Serena Williams has publically endorsed GLP-1 medication to help with weight loss. The burgeoning interest in medical weight management treatments reflects a growing concern around obesity and its associated health issues in South Africa. Recent local regulatory approvals have sparked attention for medicines such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GIP receptor agonists, which show promise in managing obesity.
However, pharmacist Hanri du Preez of Medipost Pharmacy warns that these treatments must be approached responsibly and under medical supervision. “The growing interest in prescription weight-management medicines reflects both the rising burden of obesity-related disease and the need for better public understanding,” Du Preez explains. With howling statistics on the obesity crisis, it’s clear that South Africa is not immune.
Obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension present significant challenges for many South Africans today. Historically, the capacity to store fat was essential for our ancestors’ survival. Yet, in our calorie-dense and increasingly sedentary modern lifestyles, this instinct to store fat contributes to rising obesity rates worldwide.
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“This disease burden is particularly pressing here in South Africa,” Du Preez notes. As a response, medical interventions are garnering interest from the public, such as treatments designed to regulate appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar levels. With high rates of obesity and related health conditions plaguing South Africa, understanding the nuances of medical weight management treatments is crucial.
Though promising, these treatments are far from universal solutions. Du Preez underscores that GLP-1 injections are not a ‘magic bullet’. “They are medical tools that must complement a broader health plan, as prescribed by a doctor,” she clarifies.
“When used correctly and under medical supervision, these medicines can support weight loss and improve metabolic health. They may also reduce inflammation, which holds significance for chronic disease management.” Medipost Pharmacy advocates for accessible prescribed medicines, including GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists. Their national dispensing and delivery service aims to facilitate treatment adherence.
Yet, critical to maximising their efficacy is the necessity of appropriate use. The treatments are intended for adults and adolescents over 12 living with obesity or overweight individuals managing related health conditions. Potential patients must undergo thorough evaluations by qualified practitioners to ensure the therapy’s benefits outweigh any possible risks, especially given that certain demographics— including pregnant or breastfeeding women, and others with specific medical conditions—should avoid these treatments.
“Medical supervision is non-negotiable,” warns Du Preez. “Using these medicines without proper assessment can be dangerous.”
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