Madison Burgess, who has struggled with weight loss for most of her life, turned to a different method in 2023 after traditional exercise routines and diet plans failed to yield results. She had set a goal to lose 50 pounds, but it seemed elusive due to her sweet tooth and challenges in sticking to a healthy diet. When conventional methods didn’t work, Madison began to consider bariatric surgery. But then the rise of Ozempic caught her attention.
Celebrities like Khloé Kardashian and Oprah Winfrey were publicly sharing their success with Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication that helps with weight loss. Influencers posted striking before-and-after photos, and the demand for the drug quickly led to a global shortage. Madison, curious about its effects, began her Ozempic journey in March 2023 through Claya, a weight loss and wellness company.
The Ozempic Experience
Within just a week of starting Ozempic, Madison noticed positive changes. Her inflammation decreased, and she lost 5 pounds. The medication’s prescribed schedule begins with a 0.25 mg dose once a week for four weeks, followed by a 0.5 mg dose for another month. Over time, the dosage increases to 1-2 mg depending on the individual’s progress.
However, by the third month of treatment, when Madison’s dose was raised to 1.7 mg, she began experiencing severe side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and occasional vomiting. These side effects were so debilitating that they interfered with her ability to eat. She realized that this was not the right path for her.
“I knew I needed to talk to my provider. I was experiencing things I didn’t want to go through just to lose weight,” Madison explained.
Microdosing Ozempic for Better Results
After consulting her provider, Madison decided to try microdosing—taking a lower dose than the standard recommendation. Microdosing Ozempic has gained popularity as a strategy to reduce side effects while still aiding weight loss. Though not an FDA-approved method and lacking clinical studies, microdosing has been touted for its potential benefits, including better tolerance to the medication and sustained appetite control.
Katie Sorensen, a nurse practitioner specializing in GLP-1 medications, explained that microdosing could offer benefits, including reducing side effects, but it may not allow patients to experience the full range of health advantages seen in clinical trials, such as reduced risk of heart disease or improved kidney function.
Despite the lack of research, Madison’s experience with microdosing has been positive. Since making the switch, she has had no side effects and believes that microdosing didn’t slow her weight loss. “I’m a big advocate now of microdosing. Going slow and staying low is my motto. I think it’s better for long-term results,” she said.
Success and Sustainability
Madison surpassed her goal and has now lost 60 pounds since beginning her Ozempic journey. While she credits the medication for helping her, she also stresses the importance of healthy habits. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and the addition of more protein, fiber, and electrolytes to her meals have all contributed to her success.
“You can’t expect Ozempic to do all the work,” Madison said. “It’s just a tool. You need to develop sustainable healthy habits for long-term success, especially if you decide to eventually stop the medication.”
Madison’s journey highlights the potential benefits of microdosing Ozempic, but also the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to weight loss, combining medication with lifestyle changes for lasting results.
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