Flourish is a weight loss program that provides members with ongoing, comprehensive access to online care and medication management for one flat monthly rate.
FAQ
The cost is R2000 per month.
This includes two virtual consultations with your doctor and health coach in month one, and one virtual consultation a month with your doctor and one with your health coach every month thereafter.
Membership includes unlimited messaging with your doctor and health coach, as well as prescriptions and doctor guided weight loss.
With a Flourish Membership, you have exclusive access to expertise and an entire weight loss team in your corner.
*Medication and cost of blood tests not included.
Flourish is a perfect fit for you if you:
- Are older than 18 years of age.
- Have a BMI that is >30.
- OR have a BMI that is >27 with one or more of the following metabolic conditions: diabetes, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea or PCOS.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
GLP-1s are SAHPRA-approved, clinically-tested, stimulant-free, and non-habit forming. Not only are they safe, but research shows that they are the most effective medications for sustainable weight loss, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
All other weight loss medications used by Flourish doctors are approved and regulated by SAHPRA for their safety and quality.
Most of the side-effects with the GLP-1 injections are minor and improve with time.
Among the most common side effects of treatment might be digestive issues such as diarrhoea, gas, constipation, heartburn/acid reflux, stomach pain; or a general upset stomach, nausea and in rare cases vomiting. Some people experience stomach flu symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose.
The more mild side effects tend to be most noticeable right after an injection, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But, as your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects tend to diminish.Your doctor will work with you to navigate these side effects should they arise.
The GLP-1 medication liraglutide (Saxenda) is currently SAHPRA approved for weight management.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) is currently approved by SAHPRA for type 2 diabetes in South Africa but is often used off-label for weight loss. In other countries, it’s marketed as Wegovy specifically for weight loss. Despite the different names, it’s the same molecule and offers similar benefits.
Because of high demand, there are currently supply shortages of Ozempic.
If you’re prescribed one of these medications, and there are stock shortages, your clinician will advise you on the various options uniquely available to Flourish customers to ensure that you are never out of stock.
Results vary from person to person. Whilst every weight loss journey is different, most Flourish patients saw results in the first month.
Bottom line – it’s up to you and your doctor to decide how long you should stay on GLP-1 medications to achieve and maintain sustainable weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists are meant to be taken long-term, but that will look different for each individual.
Flourish’s holistic approach to weight loss combines medication with personalised lifestyle changes.This includes nutritional guidance to support healthy eating habits, exercise plans designed to increase lean muscle mass, and behavioural coaching to foster long-term positive habits.
By focusing on the whole person, including mental and emotional well-being, Flourish aims to create sustainable weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of regaining weight and improving overall quality of life.
Recent studies support this programme showing that as long as you continue the lifestyle changes, and come off your medication slowly, weight loss has been maintained up to 4 years after treatment!
Flourish also has a ‘weight maintenance’ plan which includes access to a dietitian and health coach to assist you in maintaining those healthy habits and staying at your goal weight.
Many medical aids do reimburse for GLP 1 medications for people living with diabetes.
Certain criteria must be met, for example, glucose levels not well-controlled on other medications and an increased weight.
Your doctor will usually have to motivate to get cover under chronic benefits.
Note: Medical aids don’t recognise obesity as a chronic condition and will not cover medication to treat it.
You could be able to claim up to R800 for a doctor and dietitian consult!
Flourish health professionals will generate invoices for you for the virtual consultations which you can use to claim back from your medical aid – just as you would any other consultation. (Actual amounts differ per medical aid and plan)
Once subscribed you will have access to the exclusive membership area where you can book all your virtual consultations.
You will have multiple virtual doctor and dietitian consultations and check-ins each month as well as unlimited messaging with your weight loss team.
If a prescription medication is necessary (in most cases GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic or Saxenda) it can be prescribed and delivered directly to your door.
Any lab work that your doctor might request and the cost of medications.
Your doctor will assess if you have had recent bloods (in the last 6 months) for thyroid function, full cholesterol panel, sugar control amongst other metabolic markers if clinically indicated. If you have done these bloods recently, and to avoid delays, please have the results readily available.
Please also ensure that you have a recent blood pressure reading (within the last month) as well as your height and weight.
You may be eligible for other weight loss medications such as Contrave, Orlistat, or Metformin. Your doctor will work you to find the best option for you.
Only weight loss-related consultations are included in Flourish’s subscription. Flourish’s doctors are experienced in general primary care and would be happy to assist with any acute issues as required but this will be at a separate cost. For chronic care Flourish urges patients to continue their relationship with their current primary care doctor, however, our doctors are happy to assist with chronic care at patients’ request.