For thousands of South Africans trying to manage their weight, the cost of treatment has become more than a financial question. It can also determine where they turn for help.
Recent regulatory and legal action against pharmacies illegally compounding GLP-1 weight-loss medicines has affected up to 300,000 South Africans, according to information supplied by Obiflex.
With the compounded route now closed, the demand for weight-loss GLP-1 medicines remains significant. The appetite for these medicines in South Africa is estimated at R3 billion.
That leaves affected patients facing a difficult choice: look for cheaper alternatives through unregulated or potentially unsafe sources, or access registered, doctor-prescribed treatment that many may struggle to afford.
The affordability gap
Registered GLP-1 medicines typically cost between R3,000 and R6,000 per month, excluding the cost of doctor consultations.
Medical aid coverage is also limited. According to the information supplied, most medical schemes contribute around 50% of the cost for members with a diabetes diagnosis.
For people using these medicines for weight management for other reasons, the treatment cost generally has to be funded privately.
That affordability gap has been a major factor behind the use of cheaper compounded alternatives.
“Affordability pushed so many patients toward cheaper, unregistered compounded alternatives,” says Shaun Barns, co-founder and CEO of Obiflex.
Barns says that with the compounding route shut down by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), the underlying demand has not disappeared.
His concern is that people who cannot afford registered treatment could seek other unregulated or illicit options.
A different approach to paying for GLP-1 treatment
Against this backdrop, Obiflex has introduced what it describes as a predictable-payment alternative.
The doctor-led health management programme spreads the cost of treatment across several monthly payments.
The three-month programme is spread over five monthly payments of R1,499.
The six-month programme is spread over nine equal monthly payments of R1,999.
Both programmes include a virtual doctor consultation, virtual health coaching, digital health tracking tools, weekly wellness advice and door-to-door delivery.
The service can be accessed through WhatsApp or the web, meaning members do not need to download a new app to use the programme.
More than medication
Obiflex says its approach is designed to combine GLP-1 treatment with ongoing health support.
Its doctor network has been trained specifically in the endocrinology and cardiology of weight management by co-founder Dr Riaz Motara.
According to the company, doctors are trained to look at the underlying causes of unhealthy weight changes rather than focusing only on medication.
The programme combines low-dose GLP-1 treatment with structured health coaching. Obiflex points to international research showing that combining medication with lifestyle support can improve the likelihood of maintaining weight loss over the longer term compared with medication alone.
The programme targets weight loss of up to 10% of body weight over six months, according to the press release.
Members who require additional support can continue with further rounds through Obiflex.
Building support around the patient
The programme also extends beyond the weekly prescription.
Members receive weekly wellness content covering nutrition, sleep and movement.
They also have access to a health-tracking app that monitors body composition, blood pressure and other vital signs.
For those wanting additional support, Obiflex offers more intensive one-on-one health coaching for an additional fee.
“We didn’t want to just make the medicine, more affordable,” Barns says. “We want to offer proper medical support, coaching and a way to pay for GLP-1s.”
A growing conversation around access
The developments highlight a wider challenge facing people seeking GLP-1-based weight management in South Africa: demand exists, but affordability can influence how patients access treatment.
Obiflex says it has partnered with a pioneer of weight-loss medication and one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies as part of its programme.
For Barns, the issue is ultimately about creating a legitimate pathway for people who are already seeking help with their weight.
“There are hundreds of thousands of South Africans who want to better manage their weight,” he says, adding that many have been accessing treatment through unregulated channels.
Obiflex says its goal is to provide an affordable approach while maintaining medical oversight and combining treatment with health support.
Where Obiflex is available
Obiflex is available across South Africa through its website.
As the regulatory landscape around compounded GLP-1 medicines changes, the affordability question remains central for patients who are looking for medically supervised weight-management options.
For those considering GLP-1 treatment, access should involve legitimate medical oversight rather than unregulated or illicit sources.
For more information, visit www.obiflex.co.za.
Disclaimer: The Vibe ZA is reporting on this story for informational and journalistic purposes only. Coverage of Obiflex, GLP-1 medicines, or any other product or service mentioned in this article does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or medical advice from The Vibe ZA.
Readers should not make healthcare or treatment decisions based solely on this article. If you are considering GLP-1 medication or any weight-management treatment, please consult a qualified medical professional who can assess your individual circumstances and provide appropriate medical guidance.
