The Daily Aus Summer series: Ozempic & the business of telehealth
Dec 29, 2025
Explore the telehealth phenomenon surrounding Ozempic as virtual clinics revolutionize prescribing practices. Hear gripping first-hand accounts of patients and practitioners navigating the new landscape. The rise of this medication raises ethical concerns, with discussions on mental health risks and rapid prescribing practices. Allegations of insufficient follow-up for high-risk patients are examined, alongside the impact of marketing strategies targeting vulnerable users. Prepare for a deep dive into how weight-loss drugs are shifting cultural perceptions of body image.
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Rapid Online Prescription, Severe Reaction
- Mackenzie was prescribed Ozempic via Juniper after completing an online questionnaire and never spoke to a doctor.
- Within weeks she experienced suicidal thoughts and was advised by her GP to stop the drug immediately.
Juniper Dominates Telehealth Weight Loss
- Juniper dominated respondent mentions, appearing in about 76% of provider references in TDA's investigation.
- The platform is part of Eucalyptus, a large telehealth startup offering multiple brands and prescriptions.
Leverage Tech To Improve Clinical Value
- Use technology to lower the cost of clinician interactions and raise their quality, says Eucalyptus CEO Tim Doyle.
- Focus telehealth on efficient, higher-quality patient encounters rather than volume alone.