GPs who prescribe semaglutide should be obliged to also refer those patients on to a dietitian for appropriate counselling, Dietitians Australia says.

The organisation’s president Dr Fiona Willer (PhD) said any prescription of GLP-1 receptor agonists must happen alongside a referral to an accredited practising dietitian to ensure patients’ nutritional needs and preferences are supported.

“We acknowledge the strong and growing evidence base on the efficacy of semaglutide medications for inducing weight loss and regulating blood sugar as well as the significant side effects experienced,” Dr Willer said.

“We know more Australians are turning to [semaglutide] for weight loss.