POLOKWANE –  The launch of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) at Fusion Boutique Hotel last Thursday has opened new opportunities for doctors to treat obesity and reduce life-threatening complications linked to the condition.

According to Dr Nkhensane Khosa, a general practitioner in Polokwane, obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, environmental, metabolic and psychosocial elements.

Speaking at the launch event, attended by general practitioners, specialists and nutrition professionals from the city and surrounding areas, Khosa said 90% of patients with diabetes mellitus are obese, while many people living with obesity remain undiagnosed.

He described obesity as a gateway to other non-communicable diseases such as obstructive sleep apnoea, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, certain cancers and arthritis, often leading to premature death and early joint replacements.

“The good news is that the weight-loss injection tirzepatide has shown significant promise in clinical trials, with weight reduction of up to 25%, comparable to what is achieved through bariatric surgery,” he said.

Khosa cited data from five clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of GLP-1 and GIP agonists in achieving substantial weight loss and improving health markers such as waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

“Obesity is a disease that requires treatment. It is not simply about poor diet and lack of exercise. The body adapts to obesity in ways that make it difficult for patients to lose weight and keep it off. With the right treatment, we can help patients achieve meaningful weight loss and improve overall health,” he said.

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In an interview with Polokwane Observer, Khosa described the introduction of tirzepatide as a significant development in obesity management.

He stressed the importance of screening, proper diagnosis and referral for treatment. “It’s not only doctors who can screen for obesity. Dietitians, specialists and biokineticists also play an important role in identifying patients who need treatment,” he said.

Khosa encouraged individuals who are overweight or obese and struggling to lose weight to consult their healthcare providers about available treatment options.