Phoenix Plaza Medical CenterDr Neven Govender · Family Practitioner
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Phoenix, Durban · Open 7 days

Medical Weight Loss in Phoenix

A doctor-led weight-loss programme: a proper assessment and blood tests first, then prescription treatment if it suits you, with genuine medicine and regular follow-up.

Dr Neven Govender · Family Practitioner

Start your weight-loss consult

Doctor-led

Your first visit covers your history, measurements and the blood tests you need. If medication is right for you, we'll write your script or order genuine medicine for you.

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First stepConsult + bloods
TreatmentGLP-1 or tablets
MedicineGenuine, from reputable sources
Follow-upRegular reviews

Explore your care

Find the information you need

Choose a topic for more detail, or book an appointment to discuss your needs.

Is medical weight loss right for you?

Prescription weight-loss medicine is usually considered if:

You may be a candidate if

  • Your BMI is 30 or more, or
  • Your BMI is 27 or more and you have a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, PCOS or joint pain
  • You've tried diet and exercise without lasting results
  • You're ready for a long-term plan with regular check-ups

Not sure of your BMI?

We measure your weight, height, waist and blood pressure at your first visit. Even if medication isn't right for you, we'll help you build a plan that is.

Short-term tablets: Duromine and Relislim

Appetite-suppressant tablets

Duromine and Relislim are prescription tablets that reduce appetite. They're meant for short-term use, often as a kick-start to a structured plan, not as a long-term solution.

  • Prescribed only after an assessment, including your blood pressure and heart health
  • Used for a limited period, with regular check-ups
  • Duromine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and cause a dry mouth, poor sleep or feeling on edge
  • Not suitable if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid or glaucoma, are pregnant, or have a history of substance misuse

Tablets or injections?

Tablets are cheaper and help some people get started, but the effect is modest and short-term. GLP-1 injections are more effective and suited to long-term use. We'll help you weigh up cost, your health and your goals.

A long-term treatment

Why GLP-1 treatment is long-term

Excess weight is a long-term condition, much like high blood pressure. GLP-1 medicines work well while you take them, but in trials most people who stopped regained much of the weight they'd lost within a year. So we plan for the long term from the start.

How we keep your results

  • Regular reviews to track progress and side effects
  • Slow, careful dose increases, then the lowest dose that keeps working for you
  • Enough protein and strength exercise to protect your muscle while you lose fat
  • Dietician referrals and practical eating strategies, including intermittent fasting where appropriate

GLP-1 weight-loss injections

GLP-1 medicines are once-weekly injections that copy natural gut hormones that control appetite. They help you feel full sooner, cut cravings and slow how quickly your stomach empties. They're the most effective weight-loss medicines available today, and they're designed for long-term use.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Weekly injection · semaglutideExplore treatment

Strong, well-studied results for weight loss, with a weekly injection.

What it is: A once-weekly injection of semaglutide made specifically for weight management.

Results in trials: In the main clinical trial, people lost about 15% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary.

Good to know: The dose starts low and is increased every 4 weeks to reduce side effects, so weight loss is usually gradual at first.

Ozempic (semaglutide)

Type 2 diabetes · semaglutideExplore treatment

If you have type 2 diabetes, it can improve your sugar control and help you lose weight. Your medical aid may cover it for diabetes.

What it is: The same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide, but registered in South Africa for type 2 diabetes.

Results in trials: It lowers blood sugar and leads to weight loss, though its maximum dose is lower than Wegovy's.

Good to know: If you don't have diabetes, we'll discuss whether another option suits you better.

Diabetes care ›

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Weekly injection · tirzepatideExplore treatment

It has produced the largest average weight loss of the weight-loss medicines available.

What it is: A once-weekly injection that acts on two appetite hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, instead of one.

Results in trials: In the main clinical trial, people on the highest dose lost about 20% of their body weight on average over 72 weeks, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary.

Good to know: It can make the contraceptive pill less reliable, especially in the first 4 weeks and after each dose increase. Use a backup method, such as condoms, during those times.

Beware of fake weight-loss injections

Fake GLP-1s are common

SAHPRA, South Africa's medicines regulator, has repeatedly warned about counterfeit Ozempic and Mounjaro sold on social media, online marketplaces and unlicensed websites. Fake pens may contain no medicine, the wrong dose or something else entirely, such as insulin, and may not be sterile.

  • Genuine GLP-1 medicines need a prescription. Anyone selling them without one isn't legitimate
  • Be wary of very cheap pens, "compounded" or "generic" semaglutide, and sellers on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp
  • Pens should arrive cold, sealed and in original packaging

Our promise: genuine medicine

We either give you a script for a registered pharmacy or order your medicine for you directly from reputable sources, so you know exactly what you're injecting. We'll also show you how to inject, store and check your pen.

Side effects and safety

Common side effects

Most side effects are stomach-related and are worst when you start or increase the dose. They usually settle over a few weeks.

  • Nausea and feeling full quickly
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Reflux, burping or bloating
  • Tiredness at first

Rare but important

Rarely, GLP-1 medicines can cause pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to your back), gallbladder problems or dehydration. Seek help urgently if you have severe stomach pain or can't keep fluids down.

GLP-1s are not suitable if you

  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
  • Have had pancreatitis (we'll discuss whether it's safe)
  • Have type 1 diabetes (for weight loss)

Your appointment

What to expect

  1. ConsultationWe go through your history, previous attempts, medication and goals.
  2. MeasurementsWeight, BMI, waist and blood pressure.
  3. Blood testsTypically sugar (HbA1c), cholesterol, and kidney, liver and thyroid function, to check treatment is safe and look for underlying causes.
  4. Your planMedication if it suits you (GLP-1 injections or short-term tablets), plus nutrition and activity.
  5. Genuine medicineWe write your script or order your medicine directly from a reputable source, and show you how to use it.
  6. Regular reviewsWe check your progress and side effects, and increase your dose slowly.
  7. Long-term maintenanceOnce you reach your goal, we plan how to keep the weight off.

Plan your visit

Find us at Phoenix Plaza

Phoenix Plaza Medical Center

Dr Neven Govender, Family Practitioner

Phoenix Plaza, 19 Parthenon Street
Phoenix, Durban, 4068
Get directions
Monday–Friday
8am–6pm
Saturday & Sunday
8am–4pm
Public holidays
8am–4pm

Call 031 500 4791
WhatsApp 082 767 2776

Common questions

Am I eligible for weight-loss medication?

Usually if your BMI is 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, prediabetes or sleep apnoea. We confirm this with measurements and blood tests at your first visit.

Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro: which is best?

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same medicine (semaglutide). Wegovy is made for weight management; Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on two hormones and has shown the largest average weight loss in trials. The best choice depends on your health, whether you have diabetes, your budget and availability. We'll advise at your consultation.

How much weight will I lose?

It varies. In trials, people lost about 15% of their body weight on average on Wegovy and about 20% on the highest dose of Mounjaro, over about a year and a half. Weight loss is usually slower in the first months while the dose is still low.

How much does it cost?

Your consultation is R500 or R600 depending on the provider. Blood tests are billed by the laboratory. Medicine costs depend on which medicine and dose you need, and GLP-1s are a significant monthly cost. We'll give you current pricing at your consultation so you can decide.

Does medical aid cover weight-loss medication?

Most medical aids don't cover medicine for weight loss alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, your plan may cover Ozempic or Mounjaro for diabetes. Your consultation and blood tests may be covered, depending on your plan.

Do I have to stay on it forever?

GLP-1 treatment works best long-term. Most people who stop regain much of the weight. Some people can move to a lower maintenance dose. We'll plan this with you rather than stopping suddenly.

Does the injection hurt?

The needle is very short and thin, and you inject under the skin of your stomach, thigh or upper arm once a week. Most people barely feel it. We'll show you how at your first visit.

Can I buy Ozempic online or from someone I know?

We strongly advise against it. SAHPRA has warned about counterfeit Ozempic and Mounjaro sold online and on social media. Fake pens can contain the wrong medicine or dose. Get yours through a doctor's script or from us.

Duromine or a GLP-1 injection?

Duromine and Relislim are short-term tablets that reduce appetite. They're cheaper, but the effect is modest and they aren't suitable for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. GLP-1 injections are more effective and suited to long-term use. We'll help you choose.

Do I still need to diet and exercise?

Yes. Medication makes it much easier to eat less, but what you eat still matters. Enough protein and some strength exercise help you lose fat rather than muscle, and help you keep the weight off.

I'm on the pill. Is that a problem?

Mounjaro can make the pill less reliable, especially in the first 4 weeks and after each dose increase, so use a backup method then. You shouldn't use GLP-1 medicines if you're pregnant or trying to conceive. Tell us if you're planning a pregnancy.

I have diabetes. Can you help?

Yes. We're a preferred provider on the Discovery, Polmed, GEMS and Bonitas diabetes networks, and weight loss is often part of diabetes care.