01 Dec Weight Loss Trend: People Are Now Microdosing Ozempic
In recent years, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have transitioned from a diabetes treatments to widely used weight loss drugs, often without medical oversight. Now, a new trend has emerged, with some individuals “microdosing” Ozempic. Here, we explore the trend.
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WHAT DOES MICRODOSING OZEMPIC INVOLVE?
Ozempic, the brand name of medication semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 agonists work by providing a synthetic, longer-lasting version of the GLP1 peptide hormone, which is naturally produced by our body. This hormone that influences appetite and insulin secretion. The drug was originally approved as a diabetes treatment, but it has recently garnered attention for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss, leading to its off-label use for obesity management.
Microdosing Ozempic typically involves using the medication at doses lower than those recommended by the manufacturer. Those at the forefront of the trend claim that this approach can help to minimise side effects, reduce costs, and potentially enhance the drug’s benefits. Some patients and doctors have reported success with this method, particularly in managing gastrointestinal side effects that are common with standard dosing.
ARE THERE BENEFITS OF MICRODOSING?
Supporters argue that microdosing allows for a more gradual introduction to the medication, potentially improving tolerability and adherence. By taking smaller doses, users hope to experience the appetite suppressing effects of Ozempic without the gastrointestinal discomfort commonly associated with the medication. Microdosing may make the medication more accessible by extending the lifespan of each prescription, which can be particularly appealing given the high cost of weight loss injections.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF MICRODOSING OZEMPIC?
There are a number of potential concerns around microdosing weight loss injections like Ozempic. They include the following:
REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS
Weight loss injections are designed to work at specific doses that have been clinically tested. Lowering the dose may render it ineffective for both blood sugar control and weight loss, as there is no established data around the efficacy of microdosing these drugs.
SIDE EFFECTS
Even at lower doses, Ozempic can still cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Microdosing does not eliminate these risks and may still lead to adverse effects. Read our guide to the side effects of weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy.
LACK OF CLINICAL TRIALS
There is no clinical evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of microdosing Ozempic. This practice is experimental and relies on anecdotal reports rather than scientific data.
HIGH RISK
Since there are not currently tested recommended dosing instructions for microdosing these drugs, the risk rises when they are used in this way. Without proper medical supervision, individuals may incorrectly adjust their dosage, potentially leading to complications or reduced efficacy. Using medications without medical oversight can increase the risk of adverse effects and misuse.
MENTAL HEALTH RISKS
There are studies linking Ozempic to mental health issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. These side effects could be exacerbated by improper dosing.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
The long-term effects of microdosing Ozempic are largely unknown, but the medication itself has been linked to several serious health risks. These include an FDA warning for thyroid C-cell tumours, potential but inconclusive links to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, reports of acute kidney failure, and associations with gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis. Long-term monitoring and further research are needed to fully understand these risks.
MICRODOSING WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS: IN THE MEDIA
Bunnie XO, wife of country singer Jelly Roll, made headlines when she shared her experience with “microdosing” tirzepatide, a weight loss drug typically used for diabetes, on her podcast, Dumb Blonde. Despite taking a small dose, she suffered severe side effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal distress, leading her to spend the night in the bathroom. Bunnie noted that while she lost weight—about a pound and a half—she still felt extremely hungry. She expressed concerns about the medication’s effects, emphasising her preference for natural health solutions.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
With a move toward microdosing Ozempic as a new approach to weight loss, we urge individuals to proceed with caution. Working with a qualified medical professional and adhering to approved dosing schedules is always recommended. The potential risks of experimenting with unproven dosing methods may outweigh any perceived benefits.
If you want to achieve long term weight loss, it typically requires more than medication alone. It’s important to take a comprehensive approach that includes optimising your diet and lifestyle. Read more about how to manage your nutrition while on weight loss injections in our article What’s The Best Diet When You’re On Ozempic.
WORK WITH US
We work with a number of clients to support them in optimising their diet while they’re on weight loss injections like Ozempic. And many more who prefer to lose weight in a natural way, without the use of medicatiosn. If you’re ready to overcome your health and weight challenges and establish supportive habits that stick long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team. Together you can decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.
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