidden benefits of semaglutide is that it may reduce your need for some of these medicines. Weight loss and better glucose control can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and reduce the need for diabetes drugs. This means fewer tablets, fewer side effects, lower costs and less hassle.

However, semaglutide can interact with some medicines. Because it slows stomach emptying, it may affect the absorption of oral medications such as thyroxine and warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor your thyroid function or INR more closely. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycaemia increases when starting semaglutide, so your doses may need to be reduced.

Medication class What semaglutide may do Doctor's action
Blood pressure tablets May lower blood pressure further Monitor BP; reduce dose if needed
Statins / cholesterol medicines May improve lipid profile Continue; repeat blood tests
Metformin Complementary glucose-lowering effect Usually continue together
Insulin / sulfonylureas Increased risk of low blood sugar Reduce dose and monitor glucose closely
Thyroxine Absorption may be affected, especially with oral semaglutide Separate timing; monitor thyroid levels
Warfarin Absorption may be delayed Monitor INR more frequently
Antidepressants Generally safe to combine Monitor mood and side effects

Never stop or adjust your other medicines on your own. Always work with your GP to make changes safely.

Action: Take Control Today — Your Health Is Worth It

Semaglutide is not a magic injection or a quick fix. It is a powerful medical tool that works with your biology to reduce hunger, stabilise blood sugar and support lasting weight loss. For many Australians over 30, it has been the turning point after years of failed diets and declining health.

In Australia, semaglutide is available by prescription only. If you are struggling with weight, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver or sleep apnoea, talk to your GP about whether semaglutide is right for you.

Here is your next step:

You do not have to wait until diabetes, heart disease or joint damage forces you to change. You can take action now. Ask your GP about semaglutide and take the first step towards a lighter, healthier, more energetic life.

Disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace individual medical advice. Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine in Australia. Always consult a qualified doctor before starting or changing any medication.



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2020.emergingwritersfestival.org.au
2020.emergingwritersfestival.org.au