On a cold January night, Samira Shamoon, a 44-year-old publicist specializing in health and beauty, entered an Italian restaurant to join friends. They were taken aback by the radiance of her complexion. Her cheekbones seemed more prominent. Following a barrage of queries about which skin specialist or cosmetic surgeon she had consulted, she replied cheerfully, “I’m microdosing!
Shamoon has jumped on board with those experimenting with low doses of Ozempic (semaglutide) and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro, not so much for weight loss as the drug is commonly associated with, but primarily for its reported anti-inflammatory properties. Instead of taking the usual weekly dose, she’s opting for half that amount or less. As a runner, Shamoon has always maintained a lean figure, and while losing 4 pounds wasn’t a problem, it was the reduction in facial puffiness that attracted her to this prescription medication. Additionally, Shamoon found appealing the claims of enhanced mental clarity and reduced risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.
She states, “Now I don’t feel as bloated as a pufffish in the morning,” and she feels the medication is enhancing her cognitive abilities: “I simply feel more focused.
Dr. Caroline Messer, a prominent endocrinologist based in Manhattan, has observed that numerous individuals seeking her advice on microdosing are genetically at risk for Alzheimer’s. According to her, the focus should not be on reducing blood sugar levels, but rather on decreasing inflammation. Interestingly, she points out that this is logical because Alzheimer’s is sometimes referred to as “Type 3 diabetes.” This is due to the fact that the brain in someone with Alzheimer’s shows signs of insulin resistance, much like what occurs in Type 2 diabetes. In patients without diabetes, microdosing does not lower blood sugar levels but still exerts an anti-inflammatory effect.
According to Dr. Anetta Reszko, a dermatologist on Park Avenue, microdosing can lead to long-term benefits for achieving a mental advantage. Unlike regular dosing that mostly focuses on curbing appetite and managing glucose levels, microdosing semaglutide could offer a more subtle, prolonged impact on the brain, immune system, and overall cellular health. By influencing these systems, it might help decrease neuroinflammation, which is critical in preventing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
According to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a specialist in internal medicine and longevity, her patients who are microdosing have been experiencing improved clarity, increased energy levels, and fewer instances of discomfort or pain. Notably, she mentions that some of her patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition known for causing persistent pain, have found relief after trying this method.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a renowned facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-founder of the medtech aesthetic service Persana, observes a significant increase in the popularity of microdosing GLP-1 receptor agonists in L.A. specifically. He likens this trend to the rise of Botox, which started as a medical treatment but later found use in cosmetics, headaches, and depression. Initially, these substances were primarily used for diabetes management, then weight loss, and now their potential health benefits are being explored further.
Patients under the care of Pooja Gidwani, a Los Angeles internist and obesity specialist, are using microdoses of GLP-1s as part of an aging-well strategy. “It’s increasingly popular within the Hollywood circle,” says Gidwani, “and many people ask for this treatment in conjunction with peptides.” Additionally, she provides GLP-1s along with IV infusions of NAD, a coenzyme.
Microdosers aim to control addiction and excessive behaviors, as the drugs appear to suppress desires beyond just hunger. Those on GLP-1 inhibitors will attest that even a single glass of wine can prove difficult, but Kahn reports her patients have given up not only alcohol but also habits like smoking and compulsive shopping. As she puts it, “These drugs impact the brain’s desire mechanism, reducing cravings for substances. They help curb unhealthy impulses.
Users of the lowered dose appear happier and less reliant, and they often report improved moods and emotional balance. According to Reszko’s report, microdosing also leads to decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms due to activation of the GLP-1 receptors.
For individuals seeking to shed a modest amount of weight, microdosing offers its benefits since the standard FDA dosage often triggers unwelcome side effects such as burping, nausea, indigestion, muscle wastage, and the undesirable “Ozempic face” associated with rapid weight loss, characterized by sagging or drawn features.
At the minimal standard dosages, certain individuals are still shedding an excessive amount of weight,” explains Messer, pointing out that these lower doses could potentially cost 50-75% less in total. This not only prevents excessive weight loss but also saves money.
In the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, released on February 5th, an interesting story caught my eye. Want to stay updated and read it for yourself? Subscribe now!
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2025-02-08 21:25