Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?

Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?

Author: ABC Australia August 8, 2026 Duration: 52:06
‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating disorder.  Surveys of acute pancreatitis are currently underway around Australia, in response to an increase in cases globally. A study from South Australia shows some surprising results with an increased incidence in young people, women and those from a higher socio-economic background. If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder:  Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673 National Eating Disorder Collaboration Lifeline on 131 114   References AHPRA statement on telehealth providers not screening for eating disorders JAMA Psychiatry: Use and Misuse of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among People With Eating Disorders Epidemiological time trends in acute pancreatitis – A 16-year experience from South Australia Rise in drug-related deaths and hospitalisations driven by stimulants, annual NDARC reports find Global Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol—Leveraging Estimation for Action | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA Network Laureates of the 2026 L'Oreal UNESCO for Women in Science International Awards Vitamin B6: too much, too little, too late? An analysis of sales trends in Australia from 2023 to 2025  

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Why you should speed up your steps, even just in short bursts. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace. The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a…
Validation for people living with chronic pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:33
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID. Women of reprod…
Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. A new study shows peo…
Will this help more men get prostate checkups? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups. A new global study suggests people ove…
BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease. A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being tria…
When is a child ready for their own smartphone? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device? Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose lev…
What can you really learn from a biological ageing test? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:23
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your w…
Who should be allowed to prescribe medications? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be author…
Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:19
While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease…