Johannesburg – Recent legal and regulatory measures aimed at pharmacies compounding GLP-1 weight-loss medications illegally have affected nearly 300,000 South Africans, as reported by Obiflex, a healthcare management program initiated by medical professionals.
With the compounded option no longer accessible, and a projected demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications in South Africa estimated at R3 billion, patients are left with a tough choice: seek out unregulated and potentially unsafe sources or consider a doctor-prescribed alternative that many argue is beyond their financial reach.
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Registered GLP-1 medications typically cost between R3,000 and R6,000 per month, excluding additional fees for doctor consultations.
Medical Aid coverage is restricted, with most plans providing about 50% coverage for members diagnosed with diabetes.
This predicament compels individuals managing their weight for various reasons to finance their treatment out-of-pocket.
“Affordability has pushed many patients towards cheaper, unregulated compounded options,” said Shaun Barns, co-founder and CEO of Obiflex.
“With both the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) closing the compounding route, the demand doesn’t disappear; it unfortunately may lead individuals to look for unregulated or illegal alternatives unless legitimate and affordable options are available.”
BNPL Introduced for GLP-1s
Obiflex has established a reliable payment plan to address the affordability issue associated with these medications.
The three-month program allows for five monthly payments of R1,499, while a six-month option can be divided into nine equal monthly payments of R1,999.
Both plans include a virtual consultation with a doctor, virtual health coaching, digital tracking tools, weekly wellness guidance, and home delivery – all accessible through WhatsApp or the web without needing to download an additional app.
Obiflex’s network of physicians have been specifically trained in the endocrinology and cardiology dimensions of weight management by co-founder Dr. Riaz Motara.
The doctors are prepared to tackle the underlying causes of unhealthy weight fluctuations.
This program merges low-dose GLP-1 treatment with organized health coaching, aligning with growing research worldwide that suggests combining medication with lifestyle support enhances the likelihood of maintaining weight loss over time compared to medication alone.
Targeted weight loss can result in a reduction of up to 10% of body weight within six months.
Patients seeking additional support can engage in further sessions with Obiflex.
Obiflex has partnered with a leader in weight-loss medications and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
Barns mentioned: “There are countless South Africans eager to enhance their weight management, and many have turned to unregulated methods.”
“Obiflex is dedicated to ensuring that individuals who have made the choice to improve their health have access to a safe, legitimate, and affordable method under medical supervision.”
Members of Obiflex receive weekly wellness information focusing on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity, in addition to access to a health-tracking app that measures vital statistics such as body composition and blood pressure.
Members can also opt for more intensive personal health coaching at a small additional cost.
“Our aim wasn’t just to make the medication more affordable,” Barns stressed.
“We seek to provide comprehensive medical assistance, coaching, and a flexible payment solution for GLP-1s.”
