This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. An in-person consultation with Dr Joosab is required before any treatment is prescribed or administered. HPCSA Reg. No. 0736686.
Yes. Any HPCSA-registered general practitioner in South Africa can prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss, and you don’t need a referral to a specialist before they can do so. Both are Schedule 4 prescription medicines in South Africa, which means they need a valid script from a registered doctor but don’t require a specialist to issue that script.
If you’ve been getting inconsistent answers on this, it’s partly because the regulatory situation has moved quickly. Here’s a clear-cut summary of where things stand in 2026.
What is Ozempic and is it registered for weight loss in South Africa?
Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite by mimicking a gut hormone that signals fullness to the brain. In South Africa, Ozempic is registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) primarily for type 2 diabetes management.
Wegovy, the higher-dose semaglutide formulation (2.4 mg weekly), is registered with SAHPRA specifically for chronic weight management. In practice, both formulations are prescribed for weight loss in eligible patients; the prescribing doctor makes the clinical call on which is appropriate.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer dual-action medication that targets both the GLP-1 and GIP appetite-regulating pathways. It’s distributed in South Africa by Aspen Pharmacare and was launched for type 2 diabetes management in December 2024. It’s currently the most potent of the main options, with the SURMOUNT clinical trial programme reporting average weight loss of 15 to 21% over 72 weeks, compared with approximately 15% for semaglutide over 68 weeks in the STEP trials.
Do I need to see a specialist to get a prescription for Ozempic or Mounjaro?
No. A GP prescribes both medications without a specialist referral. Whether you visit Dr Joosab’s practice in Overport (031 271 3056) or KwaMashu (031 501 1033), or any other HPCSA-registered GP in South Africa, the consultation and prescription process is handled at GP level.
Online doctor services that issue GLP-1 prescriptions after a structured questionnaire are also legal in South Africa. The practical difference is clinical depth. A GP who has your file, can examine you and is already managing any other conditions you have is better positioned to catch contraindications, manage interactions and adjust treatment over time.
Who qualifies for a GLP-1 weight loss prescription?
GPs assess eligibility using criteria that align with international guidelines:
- BMI of 30 or above, with no additional qualifying condition needed
- BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related condition: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, raised cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease
You’re unlikely to qualify if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN-2), active pancreatitis, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have significant kidney, liver or cardiac disease. Your GP will ask about these directly, along with a full medication review, since several drugs interact with GLP-1 agents.
What does a GP weight loss consultation involve?
A first consultation with Dr Joosab for weight management covers:
- Weight history, previous attempts at losing weight and any prior medication use
- BMI calculation from height and weight measurement at the practice
- Relevant medical history: existing diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver conditions
- Current medications and any supplements you’re taking
- An explanation of how GLP-1 therapy works and what you’ll need to do on your side
If Dr Joosab is satisfied you’re a good candidate, he issues a prescription. You fill it at a pharmacy of your choice; Mounjaro and Ozempic are available at major chains including Dis-Chem and Clicks across Durban, but confirm stock at your specific branch before attending the consultation.
How much does it cost to see a GP for a weight loss prescription in Durban?
A private GP consultation in Durban generally costs between R350 and R600, though this varies by practice. Dr Joosab can confirm the exact consultation fee when you call to book.
The medication itself is separate. Mounjaro currently costs approximately R3,000 to R4,500 per month depending on the dose and pharmacy. The starting dose (2.5 mg weekly) is at the lower end of that range. Ozempic and Wegovy are in a broadly similar cost bracket at maintenance doses.
Most South African medical aids don’t cover GLP-1 therapy for weight management. If you have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, your scheme’s Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) framework may cover treatment under a diabetes-related code. Check with your medical aid before starting.
Is it safer to go through an online prescription service or see a GP in person?
Neither is categorically safer or riskier. For patients who are straightforward cases with no complicating conditions or complex medication lists, an online consultation can be appropriate. For patients with multiple managed conditions, a history of adverse drug reactions or kidney, liver or heart disease, the in-person GP route provides a level of clinical assessment that an online questionnaire can’t replicate.
If you’re already a patient at Dr Joosab’s practice, starting weight management there integrates your GLP-1 treatment with your existing care from the first appointment, which matters most if your weight is related to conditions already being managed, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Frequently asked questions
Can Ozempic be prescribed for weight loss without a diabetes diagnosis?
Yes. Semaglutide is prescribed for weight management in South Africa for patients without type 2 diabetes, provided they meet the BMI eligibility criteria above. Wegovy (the weight-management-registered formulation) is typically the appropriate product in that context.
How do I book a weight management consultation at Dr Joosab’s practice in Durban?
Call 031 271 3056 for the Overport practice or 031 501 1033 for the KwaMashu rooms. Both practices are accepting new patients for weight management consultations. Same-day slots are sometimes available.
Will my medical aid pay for Ozempic or Mounjaro if it’s prescribed for weight loss?
Generally not for weight management as the primary indication. Coverage for semaglutide or tirzepatide prescribed for type 2 diabetes may apply under relevant PMB codes. Check with your scheme directly and ask your GP to confirm the applicable diagnosis code.
Can my GP manage the dose increase over time, or do I eventually need a specialist?
Your GP manages the full titration schedule. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are ramped up gradually over several weeks, starting at a low dose to reduce side effects. Dr Joosab handles this from start to finish. A referral to a specialist would only be considered if a complication arose that required additional expertise.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide. Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes management in South Africa, with doses up to 1 mg weekly. Wegovy is registered specifically for weight management and is available at a higher dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Which one your GP prescribes depends on your diagnosis and clinical picture.
