The weight loss market is growing more than ever. Crash diets, wellness programs, injectables, supplements and more are expected to create a massive global market worth US$405 billion by 2030. India’s market is also estimated to reach US$52.3 billion by 2032.

Of all these products and treatments, the one that has gained significant attention, especially after notable personalities like Elon Musk talked about it, is Ozempic. However, it is important to note that Ozempic was never originally intended as a weight loss drug.

What is Ozempic?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Ozempic, which is actually a brand name for semaglutide, an injectable drug primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes.

• It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
• This hormone helps control blood sugar levels, promotes insulin production and reduces glucose production in the liver. One of its notable effects is slowing down the pace of stomach emptying, which increases the feeling of fullness.
• Although Ozempic was initially developed for the management of diabetes, it has gained attention due to its ability to aid in weight loss.
• Some studies suggest that it can help users lose 5-10 percent of their body weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. This weight loss effect has led to increased interest in its off-label use for obesity management.

What are the side effects?

While Ozempic is effective at managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss, it is not free from side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Some people may also experience fatigue, dizziness, or a slight headache. These side effects are more common when starting the medication and subside as the body adjusts.

In rare cases, serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or allergic reactions may occur. Dietitian and certified diabetes educator Dr. Archana Batra explains India Today“Some people have experienced side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue, which cause various problems in their daily lives.”

However, one side effect is that almost all people taking Ozempic are losing weight as well as muscle mass. This has also given rise to terms such as “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic body”, which often occur when people suffer massive muscle loss due to taking Ozempic.

To avoid these side effects, and to avoid “Ozempic face and body” and still lose weight, some experts came up with microdosing of the drug, and now it is gaining more attention as a better way to take Ozempic. doing.

Can microdosing Ozempic really help?

One of the first people to mention microdosing Ozempic in October 2024 was Dr. Craig Coniver, a medical professional who has over 120,000 followers on Instagram. Craig spoke on the Huberman Lab podcast, where he discussed how he had seen individuals take Ozempic in very high doses. In smaller quantities than traditional dosages. According to him, “These people were avoiding side effects, basically muscle loss.”

For reference, microdosing involves giving a smaller than usual dose of a medication to help the body gradually adapt. For Ozempic, this means starting with a very low dose and gradually increasing it over time.

According to Dr. Aparajita Pradhan, Senior Consultant and Unit Head of Endocrinology at Max Super Specialty Hospital, “Ozempic is usually started with a low weekly dose for 4 weeks, then increased dose to reach the desired blood glucose control goes. This method of starting with a low dose helps reduce the side effects of Ozempic.

Dr. Bhatra also seems to agree that by using this approach, you can reduce the intensity of side effects.

However, Niharika Budhwani, a doctor of medicine and co-founder of wellness company Health Hatch, advises caution, saying, “Microdosing of any medication should be done under the supervision of a licensed doctor and is highly subjective, varying from person to person.” It varies from case to case.” -On a case-by-case basis. Although this method appears promising, it should always be done with medical guidance.

Can other drugs be ‘microdosed’?

Microdosing is the practice of delivering sub-therapeutic doses of a drug (such as Ozempic) to increase tolerability, reduce side effects, or detect its effects at lower concentrations. The main principle is to allow the body to adjust to the medication gradually, avoiding the “shock” that comes with a full dose.

Experts suggest that this technique is not unique to Ozempic and is often used for other medications (including other weight loss medications), especially those with strong side effects.

Dr. Batra says, “By using this approach, you can reduce the intensity of side effects. For example, in the beginning, users should start with a low dose and increase over the titration period.

This gradual increase helps users avoid sudden reactions, which can be especially helpful for drugs with gastrointestinal side effects.

Dr Pradhan says this may also work for other weight loss drugs, such as Vegovy and Monjaro, likely to be launched in India by 2025-26, and microdosing may also be beneficial.

He adds, “Most of the recently approved weight loss injectable drugs are initially started with low doses to improve patient tolerance and minimize side effects.”

Experts believe that microdosing can be applied to other medications besides weight loss medications. For example, antidepressants are often taken in micro doses to avoid sudden side effects such as insomnia or anxiety.

But not all medicines are suitable for microdosing. Feasibility depends on the drug’s mechanism of action, its half-life, and the body’s ability to adapt to it over time.

Memorization

Ozempic’s weight loss potential has put it in the spotlight, but its side effects have raised concerns for many users.

Microdosing offers a potential solution, allowing users to ease into the effects of the drug. Experts, however, caution that microdosing may help reduce side effects, but it should only be attempted under the supervision of a medical professional.