Doctor’s warning on weight loss cocktails: Don’t gamble with your life
Unregulated compounds pose serious risks as demand for cheaper alternatives grows
The temptation to save money on weight loss injections is putting lives at risk, warns Dr Charlene Wolberg, a general practitioner with a master’s degree in nutritional science who practises at Netcare Linksfield Hospital.
“Recently, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) issued a clear warning to manufacturers of unregistered weight loss medicines containing either semaglutide, tirzepatide, or a cocktail of both.
“These products aren’t just unregulated, they’re illegal to produce or sell in South Africa. The real dangers of these unsafe medicines should not be underestimated; they could contain anything,” notes Dr Wolberg.
Social media and messaging platforms are flooded with enticing advertisements for cheap weight loss solutions. When medications are manufactured illegally, the risk of people becoming dangerously ill due to contamination and adverse reactions increases significantly.
Dr Charlene Wolberg, general practitioner with a master’s degree in Nutritional Science.
“Any weight loss injectable sold without requiring a doctor’s assessment and prescription is not safe to use. SAHPRA has confirmed multiple hospitalisations linked to these unregistered products, although the true number of victims remains unknown because these unscrupulous operators don’t track adverse reactions.
“The promise of dramatic weight loss at a fraction of the cost may be appealing, but legitimate weight loss medications approved for use in South Africa require proper medical supervision, dosage adjustment, and side effect monitoring,” Dr Wolberg emphasises.
The message is clear: there are no safe shortcuts with weight loss medications. If you’re concerned about your weight, book an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider who can prescribe approved medications when medically appropriate.
“Without this oversight, you’re taking enormous risks. No amount of weight loss is worth risking permanent harm to your health. Your life is worth more than any shortcut,” concludes Dr Wolberg.
To make an appointment for a doctor’s consultation at a Netcare facility near you, contact Netcare appointmed™ on 0860 555 565 or download the Netcare App.
