Best Weight Loss Medications in South Africa
(2025 Guide)
SCOPE Certified Weight Loss Doctors
Written by
Dr Amina Guffar
Medical Practitioner in Women's Health, Obesity & Aesthetics | Medical Advisor
Introduction
Are you finding it difficult to lose weight and curious about the best weight loss medication available in South Africa right now? With innovative weight loss injections like GLP-1s now accessible locally, South Africans have the opportunity to use world-class options that were once only available overseas.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Top 5 strongest weight loss medications in South Africa — how they work, pricing, availability, and which one may be right for you.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Registered in South Africa for type 2 diabetes, launched via Aspen Pharmacare in late 2024. Its use for weight-loss remains off-label, although Eli Lilly has applied to SAHPRA for approval of the weight loss indication. Clinical studies show up to 25% weight loss.
How it works: Tirzepatide acts through both GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism, showing strong efficacy in both glycemic control and weight reduction.
Dosing: Weekly injection. The lowest dose is 2.5 mg, increasing dose up to 10mg. The 15mg medication is yet to launch
Pricing: Medication costs about R880 per vial; higher doses (5 mg–10 mg) can reach R1,140 per vial. A typical 10 mg maintenance dose costs roughly R4,600 per month.
Mounjaro is being called the strongest weight loss medication globally. Although still off-label in South Africa, doctors are already prescribing it for patients who qualify.
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2. Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy contains the same ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide), but at higher doses. Launched in August 2025, Wegovy is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved specifically for weight-loss management in the country. It’s proven to help patients lose 15–20% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
How It Works: It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, reducing appetite, promoting fullness, and supporting portion control.
Dosing: Weekly dose. Offered in five dose strengths, with a full-dose (2.4 mg)
Pricing: A month’s supply is priced at up to ~R3,700, while lower starting doses cost less
3. Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Registered for type 2 diabetes treatment and cardiovascular risk reduction—not for weight-loss specifically—but still widely used off-label by clinicians for weight loss. It’s proven to help patients lose 15–20% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
How It Works: It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, reducing appetite, promoting fullness, and supporting portion control
Dosing: Weekly dose. Offered in 2 dose strengths, with a full-dose (2mg)
Pricing: A monthly supply (1 mg pens) ranges from R2,700–R3,100. A 2 mg maintenance dosage, requiring two 1 mg pens, can cost between R5,400–R6,200
4. Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda, a GLP-1 receptor agonist and was the first approved weight loss injection in South Africa. Saxenda has a shorter half-life (13–15 hours) compared to semaglutide (165 hours), which might lead to more noticeable hunger between doses
How it works: binding to GLP-1 receptors throughout the body—including areas in the brain like the hypothalamus—to curb appetite, slow gastric emptying, and increase satiety.
Dosing: Daily injections, with the target maintenance dose being 3 mg per day
Pricing: Estimated at R2,800–R4,800 per month, depending on supply and provider
5. Orlistat (Non-GLP-1 Option)
To round out the top five, it's worth mentioning Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor different from the GLP-1 class. Though older, it remains a legal, accessible, and often reimbursed option in South Africa. It works by reducing fat absorption in the gut and may have a role for those unable to access injectables. While not as potent as GLP-1 agents, orlistat’s oral form and reimbursement eligibility make it a practical option worth considering.
How it works: By blocking fat absorption in the gut. As a result, about 30% of dietary fat is not absorbed and is instead excreted in the stool
Dosing: Oral capsule 120 mg taken three times daily with each main meal containing fat, for a total of 360 mg/day
Pricing: approximately R700 per month
Weight Loss Injection Comparison South Africa
Medication
Approved for Weight Loss in SA
Frequency
Formulation
Price per month (approx)
Weight Loss Expectant
Results
Mounjaro
No (off-label)
Weekly
Injection
R4600
15%−25%
Ozempic
No (off-label)
Weekly
Injection
R2,700–R6,200
10%-20%
Wegovy
Yes
Weekly
Injection
R3,700
10%-20%
Saxenda
Yes
Daily
Injection
R2,800–R4,800
8%-9%
Orlistat
Yes
Up to 8 hourly
Tablet- Oral
R700
3%-5%
