Wegovy in South Africa:
Everything You Need to Know About the New Weight Loss Injection
Written by
Dr Amina Guffar
Medical Practitioner in Women's Health, Obesity & Aesthetics | Medical Advisor
Introduction
Wegovy® (semaglutide) has officially launched in South Africa, offering a breakthrough option for people struggling with weight management. Already a global success in the US and Europe, Wegovy is now available locally by prescription for patients who qualify.
In this article, we cover everything South Africans need to know about Wegovy: how it works, who it’s for, availability, benefits, side effects, and how it compares to Ozempic and other weight loss medications.
What's in this article
1. Why Wegovy Matters for South Africa
2. How Wegovy works
3. Who Is Wegovy For?
4. Wegovy vs Ozempic vs Saxenda vs Mounjaro
5. How to start Wegovy?
6. How Is Wegovy Administered?
7. Benefits South Africans Can Expect
8. Side Effects to Know About
9. Lifestyle still matters
10. How Long Will You Need to Stay on Wegovy?
11. FAQs About Wegovy in South Africa
Why Wegovy Matters for South Africa
Obesity is on the rise in South Africa, with more than 1 in 3 adults classified as overweight or obese. This not only impacts confidence and mobility but also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, infertility, and even certain cancers.
Until now, treatment options were limited — mostly lifestyle changes, Saxenda (a daily injection), or off-label use of diabetes medicines like Ozempic. These changes, by being the first GLP-1 medicine in South Africa officially approved for weight loss, are significant.
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How Wegovy Works
Wegovy is based on semaglutide, a medicine that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone. Unlike diet pills that try to “speed up” your metabolism, Wegovy works with your body to:
Switch off cravings by acting on appetite centres in the brain
Help you feel full with smaller meals
Stabilise blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes
Support heart health in patients with existing cardiovascular risks
Think of it as a tool that makes weight loss easier, not a replacement for lifestyle change. Unlike short-term diet pills, Wegovy offers a long-term, medical approach to weight loss
Who Is Wegovy For?
Wegovy is prescribed to:
Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health risks (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol)
People who haven’t achieved sustainable weight loss through diet and exercise alone
Wegovy vs Ozempic vs Saxenda vs Mounjaro
Wegovy → weekly injection, higher doses of semaglutide, designed specifically for weight loss
Ozempic → Also semaglutide, but registered in SA for type 2 diabetes (sometimes used off-label for weight loss)
Saxenda→ Older medication (liraglutide), daily injection, less effective on average
Mounjaro→ Tirzepatide blocks both GIP and GLP1 receptors, thus acts as a more potent appetite suppressant
💡 If you’ve struggled with Saxenda/ Ozempic or Mounjaro and didn’t get the results you wanted, Wegovy could be the next step for you
How to start Wegovy?
You will need a valid prescription from a registered medical doctor
Wegovy is not available over the counter
Supply may be limited due to high global demand, so patients should consult their doctor early
How Is Wegovy Administered?
Dosage: Once weekly injection using a pre-filled pen
Where to inject: Thigh, stomach, or upper arm (subcutaneous injection)
Dose escalation: Your doctor will gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks to minimize side effects
Most patients self-inject at home after being shown how
Benefits South Africans Can Expect
Dosage: Once weekly injection using a pre-filled pen
Where to inject: Thigh, stomach, or upper arm (subcutaneous injection)
Dose escalation: Your doctor will gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks to minimise side effects
Most patients self-inject at home after being shown how
Side Effects to Know About
The most common side effects are temporary and digestive, such as:
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation or diarrhoea
Stomach cramps and bloating
More serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and thyroid tumours (in people with certain family histories). Your doctor will carefully review your medical history to make sure Wegovy is safe for you.
Lifestyle Still Matters
Wegovy works best when combined with:
A nutrient-dense, reduced-calorie diet
Regular exercise
(walking, gym, or any movement you enjoy)
Ongoing support and coaching
Without lifestyle changes, weight regain is possible once the medication is stopped.
How Long Will You Need to Stay on Wegovy?
Wegovy is designed as a long-term treatment (12–24 months). Some patients may need it for longer, while others can maintain their weight with lifestyle alone once they’ve reached their goal.
Your doctor will guide you through a personalised plan.
Conclusion
Take the First Step: Wegovy is finally in South Africa — giving patients a proven, doctor-led way to achieve lasting weight loss and better health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Wegovy launched in August 2025. in South Africa. However, availability may be limited at first due to high demand and global shortages.
Yes. It cannot be purchased over the counter.
Clinical trials show an average of 15% body weight reduction over 15 months.
Some patients notice results within 4–8 weeks, but meaningful weight loss happens over several months.
Yes, when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Side effects are usually manageable.
Yes, especially type 2 diabetes, but dosage may need adjusting.
Many people regain weight without lifestyle changes. Ongoing support is key.
Saxenda→ liraglutide, daily injection, less effective.
Mounjaro → tirzepatide, not yet launched in SA for weight loss.
Wegovy→ semaglutide, weekly injection, more effective for weight loss
No. Stop at least 2 months before conception
