Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now available in New Zealand

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is now available in New Zealand by prescription. It is approved for use in adults and must be prescribed by a New Zealand registered medical practitioner.

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual GLP 1 and GIP receptor agonist used in metabolic medicine. Its availability in New Zealand expands evidence based options for medical weight management and type 2 diabetes care.

At rfynd in New Zealand, Mounjaro prescribing is provided by Dr Nicole Wilde, Specialist in Obesity Medicine, with integrated nutrition therapy delivered by dietitian Kylie Russell. Treatment is medically supervised and individualised.

What is Mounjaro and what is tirzepatide

Mounjaro is the brand name.
Tirzepatide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Tirzepatide is a once weekly injectable medication that activates both GLP 1 and GIP receptors. These receptors regulate appetite, satiety, insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.

By targeting both pathways, tirzepatide can:

• Reduce appetite and food intake
• Improve glycaemic control
• Support clinically significant weight reduction
• Improve cardiometabolic markers

International clinical trials have demonstrated substantial reductions in body weight in adults with obesity and in those with type 2 diabetes. Outcomes depend on dose, duration of treatment, adherence and concurrent lifestyle modification.

Is Mounjaro available in New Zealand?

Yes. Mounjaro is available in New Zealand through regulated pharmacies with a valid prescription.

It is important to distinguish between regulatory approval and public funding. Mounjaro is approved for prescribing in New Zealand. It is not currently publicly funded for most patients and is generally privately purchased.

Supply and pricing may vary by pharmacy and dose. Monthly cost increases as the dose escalates.

Patients seeking Mounjaro in New Zealand should ensure it is prescribed by a registered doctor and dispensed through a legitimate pharmacy.

Who may be considered for tirzepatide treatment

Tirzepatide may be considered in adults who meet criteria for medical weight management or who require additional glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Suitability depends on:

• Body mass index and weight related comorbidities
• Previous response to structured lifestyle therapy
• Medication interactions
• Contraindications and medical history
• Individual risk profile

Not all individuals are appropriate candidates.

At rfynd, Dr Nicole Wilde conducts a comprehensive obesity medicine assessment before prescribing Mounjaro. Ongoing follow up includes dose titration, metabolic monitoring and side effect management.

The role of dietitian support during Mounjaro treatment

Appetite suppression alters eating patterns. Without structured guidance, patients may reduce protein intake, lose lean muscle mass or experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

Dietitian Kylie Russell provides targeted nutrition support during Mounjaro therapy. This includes:

• Establishing protein targets to preserve lean mass
• Managing nausea, reflux and constipation
• Supporting hydration and electrolyte balance
• Structuring meals during reduced appetite
• Developing sustainable long term habits

Medication influences appetite. Nutrition determines body composition and long term maintenance.

Safety considerations with tirzepatide

The most common side effects of tirzepatide are gastrointestinal, particularly during dose escalation. These may include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea or reflux.

Gradual titration and dietary modification improve tolerance.

Tirzepatide is a prescription only medicine. It requires individual assessment and monitoring. Treatment decisions involve discussion of benefits, risks, alternatives and long term planning.

Medication should only be obtained through regulated New Zealand supply channels.

Medical weight management in New Zealand

Mounjaro represents an advancement in pharmacological treatment for obesity and metabolic disease in New Zealand. It is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive care model that includes medical oversight, nutrition therapy and behavioural intervention.

At rfynd, the objective is improved metabolic health, reduction in long term disease risk and sustainable change.

Individuals considering Mounjaro in New Zealand can seek a specialist consultation to determine whether tirzepatide is appropriate for their clinical circumstances.

Explore whether Mounjaro is appropriate for you

Tirzepatide requires individual medical assessment. If you are considering medical weight management, you can book a consultation with Dr Nicole Wilde, Specialist in Obesity Medicine, and receive integrated nutrition support from dietitian Kylie Russell.

Book a consultation.

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Important information

This article provides general educational information. It does not replace personalised medical advice. Mounjaro and tirzepatide require assessment by a qualified health professional prior to prescribing.

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A recent Radio New Zealand (RNZ) investigation has revealed that fake “New Zealand doctors” are promoting GLP-1 weight-loss products online, and many of these “doctors” simply don’t exist. These scams are not only misleading but could also put your health at risk. Read the full RNZ article here ›

As an evidence-based medical clinic, rfynd Weight Loss is deeply concerned about this growing trend. We want to raise awareness of these fake doctor scams and highlight the importance of seeking help from qualified, specialist clinicians such as Dr Nicole Wilde, our board-certified Obesity Medicine Specialist.

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What the RNZ investigation found:

RNZ uncovered multiple social media accounts claiming to be “New Zealand doctors” promoting GLP-1 medications for rapid weight loss. These pages often:

• Use fake names and stock photos of “doctors”
• Claim false Medsafe approval
• Offer “oral GLP-1 drops” or “cheap Wegovy alternatives” for as little as $50
• Are managed from overseas and disappear once payments are made

RNZ confirmed that none of the supposed doctors appear on the Medical Council of New Zealand register — meaning they’re not real medical professionals. The products they promote are not approved by Medsafe and may contain unsafe or unknown ingredients.

As Dr Nicole Wilde told RNZ, “Anyone promoting one weight-loss treatment is oversimplifying a complex medical condition.” Oversimplification not only misleads consumers but can also cause real harm.

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Why credentials matter: who is Dr Nicole Wilde?

Dr Nicole Wilde is a board-certified physician specialising in Obesity Medicine and part of the rfynd Weight Loss medical team. She provides science-based, personalised treatment for people seeking safe, sustainable weight loss.

Her credentials mean she’s qualified to prescribe approved medications such as Saxenda and Wegovy under New Zealand’s Medsafe regulations, ensuring safety, monitoring, and follow-up care.

Dr Wilde’s approach is comprehensive, addressing hormones, metabolism, mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle rather than pushing a single “miracle” product.

At rfynd, every treatment plan is clinically supervised, medically safe, and aligned with the latest obesity-medicine research.

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How to check if a doctor or product is legitimate in New Zealand:

Before buying or starting any weight-loss medication, take these steps:

1. Check the doctor’s registration
Visit the Medical Council of New Zealand register. If the doctor’s name isn’t listed, don’t trust the claim.

2. Search the Medsafe database
Only purchase products listed on the Medsafe approved medicines register.

3. Be sceptical of “too good to be true” offers
Legitimate GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription-only. If you can “buy them online” without seeing a doctor — it’s not legitimate.

4. Avoid overseas websites and social media ads
Many fake weight-loss “clinics” hide their location or use proxy servers outside New Zealand.

5. Get medical guidance from a qualified obesity medicine doctor
A trained physician like Dr Nicole Wilde will ensure the treatment is safe, effective, and suited to your unique health needs.

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Why choose rfynd Weight Loss?

At rfynd, we combine medical expertise with genuine support. Our multidisciplinary team — including doctors, dietitians, health coaches, nurses and exercise physiologists — helps patients across New Zealand access safe, proven weight-loss treatments.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• New Zealand-registered medical professionals
  All rfynd clinicians are qualified and registered with relevant NZ health authorities.
• Evidence-based, personalised plans
  No gimmicks or “miracle drops” — only clinically validated treatments.
• Access to approved GLP-1 medications
  We prescribe only Medsafe-approved products like Wegovy and Saxenda when clinically appropriate.
• Ongoing care and monitoring
  Regular check-ins, lifestyle support, and professional guidance ensure long-term success.
• National reach
  Consultations are available online across New Zealand, making expert care accessible wherever you live.

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If you’re considering GLP-1 weight-loss medication or simply want to understand your options, book a consultation with Dr Nicole Wilde and the rfynd Weight Loss team today.

Book your consultation with Dr Nicole Wilde ›

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Many women who undergo bariatric (weight loss) surgery go on to plan a pregnancy. Weight loss surgery can improve fertility, hormone balance, and overall health. But it also raises an important question: how long should you wait before getting pregnant?

Two recent research studies have provided valuable insights, showing that while timing matters, weight stability and nutrition care are even more important for a healthy pregnancy after surgery.

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Why wait to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

Most clinical guidelines recommend delaying pregnancy for at least 12 - 24 months after bariatric surgery. The rationale for this is to allow time for:

• Your body to adapt to rapid weight loss
• Nutrient levels to stabilise
• Hormones to rebalance
• A safer pregnancy with reduced risk of complications such as preterm birth or babies who are small for gestational age

However, new research suggests that the 12-month rule may not apply equally to everyone. What matters most is whether your weight has stabilised before conception.

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New research: Weight stability matters more than timing

A 2025 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine investigated weight gain during pregnancy after bariatric surgery and how factors such as the surgery-to-conception interval and pre-pregnancy weight changes affect outcomes (1).

Researchers followed women aged 18–45 with singleton pregnancies after surgery and measured their weight stability before conception and gestational weight gain (GWG).

🔹 Key findings:

• Women who conceived within 12 months were more likely to still be losing weight.
• However, the length of time between surgery and conception was not a major predictor of pregnancy weight gain.
• Instead, pre-pregnancy BMI and whether a woman’s weight had stabilised before conception were the strongest indicators of healthy GWG.

In summary: it’s not simply about how many months you wait — it’s about ensuring your body weight and nutrient stores have settled before becoming pregnant.

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Women’s experiences: Nutrition care during pregnancy after bariatric surgery

Another recent Australian study explored women’s real-life experiences of pregnancy after bariatric surgery, focusing on their access to nutrition support (2).

Researchers interviewed women in late pregnancy and found three main themes:

1, Navigating healthcare: Many struggled to find maternity professionals familiar with post-bariatric nutrition needs.

2. The personal toll: Pregnancy after surgery can be emotionally and physically demanding, especially with ongoing nausea or food intolerance.

3. Women’s agency: Due to limited understanding from clinicians, many women had to advocate for themselves and seek information independently.

The study highlights the need for better nutrition education among maternity care providers and improved access to individualised dietitian support.

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Planning pregnancy after bariatric surgery: Practical advice

If you’ve had bariatric surgery and are thinking about pregnancy, here are key steps to ensure the best outcomes for both you and your baby:

1. Wait until your weight has stabilised. For many women, this occurs around 12–18 months post-surgery, but it varies individually.

2. Work with a multidisciplinary team — including your surgeon, endocrinologist, GP, obstetrician, and a bariatric-trained dietitian.

3. Monitor your micronutrients regularly — especially iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and vitamin D.

4. Plan pregnancy intentionally, with clear communication across your healthcare team.

5. Prioritise emotional and mental health support, as pregnancy after surgery can bring unique challenges.

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rfynd Weight Loss: Supporting your journey

At rfynd Weight Loss, we understand that pregnancy after bariatric surgery is a special journey requiring expert guidance.

Our team including doctors, nurse practitioners, and bariatric dietitians provides:

• Pre-conception counselling and fertility preparation
• Nutrient monitoring and supplement planning
• Safe weight stabilisation support
• Virtual consultations available across New Zealand

Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or already expecting, we’ll help you nourish your body safely and confidently after bariatric surgery.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your personal plan for pregnancy and nutrition after weight loss surgery. Drop us an email at support@rfynd.co.nz.

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