Medical Weight Loss: A Doctor-Guided Path to Sustainable Results

When it comes to losing weight, the options can feel overwhelming — fad diets, internet challenges, or over-the-counter supplements that promise quick fixes but rarely deliver long-term results. Medical weight loss is different. It’s not about guessing with the latest trend; it’s a clinically supervised, science-based approach designed to help you lose weight safely and keep it off.

Medical weight loss is guided by doctors and healthcare professionals who create personalized weight management plans based on your body, your health risks, and your goals. Think of it as tailored, evidence-based care for both your weight and your overall health.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss isn’t simply about counting calories or doing endless exercise. Instead, it focuses on the bigger picture of your health and long-term well-being. A typical program may include:

• A personalized plan created by doctors, dietitians, or nurse practitioners.

• Evaluation and management of health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or hormonal imbalances.

• A multidisciplinary approach, combining nutrition, exercise, behavioral therapy, medication, or even medical procedures.

What Does It Entail?

• Initial Evaluation: This includes a medical history review, physical exam, and lab work to check glucose, thyroid, hormones, and liver and kidney function. It also helps identify underlying conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or low testosterone that can make weight loss harder.

• Medications (Pharmacotherapy): If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, weight loss medications may be prescribed, especially for patients with a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with other medical conditions. Common examples include:

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

  • Oral medications such as phentermine (Duromine), topiramate (Toplep), pseudoeffedrine (Relislim), or bupropion–naltrexone (Contrav).

• Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling: More than just “eat less, move more,” patients receive tailored diets (e.g., low-carb, Mediterranean, or high-protein) and structured exercise plans based on age, mobility, and fitness levels.

• Behavioral Support: Coaching strategies are used to address stress eating, improve sleep, and encourage long-term habit change.

• Procedures (if necessary): For patients with severe obesity or when medical therapy fails, options may include gastric balloons or bariatric surgery (sleeve or bypass).

Spotlight: GLP-1 Medications

One of the biggest innovations in medical weight loss is the introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic a hormone your body naturally produces after eating to regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and signal to your brain that you feel full.

• How They Work: GLP-1s reduce hunger and cravings, slow stomach emptying, and make you feel fuller for longer. This allows patients to focus less on food and more on lifestyle improvements.

• Benefits: Beyond weight loss, GLP-1s improve blood sugar control, reduce body-wide inflammation, and cut the risk of heart attacks by up to 20% in high-risk individuals.

• Side Effects: Most commonly, patients may experience nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea — usually temporary as the body adjusts. Rare but serious risks include gallstones or pancreatitis.

How Are GLP-1s Used?

The most widely used GLP-1s are semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These are self-administered once-weekly injections.

• Treatment begins with a low starting dose to minimize side effects.

• Doses are increased monthly until optimal weight loss and symptom control are achieved.

• Each individual responds differently; some need minimal doses, others require maximum.

What Results Can Be Expected?

• With semaglutide, the average weight loss is 7–15% of body weight.

• With tirzepatide, patients typically achieve 15–20% weight loss.

• Full results are generally seen over a 12-month period.

• Results can vary — about 10–20% of patients are “non-responders.”

• Initial weight loss may be slow during the first month, but by three months, changes become significant.

• Importantly, GLP-1s are not miracle solutions; diet and exercise remain vital for success.

Cost Considerations

In South Africa, GLP-1 medications are generally not covered by medical aid. As of 2025, the cost varies depending on brand and dosage:

• Ozempic / Wegovy: R1,600 – R4,500 per month

• Mounjaro: R3,600 – R8,000 per month

Although these treatments come at a premium price, they deliver unique benefits not just for weight loss, but also for overall health and long-term disease prevention.

Medical weight loss isn’t about short-term dieting — it’s about addressing the underlying health, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that make losing weight difficult. With the right blend of medical supervision, medication, and lifestyle support, you can achieve sustainable results and long-term health benefits.