13 January 2026 - Top Stories

Global analyses of weight-loss medicines show most patients regain weight within two years after stopping treatment. For GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, the typical regain is about 0.4 kg per month, with the initial weight loss likely erased in around 1.7 years. Cardiometabolic gains, including improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol, tend to revert within about 14 months. The finding draws on 37 trials and almost 9,400 adults. It underlines the need for long-term, integrated care models that combine pharmacology with sustained lifestyle support.

From 1 March 2026, Australian GPs will regain Medicare rebates for ECGs. Practitioners can claim both the tracing and clinical notes under the MBS, aligning with specialist claims. The government will invest about $24 million to refresh service descriptions and expand higher rebates, supporting earlier heart-disease detection in primary care.

Australia’s PBS listings for 2026 include expanded use of adalimumab for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, reducing the out-of-pocket cost from around $650 to $25 for families. Other additions cover odevixibat for a rare paediatric liver condition and ublituximab among new entries, widening access to treatments for immune-mediated and rare diseases.

OpenAI has started rolling out ChatGPT Health in Australia, initially to a small group with broader access on a waitlist before a nationwide launch in February. Users can upload medical data and link wellness apps to receive tailored guidance in a secure, separate space; conversations are not used to train models.

Nestlé recalled five batches of ALFAMINO infant formula sold in Australia after detecting cereulide toxin from Bacillus cereus. The batches target babies with milk allergies and have expiry dates between April and July 2027. No illnesses have been reported; the toxin is heat-stable and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy soon after ingestion.

The Northern Territory has banned puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones for adolescents, a move echoed by Queensland. The AMA NT criticises the ban, arguing it rests on misinformation. The regulatory landscape remains unsettled and could affect access to trans health services.

• Integrate obesity pharmacotherapy with long-term care to sustain outcomes.
• Prepare for GP ECG rebates; update MBS billing and scheduling workflows.
• Track PBS expansions and pricing; align procurement and patient access strategies.
• Govern AI health tools; ensure data privacy, security and clinical governance.
• Strengthen infant nutrition safety; bolster supply-chain quality controls and recall readiness.
• Monitor regulatory shifts in adolescent gender-affirming care; plan patient-access strategies.