Alcohol and GLP-1s — the interaction that surprises most patients
Many patients report reduced alcohol cravings. Others find that alcohol hits harder and faster than before. Both responses are real — and the mechanism behind them is the same.
The foods that make nausea worse — and the ones that actually help
Fatty food, carbonated drinks and large portions are the consistent triggers. The foods that help are more individual — but there are patterns worth knowing.
Protein on GLP-1s — why 1.6g/kg is the number dietitians keep citing
When appetite drops dramatically, protein is typically the first casualty. Here is why it should be the last, and how to hit your targets on a dramatically reduced intake.
Compounded GLP-1s in South Africa — the grey market and its real risks
Some South Africans are sourcing compounded or “research grade” semaglutide online. Here is an honest assessment of what that means legally, medically and practically.
Why the GLP-1 shortage keeps happening — and when it might resolve
Global demand has outpaced manufacturing capacity since 2022. Understanding why — and what manufacturers are doing about it — matters for every patient planning their treatment.
The SA access problem: who gets GLP-1s and who does not
Private prescription, medical aid, out-of-pocket cash, and the growing grey market. What getting onto GLP-1 treatment actually looks like in South Africa right now.
Hair loss on GLP-1s — is it the drug or the calorie deficit?
Patients report hair loss on semaglutide with enough consistency that it demands a proper answer. The evidence suggests the drug is not the direct cause.
The nausea window — week by week, what to expect and when it ends
Nausea affects up to 44% of patients on semaglutide. For most it peaks in weeks 2–4 and diminishes by week 8. But nobody tells you that the early experience is the worst it will get.
“GLP-1 face” and muscle loss — the body composition shift nobody warns you about
You can lose 15% of your body weight on semaglutide. But a significant proportion of that loss may be muscle, not fat. Here is why that matters.
What the clinical trials actually showed — vs what the headlines said
The STEP trials are among the most cited studies in modern medicine. Here is what they measured, what they did not, and where the media coverage went wrong.