in the same way “baby Botox” or “microtox” has become a go-to for subtle wrinkle reduction, a growing number of people are microdosing ozempic in an attempt to shed weight—tapping into the latest biohacking trend that blurs the line between science, medicine, and aesthetic optimization.

ozempic, the now-blockbuster drug pioneered by danish pharmaceutical giant novo nordisk, was originally designed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. however, its active ingredient, semaglutide, has catapulted it into the weight-loss spotlight, earning a reputation as a "miracle drug" among hollywood elites, influencers, and everyday users looking to slim down. but the intrigue doesn’t stop at weight management—emerging research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists (the class of drugs ozempic belongs to) may have far-reaching benefits, including alzheimer’s protection, heart health, and even addiction recovery.

that said, the practice of microdosing these drugs—taking small, subtherapeutic doses to minimize side effects while still reaping benefits—remains a gray area, medically and ethically. while some specialists believe in its potential, others warn that we simply don’t have enough data to support it yet.

microdosing ozempic: an off-label experiment?

dr. beverly tchang, an endocrinologist and obesity specialist at new york-presbyterian/weill cornell medicine, has been advising some of her patients to microdose GLP-1 drugs since before novo nordisk’s launch of wegovy, its FDA-approved weight-loss version of ozempic. her reasoning? lowering the dose can help manage common side effects like nausea, constipation, reflux, and brain fog while still offering some degree of appetite suppression.

from a medical standpoint, she believes microdosing is still evidence-based, even though it’s not explicitly approved by regulatory bodies.

on the flip side, dr. elizabeth sharp, an assistant professor at mount sinai hospital, cautions against the off-label use of low-dose semaglutide. she points to the lack of clinical trials evaluating how people respond to non-standard dosing, emphasizing that a lower dose could mean a significantly higher risk due to unpredictable effects.

despite the debate, microdosing remains an unregulated trend, with people experimenting on their own—sometimes through telehealth companies, med spas, and even plastic surgeons offering prescriptions with little oversight.

the expanding benefits of GLP-1 drugs

though originally designed for diabetes and later embraced for weight loss, GLP-1 drugs may have benefits far beyond shedding pounds. recent studies suggest they might lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even aid in addiction recovery by helping people quit smoking and drinking.

a newly published study, led by dr. ziyad al-aly at washington university in st. louis, found that GLP-1 users had a reduced risk of:

✔ substance-abuse disorders
✔ suicidal ideation and schizophrenia
✔ clotting issues and infections
✔ liver failure and fatty liver disease
✔ alzheimer’s and dementia

al-aly called the potential cognitive benefits "a significant breakthrough"—since there are currently no effective treatments for alzheimer’s. however, he’s also quick to point out that the study was observational, meaning we still need prevention trials before drawing definitive conclusions.

hims & hers: a telehealth giant enters the glp-1 market

the rise of semaglutide for weight loss has opened up a billion-dollar industry, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by companies like hims & hers—a brand once known for selling men’s hair-loss treatments and erectile dysfunction meds.

after being acquired by a private equity fund, the company expanded its focus, launching its own compounded semaglutide formula at a fraction of the cost of ozempic and wegovy.

💰 pricing comparison:

ozempic/wegovy: ~$1,000 per month (without insurance)

hims & hers compounded semaglutide: less than $200 per month

this aggressive pricing strategy turned hims & hers into a wall street darling—shares soared more than 200% last year and have already doubled again this year. but the company’s rapid rise hit a speed bump after its controversial super bowl commercial, which left industry experts and regulators raising eyebrows.

the super bowl ad that sparked a backlash

during super bowl lviii, hims & hers positioned itself as the affordable, consumer-friendly alternative to "big pharma." the ad implied that its weight-loss drugs were just as effective as brand-name glp-1s—but without mentioning a crucial fact:

🚨 compounded medications aren’t fda-approved.

novo nordisk wasted no time clapping back. the danish pharma giant responded with a full-page ad in usa today and the new york times, titled: “check before you inject.” the ad featured a vial labeled "compounded semaglutide" and an uncapped syringe, casting a shadow over a stark yellow backdrop. the message?

💉 “if your glp-1 injections aren’t fda-approved, you have no idea what’s inside.”

the response highlights the wild west nature of the weight-loss drug boom—where compounded versions lack rigorous testing, and patients are left to weigh the risks themselves.

where does this leave consumers?

with so many options available, from brand-name ozempic to cheaper compounded alternatives, the decision isn’t black and white. for some, glp-1s are a medical necessity—a game-changing tool for weight loss and metabolic health. but for others, especially those experimenting with microdosing, the bigger question is: is this really necessary?

before jumping on the latest wellness trend, it’s worth considering:

✔ are there long-term studies supporting this approach? (not yet.)
✔ are the benefits of microdosing outweighing the risks? (unclear.)
✔ could a focus on whole foods, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle changes be a safer alternative?

right now, microdosing ozempic exists in a medical gray area, straddling the line between science-backed innovation and a potentially risky shortcut. until we have more concrete data, the best approach is still one rooted in evidence, caution, and a full-picture view of health.