What is pharmaceutical compounding — and why is it at the centre of the GLP-1 controversy?
Compounding is a century-old pharmacy practice that became a multi-billion dollar flashpoint when GLP-1 medications went into shortage. Here is what it actually is, what the controversy is really about, and what it means for patients.
Sleep apnoea and GLP-1s — the SURMOUNT-OSA data and what it means for SA patients
Tirzepatide reduced sleep apnoea severity by up to 63% in the SURMOUNT-OSA trial — a result comparable in magnitude to CPAP therapy. Here is what this means in an SA context.
“I chose to stop after eight months” — Lerato’s decision and what followed
Not everyone who stops GLP-1 therapy does so because of cost or side effects. Lerato stopped because she felt ready. She shares what the following six months actually looked like.
Month 6 update: Thabo’s story — when the plateau became the turning point
Thabo started semaglutide for weight management alongside type 2 diabetes. He hit a six-week plateau in month 3. Here is what happened when he and his doctor decided to understand it — not push through it.
Ask the expert: “My medical aid won’t cover this. What are my options in South Africa?”
Practical pathways, honest tradeoffs and the questions worth asking your scheme — from a South African perspective.
Ask the expert: “Is it safe to use GLP-1s while trying to conceive?”
The evidence gap, honestly described. What the current data shows about GLP-1 exposure in early pregnancy — and the specific guidance that applies before conception.
Ask the expert: “Why did I stop losing weight at month 3?”
The plateau explained properly — including the part about metabolic adaptation that most prescribers do not take time to explain.
Ask the expert: “I missed two injections — what do I do?”
Practical guidance, not a disclaimer. What actually happens to the medication in your system, and the specific steps to take depending on when you missed and why.
Ask the expert: “Can I drink on semaglutide?”
The answer and the nuance behind it — from what the interaction actually involves, to the surprising finding that GLP-1s may reduce your desire to drink anyway.
Alzheimer’s and GLP-1s — the most exciting and most premature area of research
GLP-1 receptors are found throughout the brain. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotection is striking. Epidemiological signals are encouraging. The definitive trials are still running.