Frequently asked, honestly answered.

Most adults with a BMI ≥ 27 combined with a weight-related condition (high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, fatty liver), or a BMI ≥ 30 on its own. Dr. Ray confirms suitability case by case.

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN-2 syndrome, active pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and type 1 diabetes (off-label). The assessment screens for all of these.

Not to start. If you have recent labs we'll review them; if not, Dr. Ray may recommend a baseline panel during your consultation, especially for thyroid, fasting glucose, and lipid markers.

Either compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide, depending on your clinical picture and tolerance. Dr. Ray discusses the choice with you at consultation.

The active molecule is the same. Compounded versions are prepared by a SAHPRA-licensed compounding pharmacy to the prescribing doctor's specifications. They are prescription-only and dispensed for a named patient.

Once a week, subcutaneously — typically in the abdomen or thigh. The pharmacy supplies pre-filled syringes or pens depending on the protocol. Dr. Ray walks every patient through their first injection on a video call.

We titrate the dose slowly. Most side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, reflux — and manageable with timing, hydration, and small medication adjustments. You have direct messaging access to Dr. Ray for any concern, with replies typically within 24 hours.

Most patients receive their first month's supply within 48–72 hours of consultation, dispatched in temperature-controlled, plain packaging with signature on delivery.

Currently, anywhere in South Africa with major courier coverage — including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Stellenbosch, George, Port Elizabeth, and most secondary towns.

GLP-1 medication for weight loss is rarely covered by SA medical aids at present. We provide detailed invoices for any out-of-network reimbursement processes you wish to pursue.

No. Pause, stop, or change your programme at any time. We dispatch month by month — you never pre-pay for medication you haven't decided to take.

Only Dr. Ray and the dispensing pharmacist. Your records are stored in a POPIA-compliant clinical system and are never shared with third parties for marketing or analytics.

Yes — plain outer boxes, no clinic branding, no medication name on the label. Signature on delivery is required to ensure the right person receives it.

For clinical questions, message Dr. Ray directly through the patient portal. For courier or pharmacy issues, our care team responds during business hours within 4 working hours.