The short answer
Weight-loss injections are weekly (or daily) shots of a GLP-1 medicine. In South Africa the main options are Ozempic and Wegovy (both semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). They typically cost R2 700–R5 000+ a month at maintenance and are prescription-only. Medical aids rarely cover them for weight loss. In trials, average weight loss ranges from about 8% (Saxenda) to over 20% (Mounjaro), alongside diet and exercise.
Avoid counterfeits
What “weight-loss injections” actually are
The injections everyone is talking about belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone your gut releases after eating; these medicines mimic it, which reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying and steadies blood sugar. The practical effect is a quieter appetite and less “food noise”. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) adds a second hormone receptor (GIP), which is part of why it tends to produce the largest average weight loss. See how GLP-1 works.
They are not fat-burners or a substitute for eating well and moving — they work with diet and activity, and most of the benefit fades if you stop.
The medicines available in South Africa
Two of these share an active ingredient: Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide; Mounjaro is tirzepatide; Saxenda is liraglutide. Tap a medicine for its full SA guide.
How well they work
These are the most effective weight-loss medicines ever marketed, but results vary between people. Average weight loss in the major trials, on top of lifestyle changes, was roughly:
- Saxenda (liraglutide): ~8% over 56 weeks (SCALE).
- Wegovy / Ozempic (semaglutide): ~15% at 2.4 mg (STEP 1).
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): up to ~21–22.5% at the top dose (SURMOUNT-1).
Trial averages are not promises — some people lose much more, some much less. We never publish guarantees. See the full comparison.
Side effects & safety
The common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux — usually worst when you start or step up a dose, and easing with time and slow titration. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, with specific cautions for certain thyroid conditions. These medicines aren't for use in pregnancy. Our side effects guide covers management in detail.
When to seek help
What they cost in South Africa
At a typical maintenance dose, expect roughly:
| Medicine | Dose | Typical / month | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| OzempicSemaglutide | 0.25 mg / 0.5 mg (starting) | R1,400 – R1,500 | One pen lasts ~4 weeks at low doses. |
| OzempicSemaglutide | 1 mg (common maintenance) | R2,700 – R3,300 | Most-prescribed maintenance dose. |
| OzempicSemaglutide | 2 mg (highest) | R3,500 – R6,000 | May need more than one pen per month. |
| WegovySemaglutide | 0.25 mg (starting) | R1,800 – R1,900 | Prices fell after the March 2026 cut. |
| WegovySemaglutide | 1.0 – 1.7 mg | R2,400 – R3,200 | Titration phase. |
| WegovySemaglutide | 2.4 mg (maintenance) | R3,400 – R3,800 | Full weight-management dose. |
| MounjaroTirzepatide | 2.5 / 5 mg | R3,500 – R3,900 | Roughly R880–R1,000 per vial/pen, ~4 a month. |
| MounjaroTirzepatide | 7.5 / 10 mg | R4,200 – R4,600 | Maintenance range. |
| MounjaroTirzepatide | 12.5 / 15 mg | R4,600 – R5,200 | Highest doses; availability varies. |
| SaxendaLiraglutide | 0.6 → 1.8 mg (titration) | R2,700 – R3,000 | Per 6 mg/mL pen (~R2,727). |
| SaxendaLiraglutide | 3.0 mg (full daily dose) | R4,400 – R4,800 | Needs several pens a month at full dose. |
Prices vary by pharmacy (Clicks, Dis-Chem, Medirite) and change often, and there are hidden costs — the consultation, blood tests, needles and cold-chain delivery.
Does medical aid cover them?
Generally not for weight loss. Obesity isn't a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, so most schemes don't fund these as a chronic benefit. Some plans allow payment from a medical savings account, and Ozempic may be covered under a chronic benefit if you have type 2 diabetes. See medical-aid cover.
Who they're for
Clinicians generally consider these medicines for adults with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea — as part of a broader plan, not a quick fix. Check the thresholds in am I eligible? or try the private BMI calculator.
How to get one safely
These are Schedule 4 medicines — you need a prescription from a registered doctor, and you should only get the medicine from a licensed pharmacy. The usual routes are an in-person GP or a reputable telehealth provider (online scripts from around R250), with the medicine dispensed or couriered under cold chain. Avoid anyone selling these without a prescription — SAHPRA has warned about falsified semaglutide.
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