Wegovy® and Mounjaro® in Dunedin, Queenstown & Southland
By Mr Mark Grant FRACS | Southern Weight Loss
If you are struggling with weight despite repeated efforts, you may be wondering:
- Am I eligible for Wegovy in New Zealand?
- Can I get Mounjaro for weight loss in Dunedin?
- What BMI do I need for weight loss medication?
- Who should not take GLP-1 medications?
The good news is that effective modern treatment options now exist.
At Southern Weight Loss, Mr Mark Grant, bariatric surgeon and obesity specialist in Dunedin, helps patients across Otago, Queenstown, Central Otago and Southland understand whether medication such as Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is appropriate, and when surgery may be a better option.
What Are Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy®
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1 medication that reduces hunger, improves fullness and supports long-term weight loss.
Mounjaro®
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 medication that often produces even greater weight loss in suitable patients.
Both are used as part of a medical obesity treatment plan, not cosmetic quick fixes.
Who is eligible for Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Standard BMI criteria
Most evidence-based guidelines use the following thresholds:
Eligible if:
BMI 30 or higher
You may qualify if you have obesity, even without other conditions.
BMI 27 or higher + weight-related medical problems
You may qualify if you are overweight and have one or more obesity-related conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnoea
- High cholesterol
- Fatty liver disease
- PCOS
- Knee arthritis worsened by weight
- Reflux worsened by central weight gain
What BMI means in real life
(Approximate guide only)
| Height | BMI 27 | BMI 30 | BMI 35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 165 cm | 73.5 kg | 81.7 kg | 95.3 kg |
| 170 cm | 78.0 kg | 86.7 kg | 101.2 kg |
| 175 cm | 82.7 kg | 91.9 kg | 107.2 kg |
Who often benefits most?
At Southern Weight Loss, common suitable patients include:
1. Repeated weight regain
You lose weight, then regain it repeatedly.
2. Strong hunger / food noise
Constant cravings, intrusive food thoughts, difficult appetite control.
3. Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes
These medications can help both weight and glucose control.
4. Mobility issues
Weight contributing to knee pain, breathlessness or fatigue.
5. Post-Surgical weight regain
Some patients after gastric sleeve or bypass benefit from medication support.
Who Is NOT eligible or needs caution?
These medications are not right for everyone.
Usually avoid / need specialist review:
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive
- Breastfeeding
- Personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- MEN2 syndrome
- Severe gastroparesis
- Active eating disorder
- Previous pancreatitis (individualised decision)
- Severe uncontrolled psychiatric illness
- Significant malnutrition
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms
When medication may not be the best option
Sometimes surgery is more effective than medication alone.
Consider Bariatric surgery if:
- BMI 35–40+ with significant disease
- Severe reflux (especially if sleeve unsuitable)
- Need durable larger weight loss
- Failed medication
- Ongoing high lifetime medication cost concerns
At Southern Weight Loss we provide both medical and surgical pathways, so advice is unbiased and tailored.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro: which is better?
Wegovy may suit:
- First-time medication users
- Need simpler pathway
- Good appetite response to GLP-1 alone
Mounjaro may suit:
- Higher BMI
- Significant insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- Need stronger weight-loss response
This should be individualised after consultation.
Common reasons patients fail on medication
Often not the drug itself.
Usually:
- Dose escalated too fast
- No protein / strength plan
- Poor side effect management
- Unrealistic expectations
- Stopping too early
- No maintenance strategy
That is why structured support matters.
How Southern Weight Loss is different
Many online clinics simply prescribe.
We provide:
- Full assessment
- Honest eligibility review
- Nutrition guidance
- Muscle-preservation strategy
- Side-effect management
- Surgical backup options
- Local long-term follow-up
Expert care, provided locally.
Dunedin | Queenstown | Central Otago | Southland
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a GP prescribe Wegovy in NZ?
Yes, GPs can prescribe, though structured obesity expertise improves outcomes.
Can I get Mounjaro in Dunedin?
Yes, depending on availability and suitability.
Is BMI the only factor?
No. Health conditions, hunger biology, previous attempts and goals all matter.
If my BMI is under 27 can I get it?
Usually not for obesity treatment, unless special circumstances.
Do I need to stay on it forever?
Many patients need long-term treatment. Stopping commonly leads to regain.
Book a Consultation
If you are wondering whether Wegovy or Mounjaro is right for you, we can help.