A major shift in obesity treatment and what it means for Australians
The World Health Organization has released new global advice recognising medications like semaglutide as safe and effective long term treatment options for obesity. This marks one of the biggest turning points in obesity care in years and will influence how doctors and health systems around the world approach weight support programs.
This update follows strong clinical evidence showing that medications in this class help patients manage appetite, improve metabolic health, reduce long term disease risks and create sustainable weight loss outcomes when used with medical supervision.
At the same time, demand for these programs in Australia continues to grow. Many Australians want access to structured, medically guided weight support programs but struggle with the upfront costs involved. This is where early release of super can play a vital role.
What the World Health Organization is recommending
The WHO has confirmed that medications similar to Ozempic can be used as long term treatment for people living with obesity. They note that obesity is a chronic health condition and requires ongoing management rather than short term or one off interventions.
Their updated guidance highlights several key points.
• Long term medical treatment can be appropriate for managing obesity
• These medications are most effective when combined with nutrition support and lifestyle guidance
• Ongoing supervision by qualified medical professionals is essential for safety and best results
• Obesity is a medical condition and not a personal failing
These recommendations reflect what many doctors and clinics have already seen in practice. Consistency and long term support lead to meaningful improvements in physical and mental wellbeing.
Readers can view the full article here on MSN for additional context
Why this matters for people seeking treatment in Australia
The updated advice from the World Health Organization helps validate what thousands of Australians already know. Weight support medications can change lives when people have access to safe, structured and clinically supervised programs.
However, high out of pocket costs remain one of the biggest barriers to starting treatment. Programs often include medical assessments, prescription support, ongoing reviews and coaching. Many Australians delay care simply because the upfront cost feels out of reach.
Using your super to fund weight management treatment
Under the ATO compassionate grounds category, Australians may be able to access their super to help pay for medical treatment recommended by a doctor. This includes weight management programs when they are prescribed as part of a medically recognised plan for improving health and wellbeing.
Release My Super has helped thousands of people access care for essential health related treatments. We work with many leading clinics across Australia and guide you through every step of the process from assessments to application preparation and superfund liaison.
You can read more about accessing your super for medical programs on our website through the apply now page
