Discover how modern GLP-1 therapies, guided by Udok’s connected care approach, are helping South Africans achieve lasting weight loss under professional medical supervision.
Obesity and excess weight have become some of the most pressing health challenges in South Africa.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey, nearly two-thirds of women and one-third of men in the country are classified as overweight or obese. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnoea, and other chronic conditions that impact quality of life and healthcare costs.
While eating healthier and staying active remain essential to weight management, many South Africans struggle to achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.
That’s where medical innovation, supported by professional guidance, can make a real difference.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (often abbreviated as GLP-1 RAs) are a new class of medications that are transforming how doctors approach weight management.
Originally developed for diabetes treatment, they’ve shown remarkable results in helping people lose weight safely and effectively.
These medications mimic a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, slowing digestion, and improving how your body uses insulin. As a result, patients tend to feel full sooner, eat less, and experience steady weight loss over time.
GLP-1 therapy is not a quick fix — it’s a medical treatment designed for people who meet certain health criteria.
In South Africa, doctors generally recommend GLP-1 medication for adults who meet one of the following:
It’s important to note that GLP-1 medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment works best when combined with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioural support — not as a substitute for them.
Clinical studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medication can lose 10–15% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
But the benefits go beyond weight loss:
As with any medical treatment, GLP-1 medications have potential side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation — especially when starting or increasing the dose.
Other important safety considerations include:
Your doctor will help assess whether GLP-1 therapy is right for you and monitor your response over time.
At Udok, we believe sustainable weight management is a journey — not a single prescription.
Our approach combines technology, medical expertise, and patient support to help South Africans achieve better health outcomes.
Through our telehealth platform, you can:
Our integrated care model ensures that medication is just one part of a holistic treatment plan focused on long-term wellbeing.
If you’ve struggled to lose weight despite genuine effort with diet and exercise, or if you have health conditions linked to your weight, GLP-1 therapy may be worth discussing.
The first step is a comprehensive online consultation with a Udok doctor who can assess your eligibility, explain the benefits and risks, and design a personalised plan.
Modern medicine has given us powerful new tools to fight obesity and its complications.
With the right medical support and lifestyle changes, lasting results are possible.
To register as a patient, click the button below and begin your journey to better health, anywhere, anytime.
The doctor will see you now
Plus: No queues, no waiting, no travelling necessary. You can speak to one of the best doctors in South Africa right now, on your device – within 1 minute.
They can give you a prescription, sick note, advice & can even write referrals for lab tests – anything you need from the comfort of your home.
