East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine

27/08/2026

New research adds to our understanding of the important relationship between obesity and cancer risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials found that behavioural obesity-management interventions including dietary, physical-activity and psychological support were associated with a 15% lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people living with overweight or obesity. The analysis included almost 13,000 participants. Although no statistically significant reduction was found for overall cancer incidence, the findings relating specifically to obesity-related cancers are encouraging. The researchers caution that differences between the studies and potential bias mean further long-term research is still needed. However, the results reinforce the value of behavioural support as part of holistic, evidence-based obesity care not as a quick fix, but as one component of a personalised and sustainable treatment plan.
Read the full World Obesity Federation article: Behavioural interventions and obesity-related cancer risk
Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

Behavioural weight loss interventions reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers in people living with obesity.

26/08/2026

Coffee, tea and caffeine – should you be worried?
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world, but the answer isn't as simple as "good" or "bad." Like many aspects of nutrition, the dose, the source and the individual all matter. For most healthy adults, moderate caffeine intake can form part of a healthy lifestyle and may even be associated with certain health benefits, including improved alertness, exercise performance and a lower risk of some chronic diseases. However, caffeine affects everyone differently and some people are more sensitive than others. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to find the level that works for your body, while choosing beverages that support your overall health. Swipe through the infographic for a practical guide to the benefits, potential downsides and how much caffeine is considered moderate for most adults.
Information is prepared by Dietitian Sunette Swart as part of our commitment to evidence-based nutrition education.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

21/08/2026

Do you have questions about PCOS?

The AskPCOS App (Powered by Monash) is here to support you whether you think you may have PCOS, already have a diagnosis, or are supporting someone with the condition.
Developed by world-leading PCOS experts and co-designed with women living with PCOS, the AskPCOS App is trustworthy, evidence-based, and designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to better manage your health.
Knowledge is power, take charge of your PCOS journey today with AskPCOS.
For more information: PCOS Resources - MCHRI

19/08/2026

I'm delighted to share that our clinical practice guideline, "Obesity in Adults: Adapting a Clinical Practice Guideline for South Africa," has now been published and is available as an Open Access article through Taylor & Francis.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that requires evidence-based, patient-centred care. My hope is that this guideline will support healthcare professionals across South Africa in delivering consistent, practical and effective management for adults living with obesity.
Thank you to my co-authors and colleagues whose expertise and collaboration made this publication possible.

Read the full article here: Obesity in adults: adapting a clinical practice guideline for South Africa


Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

18/08/2026

Christine Manga unpacks the key reasons why people living with diabetes may be temporarily or permanently deferred from donating blood.

17/08/2026

YOUR HEALTH. YOUR STRENGTH. YOUR STORY.
Every woman’s health journey is different. It changes through the years, shaped by life stages, hormones, health conditions and experiences that are uniquely her own. This Women’s Month, we celebrate the strength women show every day and recognise that caring for your health is part of that strength. Listen to your body. Ask the questions. Attend the check-up. Seek support when something does not feel right. Make your health a priority not an after thought.
At the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), women receive evidence-based, personalised care for conditions including diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis and other metabolic health concerns.

Happy Women’s Month from Dr Angela Murphy and the ERIMM team.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at ERIMM, Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

12/08/2026

Obesity is not simply about willpower and the increasing availability of ultraprocessed foods may be playing a significant role in the global obesity pandemic.
These foods are often designed to be highly rewarding and easy to consume, while disrupting the body’s natural signals of hunger and fullness. At the same time, our biology is far better equipped to defend against weight loss than weight gain, making long-term weight management particularly challenging.
This article from the World Obesity Federation offers valuable insight into how our food environment and our body’s biology interact, reinforcing why obesity should be understood and treated as a complex, chronic disease rather than a personal failure.
Read the full article here: What is driving the obesity pandemic?

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

New class of GLP-1 drugs, when more widely available, could help interrupt the pandemic.

09/08/2026

Happy Women’s Day!
Today, we celebrate the strength in every woman’s story. Every woman’s health journey is different shaped by her experiences, her challenges and every stage of life. Your health matters. Your strength matters. Your story matters. Here’s to recognising your needs, prioritising your wellbeing and taking time to care for
yourself.
Your health. Your strength. Your story.
Happy Women’s Day from Dr Angela Murphy and the ERIMM team.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in
endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at ERIMM, Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

06/08/2026

Women’s Month Spotlight: Understanding PCOS

Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women world wide yet many go undiagnosed for years. It’s more than just a reproductive condition; PCOS can impact your hormones, metabolism and overall health.
During Women’s Month, let’s break the silence and raise awareness. By knowing the symptoms, getting early diagnosis and managing lifestyle and treatment options, women with PCOS can take control of their health and wellbeing.
This month is about celebrating women’s strength and part of that is empowering you with knowledge.
Watch the video about PCOS and how to learn:
What PCOS is
Common symptoms
Why early detection matters
Lifestyle and treatment tips




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31/07/2026

Understanding your cholesterol numbers is more than just a lab result , it’s about understanding your risk. Cholesterol is not one single measure. A full lipogram looks at:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – often called “bad” cholesterol, as it contributes toplaque build-up in arteries
H DL (high-density lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that helps remove excesscholesterol
T riglycerides – a form of fat linked to energy storage and cardiovascular risk
What’s important to understand is that LDL targets are not the same for everyone.
The targets are not arbitrary, they are based on strong evidence showing that loweringLDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. While lifestyle remains the foundation of good metabolic health, some patients willrequire medication to safely these targets and reduce long-term risk. Knowing your numbers is the first step. Understanding them is what allows you to act.



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