Health Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical conditions, medications or changes to your healthcare plan. Never start, stop or alter prescribed medication without professional medical guidance.
GLP-1 medication may be right for you if you have a body mass index above 30, or above 27 with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, and conventional approaches have not produced lasting results. In South Africa, Ozempic requires a prescription from a registered doctor and is approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy launched in South Africa in August 2025 and is registered specifically for weight management. Medical schemes do not currently cover either medication for weight loss. The most important step before starting is a proper medical assessment and a clear plan for nutrition and long-term maintenance.
The most successful patients on GLP-1 treatment usually have a plan before the first injection. That means knowing how to manage side effects, how much protein to eat, what to monitor, and what happens when they eventually reach their goal weight. This article gives you the 10 most important questions to ask your doctor.
The 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
1. Am I a Suitable Candidate?
Ask whether your medical history, weight, metabolic health and current medications make you a good candidate for GLP-1 treatment.
In South Africa, Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is prescribed for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a related condition. Both require a prescription. Your doctor will assess whether your specific circumstances, including other medications you take, make GLP-1 treatment appropriate.
2. Which GLP-1 Medicine Is Best for Me?
Different medicines work differently. Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on two hormones rather than one. Ask why your doctor recommends a specific option and how it fits your medical profile.
3. What Dose Will I Start On?
Starting too quickly can significantly increase side effects. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are started at a low dose and increased gradually over several months. Ask how slowly your dose will be increased and what the target dose is for your situation.
4. What Side Effects Should I Expect?
Common GLP-1 side effects may include
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
Most side effects are worst in the first few weeks and during dose increases. Knowing what is normal reduces anxiety and helps you manage early treatment more effectively. Article 3 in this series covers managing nausea and food choices in detail.
5. Which Symptoms Are Not Normal?
Ask which symptoms require medical attention and when you should contact your healthcare provider. Severe or persistent vomiting, signs of pancreatitis such as severe abdominal pain, and symptoms of low blood sugar are all reasons to seek medical advice promptly.
6. How Much Protein Should I Eat?
One of the biggest clinical concerns during GLP-1 weight loss is losing muscle alongside fat. Ask your doctor or dietitian how much protein you should aim for each day.
Research presented at ENDO 2025 by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that approximately 40% of weight lost on semaglutide comes from lean mass including muscle, and that lower protein intake at three months was directly linked to greater muscle loss. Article 5 in this series covers protein in full detail.
How Can I Prevent Constipation?
Constipation is one of the most commonly reported GLP-1 side effects. Ask about:
- Fibre intake targets
- Daily fluid intake
- Physical activity
- Supplement options if needed
Article 6 covers gut health and the role of fibre in depth.
8. What Should We Monitor?
Monitoring during GLP-1 treatment may include:
- Weight and waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Blood tests including kidney and liver function
- Body composition where possible
Regular monitoring helps your doctor adjust the treatment plan and identifies any issues early.
9. Do My Other Medicines Need to Change?
Weight loss can affect the required dose of diabetes and blood pressure medications. If you are already taking medication for either condition, discuss with your healthcare provider whether adjustments will be needed as your weight changes. Never adjust medication doses without medical guidance.
10. What Happens When I Reach My Goal Weight?
This may be the most important question of all. Many people focus entirely on losing weight but never discuss what comes next.
Research published in the BMJ in January 2026, reviewing 37 studies and 9,341 adults, found that people stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide regained an average of 0.8 kg per month, with return to baseline weight projected at approximately 18 months. Long-term success depends on a maintenance plan built before treatment ends, not after. Article 10 in this series covers stopping GLP-1 medication and the food strategy that matters.
Plan Your Nutrition Before the First Dose
Many people start thinking about nutrition only after side effects appear. That is backwards. The best time to plan is before treatment begins. Focus on four areas:
Protein
Supports muscle preservation during weight loss. Aim for 20 to 30 grams per meal. Article 5 covers this in full
Fibre
Supports gut health, bowel regularity and blood sugar control. Article 6 covers this in full.
Hydration
Reduces headaches, fatigue and constipation. Aim for 2 to 3 litres of water or unsweetened fluid daily.
Strength Training
Helps protect muscle mass while body weight decreases. Discuss appropriate exercise with your doctor or physiotherapist.
SAHPRA Warning: Do not self-prescribe or use compounded, falsified or unregistered products. In South Africa, SAHPRA has warned the public about unauthorised, falsified, compounded and substandard GLP-1 products being sold online and through social media channels. Source: SAHPRA, 2024 and 2025.
Find Your Full On Nourish Stage: Your GLP-1 nutrition journey is built around stages, not willpower. GENTLE for the early weeks when appetite and tolerance are adjusting. CORE for when side effects have settled and you are building consistent nutrition. FREEDOM for long-term maintenance. Find your stage at fullonfoods.co.za/get-started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GLP-1 medication right for me?
GLP-1 medication may be appropriate if you have a BMI above 30, or above 27 with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, and have not achieved lasting results through conventional approaches. In South Africa, a prescription from a registered doctor is required. A thorough medical assessment should always come before starting treatment
What should I ask my doctor before starting Ozempic or Wegovy in South Africa?
Ask about eligibility, which medication is best for your situation, what dose you will start on, what side effects to expect, how much protein to eat, how to prevent constipation, what will be monitored, whether your other medications need adjusting, and what your long-term maintenance plan is.
Can GLP-1 medication cause constipation?
Yes. Constipation is one of the most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Increasing fibre intake gradually, staying well hydrated and maintaining physical activity can help reduce the risk. Discuss options with your healthcare provider if constipation is persistent.
Do people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medication?
Research published in the BMJ in January 2026, reviewing 37 studies and 9,341 adults, found that people stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide regained an average of 0.8 kg per month after stopping, with return to baseline weight projected at approximately 18 months. Building sustainable nutrition and exercise habits during treatment significantly reduces the risk of rapid regain.
Is GLP-1 medication covered by medical schemes in South Africa?
Not currently for weight management. Medical schemes in South Africa do not cover Ozempic or Wegovy for obesity because obesity is not classified as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit condition. Some schemes may offer partial cover under specific motivation blocks for metabolic conditions. Discuss this with your doctor and medical scheme.
References
Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021.
Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022.
West S et al. Weight Regain After Cessation of Medication for Weight Management: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BMJ. January 2026.
Haines M et al. Protein Intake, Muscle Loss and Glucose Homeostasis During Semaglutide-Induced Weight Loss. ENDO 2025. July 2025.
SAHPRA. Position on GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 products that are compounded, substandard and falsified. 2024.
SAHPRA. Warning on GLP-1 products sold through social media platforms. 2025.
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes. 2026.
Key Takeaways: GLP-1 medicines can be highly effective but are not suitable for everyone. The best results happen when medication and nutrition work together from day one. Protein intake, fibre intake and hydration should be planned before treatment begins. Side effects such as nausea and constipation can often be managed successfully. In South Africa, both Ozempic and Wegovy require a prescription and medical schemes do not currently cover them for weight loss. Long-term success depends on a maintenance strategy built before stopping treatment, not after.