“New Obesity Guidelines Introduced, But Drugs Remain Unaffordable Summary: Clinical guidelines for obesity treatment were published, but breakthrough drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy remain inaccessible due to high costs.”
With one-third of South Africans living with obesity, the release of clinical guidelines marks progress in recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The guidelines recommend GLP-1 drugs, which have proven effective in weight management. Yet, monthly costs of R3,000–R6,000 make them unattainable for most citizens. Medical aids do not cover weight loss treatments, leaving patients to pay out of pocket. Experts warn that without subsidies or public sector availability, the guidelines risk being symbolic rather than transformative. The issue underscores the broader challenge of aligning medical innovation with affordability.
