Start the countdown to
Goal Weight
Efficient, effective weight loss through personalised care and innovative weight management tools
Online Medical Weight Loss Practice
Our Success Stories
More Reviews From Real Patients:
Our Process
How It Works
Complete Online Assessment
Submit your basic details and answer a few questions to determine if you’re a candidate for expert-guided weight support.
Virtual Appointment
Schedule a secure online session with one of our health professionals. After payment, you will receive a private video link for your consultation.
Personalised Plan
If eligible, your doctor will guide you through the next steps so you can begin your personalised weight management plan as soon as possible.
Virtual Follow-Ups
Thereafter, you will see us every 6 months for a follow-up consultation. 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
MBChB, PhD, DipPEC
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 in stem cell biology under the supervision of a Nobel Laureate. He has worked in a wide variety of medical disciplines from surgery to emergency medicine, occasionally in challenging environments such as Antarctica and remote desert field hospitals. He has a passion for evidence-based medicine, health promotion and a special interest in regenerative medicine.
Dr Keisha De Gouveia
MBChB, BSc Med Sci (Hons)
Dr Keisha De Gouveia holds an MBChB and a BSc Med Sci (Hons) from the University of Cape Town and a Master of Public Health from Ivy League Brown University in the USA. She works both in research, currently running a multi-year clinical trial, and clinical medicine - thus ideally situated to combine an academically rigorous, evidence based approach with practical real-world experience in her work with weight management and metabolic health. She finds surfing a wonderful way to stay balanced physically and mentally at the end of a busy day at work.
Dr Joshua Czech
MBChB
A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Dr Joshua Czech has experience in emergency medicine and general practice. He loves the blend of science and humanity he encounters every day in his work, and is passionate about the potential of medicine in helping people not just to survive, but to thrive. This ethos coupled with a special interest in performance medicine has inspired him to make GLP-1 agonists an integral part of his practice. Outside of work you will find him taking his dogs for a walk in the mountains, or oil painting.
Dr Sam Marchant
MBChB, BSc (Hons)
Dr Sam Marchant holds an MBChB and a B(Med)Sc Hons in Physiology from the University of Cape Town. During her time as a medical officer in general surgery she gained firsthand insight into the challenges of weight-related illness and the benefits of effective weight management. Driven to enhance quality of life, Dr Marchant combines clinical empathy with a love for running and kettlebell training. She has conquered Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest Base Camp, and shares her more local adventures with her rescue Great Dane, Oupa.
Dr James Beningfield
MBChB, DipPEC
Dr James Beningfield brings diverse clinical experience across the fields of Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, in-hospital care, and General Practice. A graduate of the University of Pretoria, where he established a journal club exploring the advantages of plant-based diets and plant-based medications, he combines acute care expertise with a passion for lifestyle optimisation in order to provide the best possible treatment of chronic conditions. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, strength training, running, and loves time spent with his family.
Maxine Botha
BSc (Dietetics)
Maxine is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Stellenbosch University. With over nine years of clinical experience across hospitals and outpatient settings, she supports international clients managing chronic conditions alongside the use of weight loss medications. Known for her warmth, understanding, and client-centred approach, Maxine is passionate about empowering clients to achieve lasting health outcomes. Outside of work, she's an avid runner most likely training for her next marathon, creating new recipes or getting lost in a good book.We Get It
Are You Struggling With?
Social events or feeling self-conscious around others?
Your weight stopping you from keeping up with family or doing what you used to enjoy?
Feeling trapped in a cycle of shame and disappointment about your weight?
Food cravings which you feel unable to control?
Starting new diets only to feel defeated when they do not work?
Dismissive or judgmental responses from healthcare professionals when the subject of weight loss comes up?
We Can Help
We Understand Your Concerns
Personalised Treatment Plan
Get a tailored weight management plan just for you.
Innovative Weight Management
Clinically guided support specifically tailored to your goals.
Ongoing Support & Guidance
Regular check-ins to keep you on track- making sure you achieve your goals!
About Us
Meridian Health
Meridian was created to support people facing ongoing weight challenges, with a focus on sustainable results and improved wellbeing. As a fully online service, we offer a holistic weight support plan that includes expert guidance and innovative tools to help you reach your goals safely and confidently.
Let Us Guide You
Don't Be Held Back
Whether it is struggling to keep up with family, feeling self-conscious in social settings, or fighting an endless cycle of diets that do not work, we get it.
We understand the frustration, the setbacks, and the emotional toll.
At Meridian, we are here to offer a solution that goes beyond quick fixes.
With a plan tailored to you, effective treatments, and a supportive team by your side, we are committed to helping you take back control of your health and confidence.
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.
Do you have any questions?
F.A.Qs
Frequently asked questions
Originally developed for managing blood sugar levels, GLP-1 treatments have also been shown to facilitate average weight loss of 20 - 25% of starting body weight in clinical studies. These treatments work by reducing appetite through their effects on stomach emptying and hunger regulation in the brain. They are typically administered once a week using a pen-like device.
Studies with thousands of patients participating have shown an average weight loss of 20 - 25% of total body weight after one year. It is generally also possible, if desired, to lose more or less than this- depending on your goals and starting point.
Virtual consultations are billed at R630; we do not currently claim from medical aids. Medication typically costs R3500 - R4500 per month depending on the dosage you require. Medical aids generally will not cover the costs of these medications.
This will vary from person to person. Establishing good eating and exercise habits while on a doctor-prescribed weight loss treatment 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, weight management will require ongoing treatment, much like managing high blood pressure or diabetes.
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 booking your appointment, it can’t be 100% guaranteed that you will be issued with medication after your appointment.
While the doctors are based in Cape Town, Meridian is a fully online practice, providing services to patients anywhere within the borders of The Republic of South Africa. Consultations take place virtually on Zoom.