With more treatment options than ever before, New Zealanders now have greater flexibility in how they approach their health goals. Whether you're considering prescription medication, a medical weight loss plan, or lifestyle-based programmes, it’s important to understand what each option offers — and which is best suited to your needs. In this article, we’ll explore several common weight loss treatments available in NZ and how to choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and health status.

Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (including Wegovy) are becoming more widely used in New Zealand. These treatments help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and support blood sugar control, leading to a gradual reduction in weight.

They’re typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea. These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with healthy eating, physical activity, and medical supervision.

Best for:

• People who have struggled to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone
  
  

• Individuals with weight-related health risks
  
  

• Those comfortable with a structured medical plan and regular follow-up
  
  

Behavioural Weight Loss Programmes

These are typically group-based or one-on-one coaching plans that focus on habit change, nutrition education, and activity planning. Options in New Zealand include dietitian-led services, lifestyle coaches, and digital programmes with mobile tracking apps.

These plans may not include medication but offer strong support in identifying emotional triggers, building sustainable routines, and staying accountable over time.

Best for:

• Individuals wanting to avoid medication
  
  

• Those who benefit from coaching and peer support
  
  

• People seeking gradual, lifestyle-focused change
  
  

Meal Replacement Plans

Meal replacement programmes offer pre-packaged shakes or meals to simplify calorie control. These may be available over the counter or through medically supervised plans. While effective for short-term weight loss, they may lack long-term sustainability without strong behavioural support.

Best for:

• Short-term results
  
  

• People who prefer a structured, simplified eating routine
  
  

• Those looking for a reset before transitioning to whole-food eating
  
  

Surgical Options

Procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy are typically reserved for individuals with severe obesity or those with chronic health issues that haven’t responded to other interventions. These treatments require significant preparation, lifelong follow-up, and major lifestyle changes post-surgery.

Best for:

• Individuals with a BMI over 40, or over 35 with serious health complications
  
  

• Those who’ve exhausted other treatment options
  
  

• People committed to long-term medical oversight
  
  

Choosing What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to weight loss. The right treatment depends on your health profile, goals, preferences, and willingness to make long-term changes. Before making a decision, consider:

• Are you seeking fast results, or gradual, sustainable progress?
  
  

• Do you prefer in-person or online support?
  
  

• Are you open to using medication or do you want to focus purely on lifestyle?
  
  

• Do you have health conditions that may influence treatment eligibility?
  
  

Speaking with a GP or licensed online provider can help clarify which weight loss treatments are appropriate for you and create a plan that suits your body, schedule, and long-term goals.