Megan Pentz-Kluyts Dietitian RD - SA & Associates

01/09/2026

When to Continue vs. Stop:

Continue if: Patient achieves improved glucose control, weight loss, and tolerates side effects.

Stop if: Severe GI intolerance, pancreatitis, contraindications, or no meaningful benefit after several months.

Monitoring: Regular checks of weight, HbA1c, kidney function, liver enzymes, and nutritional status are essential.

References: https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra2500106

31/08/2026

What Doesn’t Work (GLP-1 Limitations):

Not a cure: Requires ongoing use; weight regain is common after discontinuation.

Side effects for many: GI intolerance (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rare risks (pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid concerns).

Reference: Jalleh RJ, Talley NJ, Horowitz M, Nauck MA. The science of safety: adverse effects of GLP‑1 RAs. J Clin Invest. 2026;10.1172/JCI194740.
Nowak K et al. GLP‑1 RAs: Therapeutic Potential and Emerging Concerns. Curr Pharmacol Rep. 2026.

30/08/2026

30/08/2026

Where GLP‑1's can work?

Type 2 diabetes: Improves HbA1c and reduces hypoglycemia risk.
Obesity: Produces clinically significant weight loss.
Cardiovascular outcomes: Meta‑analyses show reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in high‑risk patients.

References:
Jalleh RJ et al. Cardiovascular Effects and Tolerability of GLP‑1 RAs: Meta‑Analysis of 99,599 Patients. JACC. 2025;86(20):1805‑19.
Nature systematic review: GLP‑1 agonists and body composition changes. Int J Obes. 2026.

29/08/2026

What is a GLP-1?
GLP‑1 receptor agonists are incretin mimetics and they stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety in our bodies.

First approved in 2005 (exenatide), now widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Ever wonder how modern diabetes and obesity medications actually work? They mimic natural hormones to target multiple systems at once:Pancreas: Boosts insulin release and lowers glucagon.
Stomach: Slows down digestion.Brain: Signals fullness to suppress appetite.From its first approval in 2005 to today, this mechanism has transformed metabolic health care.

Reference: Rosen CJ, Ingelfinger JR. GLP‑1 Receptor Agonists. N Engl J Med. 2026;394:1313‑24. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2500106

25/08/2026

This month On the CANSA Couch, is shining the spotlight on something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves — men’s health. We’re talking about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, early detection and one of South Africa’s most iconic awareness events — the Hollard Daredevil Run.

To listen to the podcast or watch the Vodcast, go to https://cansa.org.za/podcast-on-the-cansa-couch-real-men-check-in-mens-health-matters/

23/08/2026

https://consensus.app/home/blog/the-consensus-coconut-oil-is-not-a-healthy-choice/ and https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-eating/nutrition-facts/is-coconut-healthy

You may have heard people call coconut oil a

18/08/2026

*Pregnancy and weight loss*

If you are taking any of the GLP-1 meds, know that you want to keep taking your contraceptives. Discontinue GLPs at least TWO months before a planned pregnancy, due to the long washout period for e.g. semaglutide (Ozempic).

26/06/2026

Join me over the next 6 weeks as I talk GLP‑1s and weight loss - clear facts, real impact, and smarter choices. Could weight-loss drugs end obesity? The benefits, risks and what happens next?

The Gila monster is a fearsome beast. A highly venomous lizard with razor-sharp teeth, it lurks in the deserts of the southwestern United States. Those unlucky enough to have been bitten describe it as one of the most painful experiences ever suffered, “like hot lava coursing through your veins”. For humans, death is rare but not unknown.

However, it’s thanks in no small part to the Gila monster that millions of people all over the world have lost substantial amounts of weight. Within the lizard’s saliva is a protein used in the original development of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1s, or Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, to use the full name.

17/06/2026

'Roast Vegetable & Feta Salad'
Send me a DM for the recipe