Dr Derran M Govender offers medical weight loss with weight loss injections at his practice in Durban North. Treatment starts with blood tests and is combined with nutrition, training and regular follow-up, so you lose fat and keep your muscle.
How GLP-1 weight loss injections work
GLP-1 is a natural hormone released by your gut after eating. GLP-1 injections copy this hormone. They:
- reduce appetite and cravings
- make you feel full sooner and for longer
- slow down how quickly your stomach empties
- improve blood sugar control and insulin resistance
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP, which is part of why it works so well.
The injection is given once a week with a small pen.
Why Dr Govender prefers Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- More weight loss. In head-to-head research, people on tirzepatide lost more weight than people on semaglutide (Ozempic).
- Fewer side effects. Many patients find it easier to tolerate, with less nausea and stomach upset.
- Two hormones. It acts on both GLP-1 and GIP, so it works on appetite and blood sugar in two ways.
Blood tests first
Dr Govender checks your blood before starting treatment, so the plan is based on your actual results. Tests include:
- C-peptide and fasting glucose
- cholesterol (lipid profile)
- thyroid function
- kidney function (U&E)
- liver function
- full blood count
More than an injection
Weight loss injections work best as part of a full programme. Without the right support, some of the weight lost can be muscle rather than fat. Dr Govender’s programme includes:
- Nutrition: enough protein to protect your muscle while you lose fat
- Resistance training: to build and keep muscle and support your metabolism
- Hormones: checking and treating low testosterone in men, or menopause in women, which can make weight loss harder
- Magnesium: to support blood pressure and metabolic health
- Regular follow-up: to adjust your dose and track your progress
What to bring
Please bring:
- your ID
- your medical aid card, if applicable
- a list of your current medicines
- any previous test results
Fees and medical aid
The practice accepts all major medical aids. Weight loss medication is not usually covered by medical aid. For fees, contact the practice.
Appointments
The practice is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, and walk-ins are welcome. Book an online or in-person appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?
Both are weekly injections that reduce appetite and improve blood sugar. Ozempic (semaglutide) acts on one gut hormone, GLP-1. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on two, GLP-1 and GIP. In head-to-head research, Mounjaro led to more weight loss, which is why Dr Govender usually prefers it. In South Africa, Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes.
Which weight loss injection is best?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) currently leads to the most weight loss of the widely available injections. The best choice still depends on your health, your blood results and how you tolerate the medicine, so Dr Govender chooses it with you.
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
The most common side effects affect the stomach:
- nausea
- diarrhoea or constipation
- reduced appetite
- indigestion
They are usually mild and settle as your body adjusts. Starting on a low dose and increasing it gradually helps keep them to a minimum.
Mounjaro can make the contraceptive pill less effective. Use condoms as well, or switch to a non-pill method, for four weeks after starting and for four weeks after each dose increase.
What are the side effects of Ozempic in women?
Ozempic’s side effects are similar in women and men. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and tiredness. Women may also notice:
- hair thinning during rapid weight loss
- changes to their periods
Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy.
What are the alternatives to Ozempic in South Africa?
The main alternatives are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which often leads to more weight loss, and Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily injection. For people who can’t use injections, other weight loss medicines may also be an option. Dr Govender can advise which suits you best.
References
- Aronne LJ et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-5). N Engl J Med. 2025;393:26–36. Read source
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205–216. Read source
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002. Read source
- Eli Lilly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) US Prescribing Information. Read source
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) US Prescribing Information. Read source
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Impact of Semaglutide on Body Composition in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: Exploratory Analysis of the STEP 1 Study. J Endocr Soc. 2021;5(Suppl 1):A16–A17. Read source
- Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: A joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025. Read source
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Public urged to use registered Ozempic products. 11 December 2023. Read source