Weight-loss breakthroughs could shift the fight against diabetes in South Africa

Losing weight no longer needs to feel impossible – or take years. As South Africa observes World Diabetes Day on 14 November, attention is turning to new treatments that are already helping many of the more than four million South African adults living with diabetes manage their weight and health more effectively.

A growing number of patients are seeing significant, sustained results from GLP-1 medication (a class of drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide) with once-weekly injections. GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, directly addressing two of the biggest factors driving diabetes and obesity.

“We’re seeing remarkable transformations in men and women who are safely losing between 10% and 20% of their body weight with GLP-1 medication, combined with realistic dietary and exercise habits,” says Dr Tommie Smook, medical practitioner and weight-management specialist at Dr Smook and Partners.

Clinical trials also support similar results: a large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients using GLP-1 medication alongside lifestyle changes lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight in just 68 weeks. The results were consistent over time, and were linked to improvements in glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

“In some exceptional cases, we’ve even seen patients lose over 150 kilograms within the space of a year. That kind of progress has major implications for health, and can dramatically reduce the risk and severity of conditions such as type-2 diabetes.”

Tackling weight to tackle diabetes risks

As diabetes remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, Dr Smook warns that confronting the country’s weight-related challenges is critical, noting that a doctor-prescribed, medically-supervised GLP-1 programme offers one of the most effective tools available.

“Losing even a modest amount of weight can bring dramatic health improvements. Unfortunately, many people become discouraged by how long and difficult the process can feel, but with proper support, supervision, and the necessary medical intervention, weight loss doesn’t have to be that way.”

By curbing hunger, supporting healthier eating, and improving overall metabolic function, GLP-1 medication is a unique two-punch solution: helping patients lose weight while protecting long-term health.

“For South Africans who have battled to lose weight successfully with diet and exercise alone, medical intervention can be life changing. GLP-1 therapy makes meaningful weight loss faster and more manageable, and because it’s available only by prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, patients also receive the guidance and support they need to stay on track,” concludes Dr Smook.