A new trend that is gaining popularity among people trying to lose weight is microdosing the diabetes medication Ozempic.
With nearly 70% of American adults meeting the criteria for obesity or overweight, more people are turning to these criteria Weight loss medications To help them shed pounds.
Ozempic is approved Type 2 diabeteswhile its counterpart Wegovy is approved for the treatment of 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 option to 'hack' the pen for a smaller dose,” says Dr. Alexandra Sawa, a psychiatrist. Obesity medication The specialist and founder of SoWell in New York told Fox News Digital.
She is also the author of the book “The Ozimbek Revolution,” which is scheduled to be released on January 7.
Fox News Digital spoke to experts to find out about this latest trend.
What are microdoses?
Microdosing Ozempic refers to the use of smaller quantities compared to the standard therapeutic doses traditionally prescribed for administration Type 2 diabetes Experts say it helps with weight loss.
This practice is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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“Health care physicians do not typically recommend this approach, as the standard dosing regimen is based on clinical trials that determine the most effective and safe amount for these conditions,” noted Dr. Fatima Cody-Stanford. Obesity treatment doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and obesity specialist who runs the True You Weight Loss Program in Cary, North Carolina, added that there are no firm guidelines on microdosing — although there have been reports on social media of use as little as 10 to 100 times. From standard medical prescriptions.
“Health care physicians typically do not recommend this approach.”
Doctors noted that some people feel confused by the terminology.
“I think there's a little bit of a misconception, where some people say 'I'm microdosing' when they're only on the starting dosing or they're not keeping up with the upward titration dosing of the medication,” Sawa said.
Benefits of small doses
The main reason for microdosing is to cut costs, according to McGowan.
For example, a patient may believe that if a full prescription costs more than $250 per week, they may be able to achieve some benefit with just $25. The value of the medicine.
With nearly 70% of American adults meeting the criteria for obesity or overweight, more people are turning to weight-loss medications to help them shed excess weight. (Istock)
The average monthly retail price for Ozempic ranges from $1,000 or more without insurance, according to GoodRx.
People may also take lower doses to reduce the incidence or severity of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or nausea Stomach discomfortaccording to Stanford.
“Some individuals may start with small doses as their body gradually adjusts to the medication, potentially tapering off to the full therapeutic dose over time,” she said.
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Experts noted that any potential benefit from the drug would likely diminish proportionately at lower doses.
Individuals may also take smaller doses due to supply challenges, according to Dr. Amy Rothberg, a clinical professor of medicine in the Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes at the University of Michigan.
“Some individuals may start with lower doses as their body gradually adjusts to the medication, potentially tapering down to the full therapeutic dose over time.” (Istock)
“Some feel they may derive benefit from microdosing by being able to expand their supply and they may realize the effect,” Rothberg, who is also the medical director of Rewind, a lifestyle program for people with type 2 diabetes, told Fox News Digital. “As we know, the placebo effect can be powerful.”
Potential risks of this practice
The most likely risk of smaller doses is a lack of efficacy, McGowan noted.
“Exact dosing of Ozempic or other (weight-loss) medications is completely off-label and unproven, with no support Clinical studies“, to caution.
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Stanford also warned that small 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 potential for abuse, she added.
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People taking small doses often use a “combined” version of the medication, which is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
“This leads to risks such as contamination, inconsistent formulations, and uncertainty about the actual strength of the product being injected,” McGowan said.
One doctor noted that without changes in diet and physical activity patterns, the long-term benefits will disappear once the drug is stopped. (Istock)
Additionally, these compounded versions are usually distributed in vials, which require a syringe to draw, unlike FDA-approved versions that are easier to use.
Sawa warned that using compound versions through vials carries the risk of withdrawing a large amount of the drug, so instead of taking small doses, it is possible to take large doses.
Medical supervision is key
Some providers are still comfortable offering microdosing to select patients with one caveat — that people should always consult a doctor Health care physician Before changing their medication regimen.
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“As long as it is dispensed and monitored by a physician, I don't see how anyone could overdose, especially when we are giving such small amounts,” Dr. Susan A. Trott, MD, is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon. A Beverly Hills general surgeon told Fox News Digital.
“I've seen a lot of patients taking metformin to lose weight, and I don't see how it's any different,” said Trott, who runs her own microdosing clinic.
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Trott noted that there are many “off-label” practices offered to patients.
“Botox and fillers “It's not even FDA approved in most places we use it,” she noted.
“Some individuals may start with lower doses to gradually adjust to the medication.”
Experts agree that sustained weight loss will not occur with medication alone.
“I think people find it easier to take the medication, but neglect what comes with it Behavioral changesRothberg said.
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She noted that in the absence of changes in diet and physical activity patterns, the long-term benefits would disappear once the drug was stopped.
Trott also recommends preserving Consistent practiceStrength training, hydration and high protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, for comment.
