FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Originally developed for managing blood sugar levels, GLP-1 treatments have also been shown to facilitate average weight loss of 15 - 23% of starting body weight in clinical studies. These treatments work by reducing appetite through their effects on stomach emptying and hunger regulation in the brain. They are typically administered once a week using a pen-like device.
Studies with thousands of patients participating have shown an average weight loss of 15 - 23% of total body weight after one year. It is generally also possible, if desired, to lose more or less than this- depending on your goals and starting point.
Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort. These are usually mild and temporary, occurring when starting treatment or increasing the dose. In rare cases, more serious effects may occur, which is why medical supervision is essential.
Our screening questionnaire is designed to identify factors that would make treatment with GLP-1 medications unsafe or inappropriate. These include a history of thyroid cancer, an eating disorder, a BMI in the healthy range, upcoming surgery requiring a general anaesthetic, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you complete the questionnaire successfully, there is a high probability that you would be eligible for GLP-1 treatment.
The cost of GLP-1 medication will depend on which of the two commonly prescribed medications you use and what dose you need for an optimal result, which will vary from person to person. Most people can expect a monthly cost somewhere between R3500 and R6000.
Medical aids in South Africa do not currently cover GLP-1 medications for the purpose of weight loss. Some plans may allow these medications to be paid for out of your savings if they are prescribed for diabetes and certain clinical criteria are met. For the majority of people, they will need to be paid for out of pocket.
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There are currently no generic versions of GLP-1 agonists available in South Africa. Some patents for one of the commonly prescribed medications will expire in 2027, after which generics are expected to enter the South African market. The other commonly prescribed GLP-1 will not have generic versions until well into the 2030s.
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‘Food noise’ may be defined as an obsessive preoccupation with food, manifesting as frequent or constant unwanted thoughts about food and cravings for calorie-dense foods. The mental energy required to resist or suppress these thoughts and cravings can make it very difficult for some people to stick to a healthy eating plan.
GLP-1s quieten ‘food noise’ by several mechanisms simultaneously. They delay emptying of the stomach resulting in satiety signals being sent to the brain, making one feel full for longer, and encouraging smaller portion sizes. They also work directly on brain centres responsible for sensations of pleasure and reward. The result is often reported as an experience of neutral fullness, an ability to leave food on the plate, and a relative indifference to foods that were previously irresistible.
Nausea can be improved by eating smaller meals more slowly, separating fluids from meals, and choosing simple whole foods rather than highly processed foods containing excessive sugar and fat. The fatigue that sometimes comes with a calorie deficit can be mitigated by eating regular small meals according to a schedule, ensuring adequate protein intake. Constipation is usually manageable with adequate water intake and a gradual increase in fibre.
We recommend a protein-first approach, ensuring 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. This helps to preserve muscle mass and thus metabolic rate, improve fullness and reduce nausea, and support immune function. Adequate fibre is also important. We encourage whole foods as far as possible, avoiding ultraprocessed foods.
Establishing good eating and exercise habits while on a doctor-prescribed weight loss treatment will give the best chance of keeping the weight off should you stop treatment. Some people find the experience of successfully losing weight to be very motivating to continue with lifestyle improvements even if they stop medication. For many people, weight management will require ongoing treatment, much like managing high blood pressure or diabetes.
Meridian Health is registered in Cape Town, but as our consultations take place virtually, we are able to serve you anywhere within the borders of South Africa.
While we do not currently claim directly from medical aids, we will be happy to issue you an invoice which you can submit to them to claim back the cost of the consult. Please check coverage for GP consults and the amount reimbursed by your specific plan beforehand.
When planning your treatment we will take into account and optimise any hormonal factors such as thyroid function, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), low testosterone, and menopause. Where necessary we will refer to a relevant specialist for review.
Our practice is registered in Cape Town, but consultations take place virtually. Click here https://meridianhealth.co.za/screening to get started with the booking process.
Feel free to browse our Google Business Profile here https://share.google/geQ29V2Dcv1BwfAYW for up to date reviews from real patients. If you're satisfied with these, head to https://www.meridianhealth.co.za/screening/ to book your appointment.
Meridian Health offers virtual consultations for prescription of GLP-1 metabolic treatments. Their prescriptions can then be filled at any pharmacy near you in South Africa.
As our consultations take place virtually, we are able to assist if you are located in Durban. Click here https://meridianhealth.co.za/screening to get started with the booking process.
In adults, anxiety is not an officially recognised side effect of the commonly used GLP-1 medications. It is however a recognised side effect in adolescents. In our own clinical experience prescribing these medications for hundreds of patients, we have noted only one case where anxiety appeared to have occurred due to the GLP-1 medication.
As a dedicated telemedicine practice, Meridian Health offers consults with our doctors from the comfort of your home via secure video link. Prescriptions can then be filled at a registered online pharmacy of your choice.
Through significant weight loss and other mechanisms GLP-1 medications have been scientifically proven to result in improved cardiovascular health, reductions in blood pressure, reductions in liver fat, improved symptoms of sleep apnoea, and improved blood sugar control in diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In our own clinical experience we find patients often report better energy levels, less joint pain, improved mood/ psychological wellbeing, and less desire to drink alcohol.
Meridian Health is a dedicated telehealth practice, offering virtual consults for medical weight loss support. We aim to provide an option that is as easy and efficient to use as possible, while maintaining a high standard of medical care.