GLP-1 medications are revolutionising weight loss treatment worldwide — and South Africa is no exception. These weekly injections are producing weight loss results that were previously only achievable through surgery. But what exactly are GLP-1 drugs, how do they work, and which one is right for you? This guide has the answers.
Medical Disclaimer: All GLP-1 medications are prescription-only in South Africa. This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 — a hormone naturally produced in your gut when you eat. It plays several key roles:
- Signals to your brain that you're full (reduces appetite)
- Slows down how fast your stomach empties (you stay full longer)
- Stimulates the pancreas to release insulin after eating
- Reduces glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs mimic this hormone — but last much longer in the body, providing sustained appetite suppression and metabolic benefits.
GLP-1 Drugs Available in South Africa
1. Ozempic (Semaglutide) — Once Weekly
- Approved for: Type 2 diabetes (prescribed off-label for weight loss)
- Average weight loss: 10–15% of body weight
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 2mg (step-up over weeks)
- SA cost: R2,500–R4,000/month
- Medical aid: Covered for T2 diabetes on many plans
2. Wegovy (Semaglutide) — Once Weekly
- Approved for: Chronic weight management (same molecule as Ozempic, higher dose)
- Average weight loss: 15–17% of body weight
- Doses: Up to 2.4mg weekly
- SA cost: R4,000–R6,000/month
- Note: Availability in SA has been limited — check with your pharmacist
3. Saxenda (Liraglutide) — Once Daily
- Approved for: Chronic weight management
- Average weight loss: 8–10% of body weight
- Frequency: Daily injection (less convenient than weekly options)
- SA cost: R3,000–R4,500/month
- Note: Older generation — most doctors now prefer weekly semaglutide options
4. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) — Once Weekly
- Approved for: Type 2 diabetes; increasingly used for weight loss
- Mechanism: Dual GIP + GLP-1 (more powerful than GLP-1 alone)
- Average weight loss: 15–22% of body weight
- SA cost: R3,500–R5,500/month
- Note: Currently the most effective weight loss injection available
How to Choose the Right GLP-1 Drug
| Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Have type 2 diabetes, want medical aid coverage | Ozempic |
| Want maximum weight loss, budget flexible | Mounjaro |
| Weight-only focus, no diabetes | Wegovy or Mounjaro |
| Prefer daily dosing, lower starting cost | Saxenda |
Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs
Side effects are similar across all GLP-1 medications:
- Common (first 4–8 weeks): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reduced appetite, fatigue
- Less common: Headache, dizziness, burping, heartburn
- Rare but serious: Pancreatitis, gallstones, kidney problems, thyroid tumours (based on animal studies)
Most people find side effects manageable and reduce significantly after the first month.
Important Considerations for South Africans
- Cost: None of these drugs are cheap. Budget R2,500–R6,000/month
- Medical aid: Coverage is typically only for type 2 diabetes — check your specific plan's formulary
- Cold chain: These injections must be refrigerated — a consideration for load shedding. Use a cooler bag during outages
- Supply: Global demand has caused shortages — your pharmacy may need to order in advance
- Weight regain: Studies show significant weight regain when the medication is stopped. Long-term use is typically required
Diet While on GLP-1 Medication
Even though these drugs dramatically reduce appetite, what you eat still matters:
- Prioritise protein (chicken, fish, eggs, legumes) to preserve muscle
- Eat small portions — your stomach may not tolerate large meals
- Avoid high-fat, greasy foods which worsen nausea
- Stay hydrated — at least 2 litres of water daily
- Combine with regular exercise for best results
Conclusion
GLP-1 weight loss drugs represent the most significant advance in obesity treatment in decades. For South Africans struggling with obesity-related health conditions, they offer a real, medically supervised path to meaningful weight loss. The key is working with your doctor to select the right medication, managing side effects, and combining drug treatment with sustainable lifestyle changes.
Related articles: Ozempic Full Guide | Mounjaro Guide | Semaglutide Comparison | Check Your BMI