No More Sugarcoating It: GLP-1s Are a Powerful Weapon in the War Against Sugar

South Africa is facing a new movement in weight management as the country confronts rising rates of obesity and sugar-driven illness. A powerful class of medication known as GLP-1 therapies is changing the landscape, helping to reduce obesity, improve metabolic health, and even lower the risk of certain cancers.

Landmark Study Links GLP-1 Use to Lower Cancer Risk

A major study published in JAMA Oncology has found that patients using GLP-1 medications – originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes – experienced a 17% lower overall risk of cancer.

The study, involving over 86,000 patients, revealed striking results:

• Ovarian cancer risk nearly halved
• Meningioma cases dropped by 31%
• Endometrial cancer fell by 25%

“These findings reinforce the urgent need to fight back against sugar-related disease,” says Dr Tommie Smook, medical practitioner at Dr Smook & Partners, managed by RXME Group.

“We are witnessing the medical consequences of unchecked sugar consumption every day in practice. Obesity has become one of the greatest epidemics of our time. If we are serious about safeguarding public health, we must declare a national war on sugar – and GLP-1s are among the most powerful tools we now have to help people reclaim their health.”

How GLP-1s Work

The human body naturally produces GLP-1 – a hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. GLP-1 medications mimic this function to help restore balance.

They:

• Slow stomach emptying
• Reduce hunger and cravings
• Help patients feel full with smaller portions
• Stabilise blood sugar levels

Clinical trials consistently show 10–15% body weight reduction, especially when combined with medical supervision, exercise, and a balanced diet.

Beyond weight loss, GLP-1s have been shown to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Potentially protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

From Diabetes to Disease Prevention

“GLP-1s are no longer just diabetes drugs,” says Dr Smook. “They are transforming the way we think about weight, chronic disease, and prevention. When used responsibly under medical guidance, these therapies can change not only waistlines but lifespans.”

At Dr Smook & Partners, patients receive GLP-1 therapy under medical supervision. All medications are sourced through SAHPRA-approved compounding pharmacies, supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes dietitians, biokineticists, nurses, and sports physicians.

Five Essentials Before Starting GLP-1 Therapy

1. Consult your doctor first. Proper screening and monitoring are essential.
2. Commit to lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise remain vital to success.
3. Expect an adjustment phase. Mild side effects such as nausea are usually temporary.
4. Preserve muscle mass. Include resistance training and adequate protein intake.
5. Avoid unregulated products. Black-market versions are unsafe and unpredictable.

A Turning Point in Public Health

Obesity is a modern epidemic — and sugar is at the heart of it. GLP-1 therapies are not a quick fix, but they offer one of the most effective medical advances in decades to target both the causes and effects of obesity.

“The stigma around GLP-1s must end,” concludes Dr Smook. “These therapies are not about vanity – they are about survival. Every patient who regains control of their health is one step closer to breaking sugar’s grip on our society.”