Your Path to Lasting
Weight Loss

At Meridian Health, we provide personalised medical weight loss plans utilising medications such as semaglutide, tailored to help you reach your goal weight.

About Us

Meridian Health

Meridian Health specialises in the medical aspects of a holistic weight loss plan with the prescription of medications such as semaglutide.

Our approach combines expert medical guidance with personalised care to help you lose weight safely and effectively.

Andy McDonough

Cancer Patient

An excellent way to
get started.

Please fill out the form below and we will set an appointment time for you, or you can just call our HQ and set your We just had a dream, A vision, All we had to do was to tell them our idea and that was our part.

Our Process

How It Works

Complete Assessment

Submit your basic details and answer a few questions to determine if you’re a candidate for medical weight loss.

Virtual Appointment

Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our doctors. After payment, you'll receive a Zoom link for your appointment.

Start Medication

If prescribed, your doctor will send a script to your preferred pharmacy, so you can begin your treatment right away.

Follow up Appointments

Thereafter, you will see us every 6 months to renew your script. You may also book an appointment at any time should any issues arise.

Our Team

Meet our Medical Team

Dedicated to guiding you on your weight loss journey with personalised, professional care.

Dr Richard Halley-Stott

Co-founder

Dr Halley-Stott is a Medical Doctor with an MBChB from the University of Cape Town, a DipPEC (Colleges of Medicine SA) and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he trained and worked under the supervision of a Nobel laureate in Stem Cell Biology. He has worked in a wide variety of medical disciplines from surgery to emergency medicine and occasionally in challenging environments including Antarctica and remote desert field hospitals. He has a passion for evidence-based medicine, health promotion and a special interest in regenerative medicine.

Dr Joshua Czech

Co-founder

A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Dr Joshua Czech loves the blend of science and humanity he encounters every day in his work as a General Practitioner, and is passionate about the potential of medicine in helping people not just to survive, but to thrive. Outside of work you'll find him taking dogfriends Lucy and Lars for a walk in the forest, or oil painting pictures of animals (whales at time of writing).

Do you have any questions?

Browse through our FAQs below, and if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll respond as soon as possible.

F.A.Qs

Frequently asked questions

How does medical weight loss with Meridian Health work?
We are a telemedicine practice which aims to manage the medical aspects of a holistic weight loss plan through the appropriate prescription of medications such as semaglutide.
Am I guaranteed to get a prescription or medication after my appointment?
As with any medical intervention, the doctor will determine during your consultation whether medication for weight loss is appropriate and in your best interests. While our screening questionnaire is designed to identify with a high degree of accuracy whether you are a candidate for medication prior to your appointment, it can’t be guaranteed that you will be issued with medication after your appointment.
What are GLP-1 agonists?

Originally used to treat diabetes, GLP-1 agonists such as liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) were found in studies to result in significant weight loss when used at higher doses. They decrease appetite by slowing emptying of the stomach, and by acting directly on areas of the brain responsible for hunger, cravings and satiety. They are injected weekly (for semaglutide and tirzepatide) with a pen device into subcutaneous tissue such as belly fat.

Are these medications safe? What are the potential side effects?

When appropriately prescribed, GLP-1s are regarded as generally safe. Side effects occur most commonly in the first few days after starting the meds or increasing the dosage, and can include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. In rare cases more serious adverse events such as pancreatitis and gallstones can occur.

How much weight will I lose?

Studies have shown an average weight loss of 10 - 20% of total body weight after one year.

If I stop taking medications, will I regain the weight?

This will vary from person to person. Establishing good eating and exercise habits while on semaglutide will give the best chance of keeping the weight off should you stop treatment. Some people find the experience of successfully losing weight to be very motivating to continue with lifestyle improvements even if they stop medication.
For many people obesity is however a chronic condition, which requires ongoing management like high blood pressure or diabetes would.

How much does it cost? Do you accept medical aid?
Virtual consultations are billed at R550; we do not currently accept medical aid. Medication typically costs R 2 000 - R 5 000 per month, depending on the dosage you require. Medical aids generally will not cover the costs of these medications.