Madison Burgess’s Weight Loss Journey: The Benefits and Risks of Ozempic Microdosing

Madison Burgess, a 25-year-old from Michigan, has struggled with her weight for most of her life. Her journey towards losing 50 pounds faced several obstacles, including ineffective workouts and a fondness for desserts. In 2023, considering bariatric surgery, Madison turned to Ozempic, a diabetes drug prescribed off-label for weight loss.

The Promise and Reality of Ozempic

In March 2023, Madison enrolled in Claya, an online weight loss treatment platform, where a virtual consultation led to her first dose of Ozempic. This injectable medication, given every four weeks, initially comes in a 0.25 mg dose, which can be increased to 2 mg if needed. Madison started with the lowest dose and experienced remarkable changes almost instantly.

Inflammation decreased, her appetite was suppressed, and she lost five pounds in her first week—motivating her to continue. However, when her doctor increased her dosage to 1.7 mg, Madison began experiencing side effects, including nausea, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. She realized this was not the healthy way to lose weight.

Rediscovering Health Through Microdosing

Desperate for a safer approach, Madison and her doctor discussed microdosing—using a dosage below the standard 0.25 mg starter amount she tolerated well initially. This adjustment proved pivotal in her success. After two years, Madison had shed 60 pounds. It’s unclear how many others have adopted this approach, but it has become a life-changing method for her.

Ms Burgess’ goal was to lose 50 lbs with the help of Ozempic. Since starting it in 2023, she has lost 60lbs

The Role of Microdosing in Managing Side Effects

Katie Sorensen, a nurse practitioner specializing in GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, explained the benefits of microdosing to Parade magazine. She noted that it can help mitigate side effects and personalize the treatment to the minimum efficacious dose for individual patients. However, Sorensen highlighted that this approach has not been FDA-approved because it’s uncertain if patients are receiving the full benefits demonstrated in clinical trials.

Unpacking the Science: Super Responders and Long-Term Perspecti ve

Some individuals, known as ‘super responders,’ experience significant weight loss with small doses. However, the long-term effects of maintaining a microdose remain unclear. For most people, continuing medication indefinitely is crucial to staying slim, as it suppresses appetite without permanently altering metabolism.

Madison’s current dosage remains undisclosed, but she has experienced no significant side effects for two years. Going slow and staying low is my motto now. It’s better for long-term results.– she stated. Madison has become an advocate for microdosing, emphasizing the importance of sustainable healthy habits alongside the drug.

Adopting a Holistic Approach

Madison prioritized dietary changes to complement her medication regimen, focusing on fiber and protein to maintain her progress. She advises that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are tools that support weight loss but do not replace healthy habits.

Ms Burgess began microdosing Ozempic when a higher dose made her sick

The Prevalence and Challenges

Approximately 12 percent of US adults have tried Ozempic or similar drugs for weight loss, and six percent are currently using them. However, many discontinue use, often due to reaching their weight loss goals or the high cost, which can exceed $1,000 monthly.

A study in the UK found that people using Wegovy, a competitor to Ozempic, lost 18% of their weight over 68 weeks but regained two-thirds of it within a year after stopping the medication.

A UK study found that people who used Wegovy experienced rapid weight loss, dropping 18% of their weight over 68 weeks. They regained two-thirds of that weight, or 12 percent of their original body weight in the year after dropping the weekly shots

The Risks Associated with Ozempic

While microdosing offers benefits, it is essential to consider the potential risks. Ozempic and related drugs have been linked to severe side effects, including stomach paralysis and ischemic colitis, which can cause inflammation in the colon. Research has also raised concerns about the risk of vision loss, including potential blindness.

A year-long DailyMail.com investigation highlighted that at least 160 deaths were associated with the use of Ozempic. Although the deaths were not definitively attributed to the drug, experts suspect these medications played a role.

Conclusion

Madison Burgess’s journey highlights the personalized nature of weight loss treatments. While Ozempic and similar medications can be effective tools, they require careful consideration of dosing and the potential side effects. By microdosing, Madison found a balance between weight loss and maintaining her health.

For anyone considering Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications, consulting with a healthcare professional and staying informed about the latest research is imperative. Understanding the full scope of benefits and risks will help make informed decisions about using these medications.

Have you experienced similar results with Ozempic or tried microdosing? Share your experiences in the comments below!