Medical Weight Loss in South Africa | Ozempic, Mounjaro & Wegovy

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A Guide to Starting Medical Weight Loss in South Africa | Ozempic, Mounjaro & Wegovy

Updated August 2026

Choose the level of support that matches where you are in your weight loss journey. Whether you need a complete programme, medication delivery or consumables, there is an option to suit your needs.
There are three main types of GLP-1 medicines: branded, generic and compounded. Branded medicines include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro; generic options currently available in South Africa are limited to semaglutide; compounded medicines are prepared by compounding pharmacies.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide work in different ways. Semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy, targets the GLP-1 receptor, while tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro, targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Retatrutide is still being studied and is not approved for weight loss in South Africa. Its long-term safety and potential risks are not yet fully understood, so the use of unapproved retatrutide is strongly discouraged.
The right treatment depends on your individual needs. A qualified healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate option based on your health, goals, medical history, safety and availability.

Key Takeaways

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Which weight loss service is right for me?

The right service depends on where you are in your weight loss journey. If you are starting treatment and don't have a prescription, our complete weight loss programme provides the highest level of support, including a doctor consultation, relevant laboratory testing, treatment planning, medication where clinically appropriate, delivery and ongoing clinical support.

If you already have a valid prescription, you can choose our medication delivery service—we verify your prescription, provide the applicable medication price and, once payment is completed, arrange delivery of your prescribed medication and relevant supplies.

If you already have your medication and only need consumables, our supplies option allows you to order essentials such as pen needles and alcohol swabs without purchasing medication or a full programme. Choose the level of support that matches what you need.

Find the right level of support for you

Three ways to get the support you need on your weight loss journey.

Clinically supported
Convenient and online
Delivered to your door

Branded vs generic vs compounded GLP-1 medicines

South Africa has a growing range of GLP-1 treatment options, including branded medicines, generic semaglutide products and compounded GLP-1 medicines.

Branded GLP-1 medicines include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. These are manufactured by the original pharmaceutical companies and have undergone extensive clinical development and regulatory review.

Generic GLP-1 medicines contain the same active ingredient as an established branded medicine and may offer a more affordable alternative. Currently, generic GLP-1 options available in South Africa are limited to semaglutide, including products such as Extensior and Semagard. Availability and pricing may vary.

Compounded GLP-1 medicines are prepared by compounding pharmacies and differ from commercially manufactured branded and generic medicines. They may carry additional concerns around quality, safety and the reliability of manufacturers. Compounded GLP-1 products are currently not available through our programme.

The most suitable option depends on clinical suitability, safety, availability and cost, and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Branded or generic GLP-1 weight loss programmes

You can choose between branded or generic GLP-1 medicines, depending on your preference, availability and clinical suitability.

Clinical appropriate
Different price points
Quality assured
Prescribed by healthcare professionals

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide: What's the difference?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are established medicines used in medical weight management. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and food intake. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, helping regulate appetite, blood sugar and metabolism.

Retatrutide is a newer investigational medicine that targets GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. While early studies have shown promising results for weight loss, it is still in the early stages of clinical trials, meaning its long-term safety and potential risks are not yet fully understood. The use of unapproved retatrutide is therefore strongly discouraged. It is not currently an approved treatment in South Africa.

The most appropriate medication will depend on your individual health, treatment goals and medical history and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

View our Semaglutide Weight Loss Programmes

View our Tirzepatide Weight Loss

Programmes