Is microdosing with popular weight loss drugs safe? An expert explains.
Is microdosing with popular weight loss drugs safe? An expert explains.
There is a growing trend of microdosing with Ozempic and other popular weight loss drugs. People are taking much smaller amounts, or splitting up doses, to save money or cut down on side effects. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder addresses safety concerns and if the strategy works.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article discusses the trend of microdosing weight loss drugs like Ozempic. While the existence of this trend is supported by multiple sources, the safety and efficacy claims are mixed and require further context. The article presents a somewhat balanced view by including expert opinions, but the framing of the trend as widespread might be slightly exaggerated.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: There is a growing trend of microdosing with Ozempic and other popular weight loss drugs.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms the popularity of injectable medications originally developed for diabetes for weight loss.
- Verification Source #3: Confirms the trend of 'Ozempic microdosing'.
- Verification Source #5: Confirms the popularity of injectable medications originally developed for diabetes for weight loss.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: People are taking much smaller amounts, or splitting up doses, to save money or cut down on side effects.
- Verification Source #4: Suggests microdosing is driven by the high cost of the drug.
- Assessment: Supported by the sources, particularly regarding cost savings.
- Claim: Microdosing is safe and effective.
- Verification Source #2: Implies that regulated weight loss drugs are generally considered safe and effective when used as prescribed, but doesn't directly address microdosing.
- Verification Source #4: Quotes a professor stating that microdosing is not a solution to the high cost of the drug, implying it may not be effective or recommended.
- Assessment: Mixed. While the drugs themselves can be safe and effective when used as prescribed, the safety and efficacy of microdosing are not definitively established and may be questionable.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 3: 'Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon and longevity expert, says he microdoses weight-loss medication for other health benefits, like managing his blood...'
- Source 4: '“Micro dosing is not, in my opinion,” a solution to the high cost of the diabetes drug also used for weight loss, says professor Mansoor Amiji.'