Is microdosing Ozempic the latest weight-loss craze? Should you give it a try?

Ozempic is becoming increasingly popular among those looking to shed pounds through microdosing.

More individuals are resorting to weight loss medications as about 70% of American adults meet the criteria for being obese or overweight.

Novo Nordisk's Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while its counterpart, Wegovy, is approved for treating obesity.

Eli Lilly provides both Mounjaro, a medication for diabetes, and Zepbound, a version for weight loss.

Among the weekly injectables, Ozempic is the only one that allows for a smaller dose by "hacking" the pen. Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an obesity medicine specialist and founder of SoWell in New York, shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital.

The book "The Ozempic Revolution," which is set to be released on Jan. 7, was also written by her.

Experts were consulted by Planet Chronicle Digital to provide insights on the latest trend.

What is microdosing?

Experts suggest that microdosing Ozempic involves taking smaller doses compared to the standard therapeutic doses used for treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss.

The FDA does not approve of this practice.

According to Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, health care clinicians generally do not recommend this approach because the standard dosing regimen is based on clinical trials that determine the most effective and safe amount for these conditions.

Although there are no established guidelines for microdosing, some people report using 10 to 100 times lower doses than standard prescriptions, according to Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and obesity specialist who runs True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina.

"Health care clinicians do not typically recommend this approach."

Some people get confused by the terminology, the doctors noted.

Sowa stated that there is a misunderstanding, as some individuals claim to be microdosing when they are only on the initial doses or do not fully escalate the titration dosing of the medication.

Benefits of microdosing

The primary reason for microdosing is to reduce costs, according to McGowan.

A patient may believe that they can obtain some advantage by taking only $25 worth of medication if a full prescription costs more than $250 per week.

The cost of Ozempic without insurance is at least $1,000 per month, according to GoodRx.

Stanford suggests that individuals may opt for microdosing to minimize the occurrence or intensity of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.

She suggested that some people may begin with small doses of the medication to gradually adjust their body to it, eventually increasing to the full therapeutic dose.

The effectiveness of the medication may decrease with lower doses, according to experts.

Due to supply challenges, some individuals may resort to microdosing, as suggested by Dr. Amy Rothberg, a clinical professor of medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes at the University of Michigan.

"Rothberg, the medical director of Rewind, stated that some individuals may experience a benefit from microdosing by extending their supply and perceiving an effect. However, the placebo effect may have a significant impact."

Potential risks of the practice

McGowan pointed out that the most probable danger of microdosing is ineffectiveness.

He warned that microdosing Ozempic or other weight-loss medications is not supported by clinical studies and is entirely off-label.

Stanford cautioned that low doses might not effectively manage blood sugar levels, potentially resulting in uncontrolled diabetes and its consequences.

The potential for misuse and unpredictable results can lead to suboptimal weight loss, she pointed out.

Individuals who microdose typically utilize a "compounded" form of the medication, which is not overseen by the FDA.

McGowan stated that this presents risks including contamination, inconsistent formulations, and uncertainty about the product's actual strength being injected.

The compounded versions of these medications are typically dispensed in vials and require a syringe to draw them up, while the FDA-approved versions are simpler to use.

Instead of microdosing, it's possible to macrodose when using compounded versions through vials, as warned by Sowa.

Medical supervision is key

Microdosing is still being offered by some providers, but it's important to consult a healthcare clinician before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Dr. Suzanne A. Trott, a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon in Beverly Hills, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that she doesn't see how anyone could overdose on medication when it is being administered and monitored by a physician, especially when small amounts are being given.

Trott, who runs her own microdosing clinic, stated that she has seen many patients being prescribed metformin for weight loss and questioned the effectiveness of this treatment.

There are numerous "off-label" practices marketed to patients, as Trott highlighted.

She pointed out that Botox and fillers are not typically FDA-approved for the majority of the locations where they are used.

"Some individuals might start with microdoses to gradually acclimate their body to the medication."

Experts agree that sustained weight loss will not occur with medication alone.

Rothberg stated that people often find it easier to take drugs but overlook the necessary behavioral changes.

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If diet and physical activity patterns are not modified, the long-term benefits will vanish when the drug is discontinued, she pointed out.

To maintain muscle mass, Trott advises consistent exercise, strength training, hydration, and high protein intake.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.