The Rise of Microdosing Weight-Loss Medications: What You Need to Know

Injectable medications initially designed for managing diabetes have gained popularity for their weight-loss benefits. These drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, contain semaglutide, which mimics the hormone GLP-1 to help regulate appetite and promote feelings of fullness. In Australia, Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is authorized for weight management. Despite their effectiveness, these medications are costly and sometimes difficult to obtain due to shortages and high price points, often exceeding A$260 per month.

A concerning trend has emerged where individuals are microdosing these drugs—using lower-than-recommended doses—primarily to cut costs or cope with limited availability. Microdosing involves administering smaller doses or less frequent injections via auto-injector pens, often by counting clicks on the device to estimate a lower dose. While this practice might reduce side effects, its safety and effectiveness are not well studied.

The main motivations behind microdosing include financial constraints, drug shortages, and attempts to mitigate side effects. Patients cite expense and limited supply as reasons to lower doses, believing that smaller amounts may still help with weight loss or reduce adverse effects. However, using these medications in this unregulated way can pose risks, such as accidental use of expired drugs or unmonitored side effects, especially if patients do so without medical guidance.

Currently, there is no reliable evidence to support the safety or efficacy of microdosing weight-loss medications. While lower doses might theoretically cause fewer side effects, they are unlikely to provide the same weight-loss benefits seen at full therapeutic doses. During the 2023 shortage of semaglutide, some guidelines suggested prescribing lower doses for diabetes management, but these do not translate directly to weight loss use.

Microdosing may have some limited roles, such as managing side effects for individuals who tolerate higher doses poorly, addressing supply disruptions, or maintaining weight loss after reaching a target weight. Nevertheless, it is essential that individuals considering microdosing do so under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients should be aware of potential risks, including the use of out-of-date medication or unmonitored side effects.

In conclusion, while microdosing might seem like a cost-effective alternative, its safety and effectiveness are unproven. Patients should work closely with their healthcare team when using weight-loss drugs to ensure safe and sustainable results.