Microdosing Ozempic: Smaller Doses, Big Results

Microdosing Ozempic®. This is a treatment strategy I developed to help my patients support their overall metabolic health. And since I pioneered this idea, it’s taken on a life of its own. But here’s the thing. Pretty much everyone who is talking about microdosing Ozempic is getting it wrong. 

So let’s set the record straight about GLP-1 agonists (including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Monjouro®, etc.) and talk about what microdosing Ozempic actually means.

In this article, you will learn:

• What Ozempic is and how it works in the body.
• The potential benefits of microdosing Ozempic for metabolic health.
• How to approach microdosing safely, under medical supervision.

Please note, while I am a doctor, I’m not your doctor — so please know there is no medical advice given in the following article, I’m just here to educate you so you can make empowered decisions regarding your own health. 

OK with that out of the way, let’s dive into understanding what Ozempic® is, what microdosing Ozempic means, and why it’s generating so much buzz.

Curious about GLP-1 agonists and what they can do for your metabolic health? Be sure to check out my FREE 4-part video series, Ozempic Uncovered > HERE.  

How Does Ozempic® Work?

First, let’s talk about how Ozempic works and why it became so popular. 

Ozempic is a brand name for a medication that contains semaglutide, a drug initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) in the body. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying, which together help lower blood glucose levels.

Originally approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic has been primarily prescribed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. The drug is typically administered via a once-weekly injection. 

In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, Ozempic has also been shown to help with weight loss. (1) It’s also been studied for a range of health conditions, from cancer to heart disease. (2,3)

Ozempic could help you lose weight for a few reasons. It influences appetite regulation and energy balance. It also helps regulate blood sugar and sends signals to the brain that reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This dual action has made Ozempic a very attractive option for those looking to manage their weight, even for those who don’t have diabetes.

Enter the Ozempic craze.

Once people understood how powerful this peptide could be, physicians began prescribing Ozempic in an off-label manner to help with weight loss. And that’s when it disappeared from pharmacy shelves, creating even more demand as supply dwindled.

Ozempic Side Effects 

While Ozempic offers significant potential benefits, it also comes with a range of potential side effects that users should be aware of. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric reflux, and constipation. These gastrointestinal issues are usually more pronounced when starting the medication, and I find that a lot of people experience the onset of issues after taking semaglutide for two to three months.

There are also more serious side effects. Some users have reported experiencing pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any symptoms like this while on Ozempic — seek medical attention immediately.

Other serious side effects of GLP-1 agonists can include thyroid tumors and even cancer, though these have been primarily observed in animal studies. (4) Ozempic carries a warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, and patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are advised against using this medication. 

Ozempic can also potentially increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms like dizziness, sweating, confusion, and even loss of consciousness if not managed properly.

Due to these potential side effects, it is crucial for anyone considering Ozempic, especially for off-label uses like weight management, to do so under strict medical supervision.

What Is Microdosing Ozempic?

Maybe you’ve heard the term microdosing. It’s a word used to describe taking psychedelics in small, regular doses. 

But I’d argue that microdosing has potential for pharmaceutical drugs like Ozempic, too. 

When you microdose Ozempic, you may be able to take a smaller-than-prescribed dose of this medication to achieve some of its benefits while potentially minimizing side effects.

It means you could enjoy the appetite and food noise-suppressing benefits of Ozempic without experiencing the full range of side effects associated with the standard doses used in diabetes management. 

But you’ve got to do it properly, and most practitioners just don’t understand how to leverage the power of this microdosing strategy. In fact, most physicians claiming to be “microdosing Ozempic” are still starting patients off on doses that are much higher than necessary. 

Microdosing Ozempic requires a tailored-to-you dosing strategy that accounts for the specific pharmacodynamics of Ozempic — how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. And it also requires commitment and consistency. 

How Does Microdosing Ozempic Work?

When you develop a solid microdosing Ozempic strategy with your doctor, the benefits for metabolic health can be significant. 

I chatted at length on the Diary of a CEO podcast about the benefits of microdosing GLP-1s. Check it out here. 

And while I can’t tell you a specific microdosing ozempic protocol for you, here’s how the basic process works. 

1. Consult with a Healthcare Provider

The first and most important step before considering microdosing Ozempic is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, current health status, and specific goals.

A healthcare provider can help determine whether microdosing is appropriate for you and can guide you on the right dosage. They can also monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

2. Start With A Low Dose

If you and your healthcare practitioner decide that microdosing is a viable option, it's essential to start with the lowest possible dose. Ozempic comes in pre-filled injection pens with specific dosing increments, so you’ll need to work with a compounding pharmacy in order to get a microdose of Ozempic. 

Starting with a low dose allows your body to adjust to the medication gradually, which may help minimize potential side effects. Your healthcare provider may recommend slowly increasing the dose over time, depending on how your body responds.

3. Monitor Your Body’s Response

Once you begin microdosing, closely monitor how your body responds. Keep track of any changes in appetite, weight, blood sugar levels, and any side effects you experience. This information will be crucial for your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness and safety of the microdosing regimen.

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential during this period. They may conduct tests to monitor your blood sugar levels, kidney function, and other vital health indicators to ensure the medication is not causing harm.

4. Be Aware of Potential Side Effects

Even at lower doses, Ozempic can potentially cause side effects, especially since most people are still taking way too much, even if they think they are microdosing. Be vigilant in recognizing any adverse reactions, particularly gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, reflux, or diarrhea. If these side effects become severe or persistent, it's important to consult your healthcare provider immediately.

In rare cases, more serious side effects like pancreatitis or thyroid issues could occur. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions can help you seek prompt medical attention if necessary.

5. Avoid Self-Medicating or Adjusting Doses Without Guidance

It's important to resist the temptation to self-medicate or adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Always follow the dosing schedule and instructions provided by your doctor.

If you’d like to learn more about my unique strategy for microdosing Ozempic, including help finding a doctor or compounding pharmacy to work with, be sure to check out my Ozempic Done Right University. 

Why Microdose Ozempic?

A few of the potential microdosing Ozempic benefits include:

Weight Loss And Appetite Control 

Even at lower doses, Ozempic can still help regulate appetite. This could lead to reduced food intake and, over time, weight loss.

Reduced Side Effects 

By taking smaller doses, you can often minimize the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with full-dose Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Improved Tolerability 

For those who struggle with the intensity of side effects when starting Ozempic at the standard dosage, microdosing could offer a way to gradually introduce the drug into your system. This could help the body adapt more slowly, potentially improving overall tolerability.

Microdosing Ozempic Success Stories

Obviously, I can’t share personal medical information here. But I’ve had several colleagues and family members who have started on this microdosing Ozempic method and had fantastic results. 

We’re talking:

• Reduction in their cravings for unhealthy foods within the first week 
• Over the course of a few months, a notable amount of weight lost, without experiencing the severe nausea that had deterred them from using the full dose previously
• Significant increases in mobility and mood
• Better control over blood sugar levels

Beyond Microdosing Ozempic

It’s so crucial to note here — microdosing Ozempic should be part of a holistic metabolic health strategy that includes both diet and exercise. 

Microdosing Ozempic is an approach designed to help you fine-tune metabolic health, not deliver quick-fix, overnight, drastic results. It takes commitment and consistency to see results when you’re microdosing. That means microdosing Ozempic may not be the right choice for you if you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight or have severe metabolic health issues to correct.  

I talk a LOT about improving your overall metabolic health so you can thrive in midlife and beyond over on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there for more information about my microdosing Ozempic strategy!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/  
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37952131/ 
3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2812769 

      4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11050669/