Ozempic Microdosing, how does it work?

Ozempic Microdosing, how does it work?

 

Ozempic, primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases at higher doses for weight loss, has surged in popularity among those looking to lose weight. Recently, some people using Ozempic for weight loss have experimented with “microdosing” their Ozempic.  This involves taking doses smaller than typically prescribed to achieve certain benefits while hoping to minimize side effects.

 

What is Microdosing?

 

Microdosing is a trend that has gained popularity in recent years. It typically involved

taking small amounts (“microdoses”) of psychedelic drugs to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety or boost focus and creativity.
But the basic idea at the heart of microdosing (that you can take a small amount of a drug or medication and still receive some health benefit from it while potentially mitigating side effects) has since expanded beyond just psychedelics.
Interest has now surged on microdosing GLP-1 drugs, the new class of obesity and diabetes medications that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
Anecdotal reports from patients and even some doctors claim that microdosing GLP-1s is more cost-effective and may still offer health benefits, such as maintaining weight loss and managing blood sugar. Less side effects associated with lower doses are also a draw.

 

What Is Ozempic Microdosing?

 

Microdosing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic involves administering less than the standard prescribed amount. This practice varies considerably and is totally subjective, tailored to individual patient needs and circumstances. Proponents suggest that microdosing may offer some benefits of the medication, like appetite suppression and weight management, but reduce risk of side effects typically associated with higher doses.

 

Influence of Social Media Health Influencers on Ozempic Microdosing:

 

The rise of microdosing popularity can be attributed to the influence of social health influencers and online communities. For example, Dr. Tyna Moore offers an online course titled “Ozempic Done Right University,” focusing on optimizing GLP-1 regimens through microdosing. Similarly, discussions on platforms like TikTok and Reddit have popularized the practice, despite the lack of medical endorsement. There really is no data on the efficacy of microdosing but there are anecdotal reports by users of some success.

 

A recent Reddit thread included details on users’ experiences and results:

 

“I literally took Ozempic .25 for the first time today and I am pain free for the first time in a decade. I have chronic, persistent pain and I had no idea Ozempic could help with it. I’ve been sobbing for hours because I don’t know what life is like without the pain.”
“I started on .25 a week but then dropped down to .1 twice a week to help with side effects. It’s not quite a micro dose but it was lower than the minimum starting dose. I stayed that way for a while and slowly crept up to .3 total per week for the first week this week after like 3 months of being on ozempic. I’m losing about a pound a week, maybe a tiny bit less, but basically zero side effects. I am also a person that is super sensitive to medications“
“Thank you for sharing that! This is more what I think I’ll have to do. Just trying to figure out how to get .1mg. I haven’t played with the pens yet so idk how they work. Do you just buy extra needle tips?”
“If you buy it compounded in a vial like I do, you just draw however much. So .25 mg is “5” on the syringe. you could pull as little as “2” on the syringe to start out, and then ramp slower than the standard progression. That’s what I did. I took an extra month to get to 1.0 by making smaller steps of increase than the standard schedule. With ozempic pen you can count clicks for similar results. With Wegovy pens you can’t do that, they’re fixed dosage.”

 

Part of the complication of microdosing to get results it is the fact that patients are required to use a syringe and use compounded GLP-1s packaged in vials that allow for easier changes than using the name brand injectable pens. For many it seems, the advantage is to be able to avoid the often pronounced side effects of Ozempic which can be unpleasant and which vary considerably from person to person.

 

Potential Benefits of Microdosing Ozempic

 


    1. Cost Management: Given the high cost of GLP-1 medications, microdosing may present a more affordable option for individuals without adequate insurance coverage. However, it’s important to note that insurance coverage for these medications varies, and some insurers may not cover them for weight loss purposes.


      New York Post

 


    1. Reduced Side Effects: Lower doses might lead to fewer or less severe side effects, enhancing patient comfort and adherence. Common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
      Wikipedia

 


    1. Weight Management: For those seeking modest weight loss or especially for maintaining weight, microdosing could potentially provide sufficient appetite suppression without the intensity of higher doses.

 

Considerations and Risks of Ozempic Microdosing

 

While microdosing appears to have advantages, several important considerations must be addressed:

 

    1. Lack of Standardization: Microdosing is not a standardized medical practice, and there is scant clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. Experts warn that the dose may be too low to offer meaningful benefits, as GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed at specific dosages shown in research to achieve measurable improvements in blood sugar regulation and weight loss.
      Evexias Health Solutions

 

    1. Compounded Medications: Since standard Ozempic pens are designed for specific dosing, microdosing often requires compounded semaglutide solutions. These are not FDA-approved and may carry risks related to purity, potency, and sterility.

 

    1. Self-Administration Challenges: Measuring and administering non-standard doses increases the risk of dosing errors, which can lead to underdosing (reducing efficacy) or overdosing (increasing side effects or potential harm).

 

    1. Potential for Weight Regain: Reducing the dose after achieving weight loss may lead to increased appetite and weight regain. Research has shown that discontinuing GLP-1 drugs often results in the regain of lost weight.
      Wikipedia

 

Expert Opinions

 

Obesity experts express caution regarding microdosing GLP-1 drugs. Dr. Caroline Apovian, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, notes that many insurance companies do not cover anti-obesity medications, limiting access for patients. Dr. Katherine Barenbaum, an assistant professor of clinical medicine and obesity specialist at Cornell University, cited the challenges of cost and tolerability, noting that while lower doses are sometimes prescribed off-label, success with such regimens has not been established by any studies.
Women’s Health Magazine

 

Conclusion

 

While the concept of microdosing Ozempic is gaining attention, it is essential to approach this practice with caution. The lack of standardized dosing, potential risks associated with compounded medications, and the possibility of weight regain are significant factors to be taken into account. Anyone considering this approach should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to thoroughly discuss potential benefits and risks, ensuring that any treatment plan is safe, effective, and tailored to their specific health needs.