AARP Hearing Center
Key takeaways
- Microdosing often means taking less than approved doses.
- Many people try smaller amounts to lower costs or reduce side effects.
- Experts say limited research leaves questions about benefits and safety.
Summary
Microdosing GLP-1 drugs is gaining attention online, and Rachel Nania explains why health experts remain cautious about the trend. The term generally refers to taking a smaller dose than prescribed or approved, often in hopes of reducing side effects, lowering costs or slowing the pace of weight loss.
Experts interviewed for the discussion note that lower-than-approved doses have not been rigorously studied, making it difficult to know whether they provide meaningful benefits. They also warn that self-adjusting prescriptions can lead to dosing mistakes and, in some cases, increased infection risks when injection needles are reused. People concerned about costs or side effects are encouraged to speak with a health care provider.
The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
Full transcript
[0:00:00] Microdosing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy is a growing online
[0:00:04] trend, but is it safe and effective?
[0:00:07] Here’s what we know so far.
[0:00:09] The word microdosing isn’t a defined medical term.
[0:00:12] It usually means taking a smaller dose of your meds than what your doctor prescribed,
[0:00:17] or than what’s been FDA-approved.
[0:00:19] A recent survey found that 36% of people taking GLP-1s are microdosing, with
[0:00:25] most hearing about it from social media.
[0:00:28] So why are people experimenting with these smaller doses?
[0:00:32] Some people want to reduce unpleasant side effects with the drugs, like
[0:00:35] nausea and diarrhea, and some want to cut down on the cost.
[0:00:40] Others want to make their weight loss more gradual.
[0:00:42] No matter the reason, many of the experts we spoke to said there’s just
[0:00:46] not enough science to back it up.
[0:00:48] Doses that are smaller than what the FDA has approved have not been
[0:00:52] rigorously studied, so we don’t yet know if there are medical benefits.
[0:00:56] Plus there could be additional risks with microdosing.
[0:00:59] For example, if you adjust your prescription on your own, there is
[0:01:03] a chance of mistakes, either taking too much or too little, leading to
[0:01:08] extra side effects or not getting the results you’re looking for.
[0:01:11] And if your GLP-1 uses injection needles and you are DIY-ing the dose, you may
[0:01:16] risk an infection if you reuse the needles for multiple smaller doses.
[0:01:21] Instead, if you’re worried about the cost or side effects of GLP-1s, first
[0:01:25] talk to your health care provider.
[0:01:27] And the research surrounding GLP-1s continues to change, so
[0:01:31] stay up to date at aarp.org/health