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28.10.2026

GLP-1 Obesity Treatment Review Yet to Start in SA

GLP-1 obesity treatment remains unavailable in the public sector as officials delay a review despite WHO guidance. Read about the barriers.
GLP-1 obesity treatment medicines remain largely inaccessible to South African public healthcare patients.
Image | ZimmyTWS | Shutterstock/2581703395

South Africa has yet to begin assessing GLP-1 obesity treatment for public sector patients, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending these medicines for long-term obesity management in December 2025.

The Department of Health is considering adding GLP-1 medicines to its essential medicines list for diabetes treatment. However, it has not started evaluating their use specifically for obesity.

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