Weight loss injections in South Africa come down to two medicines: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Every brand name you have heard is one of those two. This page sets out what each costs, what the real difference is, and what to check before you buy from anyone.
Reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who consults patients himself and dispenses under his own Section 22C dispensing licence.
| Treatment | Active ingredient | Typical price | Prescription | Where from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mobivIVe semaglutide 1mg pen | Semaglutide | R2,499 (approx. 8 weeks) | Yes, doctor consultation | Doctor-led, dispensed under Section 22C |
| mobivIVe semaglutide 2mg pen | Semaglutide | R3,999 (approx. 12 weeks) | Yes, doctor consultation | Doctor-led, dispensed under Section 22C |
| mobivIVe tirzepatide 5mg pen | Tirzepatide | R3,199 (approx. 4 weeks) | Yes, doctor consultation | Doctor-led, dispensed under Section 22C |
| mobivIVe tirzepatide 10mg pen | Tirzepatide | R4,999 (approx. 8 weeks) | Yes, doctor consultation | Doctor-led, dispensed under Section 22C |
| Ozempic (branded) | Semaglutide | About R2,800 to R3,200 a month at 1mg | Yes | Pharmacy, subject to stock |
| Wegovy (branded) | Semaglutide | From about R1,873 at the 0.25mg starting dose, about R3,746 at 2.4mg | Yes | Pharmacy, subject to stock |
| Mounjaro (branded) | Tirzepatide | From about R3,600 a month | Yes | Pharmacy, subject to stock |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Varies. Taken daily rather than weekly | Yes | Pharmacy |
Branded prices are indicative South African retail figures as at August 2026 and change with supplier pricing, dose and pharmacy markup. Confirm current pricing with the pharmacy. mobivIVe prices include VAT.
What is the cheapest weight loss injection in South Africa?
On the lowest starting dose, branded Wegovy is the cheapest entry point at roughly R1,873 a month. That is a four-week on-ramp price though, and it rises to about R3,746 at the full maintenance dose. Comparing like for like at maintenance doses, doctor-led semaglutide at R2,499 per pen, which lasts around eight weeks, works out materially cheaper than branded Ozempic or Wegovy. Price alone is the wrong way to choose, because the consultation, the dispensing and the follow-up are what make it safe.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide acts on one gut hormone pathway (GLP-1). Tirzepatide acts on two (GLP-1 and GIP), which is why it generally produces more weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Our full comparison covers this in detail.
Do I need a prescription for weight loss injections in South Africa?
Yes. Every weight loss injection of this type is a prescription medicine in South Africa. Anyone selling one without a consultation and a script is operating outside the law. SAHPRA has issued repeated public warnings about unregistered weight loss products sold through social media, gyms and salons.
What should I check before buying a weight loss injection?
Four things. Who the doctor is, and whether they are registered with the HPCSA so you can verify the number yourself. Whether you actually get a consultation before anything is dispensed. Where the medicine is dispensed from, because a Section 22C licence means the prescribing doctor is also licensed to dispense it. And whether there is follow-up care, since dose titration is where most people struggle.
Does medical aid cover weight loss injections?
Generally no. South African medical schemes do not fund weight management treatment, so this is almost always paid directly. Worth budgeting for before you start, because stopping partway through loses much of the benefit.
How do I start?
Message our team on WhatsApp. You will have a telephone or video consultation with Dr Chris van Zyl, who decides what is appropriate for you. If a script is issued, your prefilled pen is couriered discreetly anywhere in South Africa. See the full weight loss programme guide, or compare Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Looking for a specific brand? Ozempic in South Africa · Wegovy in South Africa · Mounjaro in South Africa
How to start, in 3 simple steps
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
- Doctor consultation. A telephone or video consultation with our registered doctor, who assesses your suitability and issues a script if the treatment is right for you.
- Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This page was written and reviewed by the mobivIVe medical team, led by Dr Chris van Zyl, an HPCSA-registered medical doctor (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA reg. no. MP0287067) who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Last reviewed August 2026. Prices change, so confirm current pricing before ordering. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; individual results vary.