Making Impact in Health Systems Research

Impact stories from the  Health Systems Research (HSR) Theme

We are delighted to feature Associate Professor Michael Falster, a nationally recognised epidemiologist, biostatistician, and valued member of the HSR EMCR Committee. Michael is a leader in the use of population-level data and advanced analytics to understand and improve the quality, equity, and outcomes of care across the Australian health system. His work spans cardiometabolic medicines, health technologies, primary care models, and the translation of real-world evidence into policy and practice. 

Michael leads the Cardiometabolic Medicines Team in the Medicines Intelligence Research Program and is Deputy Director of Research at the School of Population Health UNSW. He has secured more than $10 million in competitive research funding from the NHMRC, Heart Foundation, and other national partners. His research has directly shaped national health performance indicators, informed primary care models, and supported the development of enduring national linked data infrastructure.

Making National Headlines: The “Ozempic-sized” Shift in Australia’s Food Landscape

Michael’s recent work has captured significant national media attention, most prominently through features in ABC News, SBS News and the Australian Financial Review.

These articles highlight a UNSW-led report showing extraordinary growth in the use of GLP1 medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are transforming the management of diabetes and weight loss in Australia. According to Michael and his research team:

• Sales of GLP1 medications have increased almost tenfold between May 2020 and April 2025.

• Nearly 500,000 Australians, almost 2% of the adult population, are using GLP1 medicines every month.

• Increasing trends are expected to continue as medications become more affordable and available in pill form, and as PBS subsidy decisions evolve.

Michael explains that the rapid uptake of GLP1 medicines reflects a major shift in both clinical practice and consumer behaviour. 

This research was cited by the Federal Health Minister in discussing whether to subsidise access to GLP-1 medicines for obesity in Australia. It also sparked discussion about how the demand for appetite suppressing medicines have far reaching impacts. This includes national food trends, with experts predicting increased demand for high quality proteins, fresh foods, and nutrient dense products as Australians become more selective about “value per bite”, as well as resulting impacts on stock markets and even fuel consumption in airplanes.  

Why His Work Matters for HSR

Michael's contributions exemplify the power of health systems research to influence national policy, public conversations, and population health outcomes. His expertise in big data, pharmacoepidemiology, and health system performance is helping Australia respond to rapidly changing therapeutic landscapes, while supporting more equitable access to high‑quality care.

By grounding national discussions in rigorous, evidence‑based analysis, his team are shaping how researchers, policymakers, and the public understand the intersection between medicines, behaviour, and health systems.

These recent news features highlight the growing public interest in health systems transformation and its wide-ranging impacts, and we are excited to see his work resonate so strongly across Australia.