Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss involves a comprehensive, non-surgical approach using personalized diet plans, medications, and support to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health.
Structured Medical Weight Loss Program
Not everyone needs or wants surgery to achieve meaningful weight loss. At the Obesity Unit, we offer a structured medical weight loss programme designed for patients seeking a non-surgical pathway to better health. This approach is rooted in science to help you lose weight safely, improve metabolic health, and reduce obesity-related risks.
Whether your goal is to manage weight for fertility, reduce the burden of conditions like diabetes and hypertension, or regain control after weight regain, our programme provides personalised care at every step. Through clinical assessment, tailored nutrition plans, supervised exercise, and, when indicated, prescription therapy, we focus on sustainable changes, not short-term fixes. This is medical weight loss done properly, in a way that supports long-term success.
This non-surgical pathway is ideal for patients who:
- Have a BMI between 25 and 35
- Prefer to avoid surgery
- Need to lose weight for fertility, medical, or orthopaedic reasons
- They are preparing for future bariatric procedures
- Have regained weight after previous interventions
How It Works
Medical weight loss at the Obesity Unit begins with a full assessment, including :
- Metabolic screening and blood tests
- Assessment of insulin resistance, thyroid function, and inflammatory markers
- Review of current diet, lifestyle, medications, and medical history
- Psychological and behavioural evaluation, where appropriate
Based on this, a tailored plan is developed that may include
- Individualised diet plans created by registered dietitians
- Exercise guidance focused on increasing movement and function
- Behavioural support to address eating patterns, triggers, and motivation
- Prescription medication where indicated, including appetite suppressants or metabolic regulators
All plans are reviewed regularly and adapted based on progress, tolerance, and evolving health goals.
Prescription Therapies
For eligible patients, we may prescribe evidence-based weight loss medications, including options that :
- Suppress appetite
- Improve satiety and portion control
- Enhance insulin sensitivity
- Reduce fat absorption
All medications are used under strict medical supervision with clear expectations, monitoring, and follow-up. Where appropriate, GLP-1 receptor agonists may be considered in line with international obesity treatment guidelines.
Results You Can Maintain
Unlike fad diets or unstructured weight loss attempts, our medical programme is designed for long-term change. We focus on building habits that:
- Reduce visceral fat
- Improve energy levels and metabolic markers
- Decrease reliance on chronic medication
- Lower your risk of developing obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea
Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can result in measurable improvements in your health and wellbeing, and we’re here to help you achieve it, step by step.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
This programme may be the best option if you :
- Are not a candidate for bariatric surgery
- Want to try a medically guided, non-surgical approach first
- Need to lose weight for fertility or surgical clearance
- Have experienced weight regain and need a structured reset
- Want to explore medication-supported weight loss under expert care
Start Your Journey
If you’re ready to take control of your weight without surgery, the Obesity Unit’s medical weight loss pathway offers a safe, scientific, and supportive solution. Book a consultation at our Johannesburg clinic today to begin your personalised plan.
