A new trend that is gaining popularity among people trying to lose weight is microdosing the diabetes medication Ozempic.
With approximately 70% of American adults meeting the criteria for obesity or overweight, more and more people are turning to medications for weight loss to help them lose weight.
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabeteswhile its counterpart, Wegovy, is approved to treat obesity. Both are made by Novo Nordisk.
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Eli Lilly also offers a diabetes drug, Mounjaro, as well as a weight-loss version, Zepbound.
In a new trend, some people are using smaller daily “microdoses” of Ozempic, doctors report. (iStock)
“Ozempic is the only version among the weekly injectables – Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro – that has the ability to ‘hack’ the pen for a smaller dose,” said Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a medicine specialist at the obesity and founder of SoWell in New York. York, told Fox News Digital.
She is also the author of the book “The Ozempic Revolution”, scheduled for release on January 7.
Fox News Digital spoke with experts to get some insight into this latest trend.
What is microdosing?
Ozempic microdosing refers to the use of smaller amounts than the standard therapeutic doses traditionally prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss, experts say.
This practice is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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“Health care clinicians generally do not recommend this approach because the standard dosing regimen is based on clinical trials determining the most effective and safest amount for these conditions,” noted Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, a medical specialist at obesity at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical. School.
There are no established guidelines for microdosing – although reports on social media indicate use is 10 to 100 times less than standard prescriptions, added Dr Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and specialist in microdosing. obesity who runs True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina.
“Health care clinicians generally do not recommend this approach.”
Some people are confused by the terminology, doctors noted.
“I think there is a misconception because some people say ‘I’m microdosing’ when they are only on initial doses or not fully increasing the titration dose of the medication “, Sowa said.
Benefits of Microdosing
The main reason for microdosing is to reduce costs, according to McGowan.
For example, he said, a patient might think that if a full prescription costs more than $250 a week, they could get some benefits with just $25 worth of medication.
With approximately 70% of American adults meeting the criteria for obese or overweight, more and more people are turning to weight loss medications to help them lose weight. (iStock)
Ozempic’s average monthly retail price ranges from $1,000 or more without insurance, per GoodRx.
People may also use microdosing to reduce the incidence or severity of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach, according to Stanford.
“Some people might start with microdoses to gradually acclimate their body to the medication, eventually building up to the full therapeutic dose over time,” she said.
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However, any potential benefit from the drug will likely diminish proportionately at lower doses, experts noted.
Individuals may also microdose due to supply issues, according to Dr. Amy Rothberg, clinical professor of medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes at the University of Michigan.
“Some people might start with microdoses to gradually acclimatize their body to the medication, eventually building up to the full therapeutic dose over time.” (iStock)
“Some believe they may benefit from microdosing by being able to extend their supply and may perceive an effect,” said Rothberg, who is also the medical director of Rewind, a lifestyle program for diabetic patients. type 2, at Fox News Digital. “As we know, the placebo effect could have a big impact.”
Potential risks of the practice
The most likely risk of microdosing is a lack of effectiveness, McGowan noted.
“Microdosing Ozempic or other (weight loss) medications is completely non-compliant and unproven, without any clinical studies to support it,” he warned.
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Stanford also warned that lower doses may not provide adequate blood sugar management, leading to uncontrolled diabetes and associated complications.
It can also lead to suboptimal weight loss and unpredictable results, as well as the risk of misuse, she added.
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People who microdose often use a “compounded” version of the drug, which the FDA does not regulate.
“This introduces risks such as contamination, inconsistent formulations and uncertainty about the actual concentration of the injected product,” McGowan said.
Without changes to diet and exercise habits, the long-term benefits will disappear once the drug is stopped, one doctor noted. (iStock)
Additionally, these compounded versions are typically dispensed in vials, requiring a syringe to prepare them, unlike FDA-approved versions which are simpler to use.
Using the compounded versions in vials carries the risk of getting too much medication. So instead of microdosing, it is possible to do macrodosing, Sowa warned.
Medical supervision is essential
Some providers are still comfortable offering microdosing to certain patients with one caveat: People should always consult a healthcare clinician before changing their medication regimen.
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“As long as it’s administered and monitored by a doctor, I don’t see how anyone could overdose, especially when we give such small amounts,” said Dr. Suzanne A. Trott, a plastics and plastics specialist. double certified plastic. surgeon general in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.
“I’ve seen a lot of patients given metformin for weight loss — I don’t see how this would be any different,” said Trott, who runs his own microdosing clinic.
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Trott pointed out that there are many “off-label” practices available to patients.
“Botox and fillers aren’t even FDA approved for most of the places we use them,” she noted.
“Some people might start with microdoses to gradually acclimate their body to the medication.”
Experts agree that lasting weight loss won’t happen with medication alone.
“I think people find it easier to take a medication, but overlook the behavioral changes that come with it,” Rothberg said.
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Without changes in eating and physical activity habits, the long-term benefits will disappear once the drug is stopped, she noted.
Trott also recommends maintaining consistent exercise, strength training, hydration, and high protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
Fox News Digital has contacted Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, for comment.
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