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Ashleigh Gleeson
National Health Editor

John says he would “rather be fat than sick". He has tried Mounjaro multiple times and then had to stop due to side effects. The kilos always come back. Another user of weight loss drugs, Louisa, took a break from Ozempic because she was training for a marathon. Then she had a devastating health diagnosis and couldn't exercise. She put on 15kg.

They are both far from alone. Medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic can have life-changing impacts, but what happens when you want to stop? Many choose to because of unbearable side effects or not being able to afford the huge price tag. Doctors have warned that some people mistakenly believe these drugs are a quick fix. Mark Mellor, part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners obesity specific interest group, said we should be calling it obesity management medication because it is a long-term commitment. We’ve spoken to a range of Aussies about what happened when they went off their weight loss medication. You can read their stories here.

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Meanwhile, navigating a romantic relationship requires communication and compromise at the best of times – but what happens when your brain is wired completely differently to that of a partner? In this in-depth piece by Ruby Kraner-Tucci, five Australians open up about the realities of modern romance while living with autism, ADHD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. They lead by example in proving that a different brain structure isn’t a barrier to love – rather, it is a blueprint for deeper connection.

Lastly, baby formula is an important and valid option for parents to help their newborn maintain a healthy weight. Although all the baby formulas in Australia are highly regulated and safe, dietitians say it is good to be aware of the differing protein levels. You can read all about the best ones out there in this comprehensive piece. If there is a product you want health reporter Taylor Penny to do a deep dive on in her Shopping Swaps series please let us know at health@news.com.au.

Until next week.

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Four stories to read today
I’ve lost 40kg on Mounjaro — but this is why I’m planning to stop it
Matisse, 25, has lost 40kg on Mounjaro and is happy with the weight she’s at. But this is why, like many Aussies, she doesn’t want to stay on the weight loss medication anymore.
Baby formula ranked: The best and worst options in supermarkets
Dietitians have revealed their top and bottom picks out of 54 baby formula products sold in supermarkets, while also flagging this one thing about protein levels.
‘A broken brain’: Five Aussies on the reality of neurodiverse love
Australians with ADHD, autism, OCD and bipolar disorder reveal why a different brain structure is not a barrier to love, but a blueprint for deeper connection.
I went to Australia’s top longevity clinic. Then I had a meltdown
These clinics will give you intricate details about your health. But how much do you really need — and want — to know?

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#1 WATCH: How NDIS providers ‘poach’ Aussies on big money plans NDIS workers have revealed how vulnerable Aussies are being lured from their homes and hospital beds by providers chasing access to million-dollar taxpayer-funded plans. SEE THE VIDEO.

#2 Inside hotel where John was taken in major NDIS scandal John has the mental age of a six-year-old. He would not normally leave his beloved Bluey toy or clothes, but he was allegedly lured into a car in a major NDIS scandal. SEE THE VIDEO.

#3 ‘With a new hunting ground, the NDIS has more holes than Swiss cheese’ Alarming loopholes in the NDIS are leaving vulnerable Australians exposed to exploitation by unscrupulous providers, writes Julie Cross.

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