Latest news with #Gerstein
Global News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Ozempic microdosing: Weight-loss hack or just a placebo?
As weight-loss injectables like Ozempic skyrocket in popularity, a new offshoot trend is starting to take hold: microdosing. Instead of following the standard dosing guidelines, some people are experimenting with smaller amounts of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. The reasons vary — from trying to stretch out expensive prescriptions to avoiding the side effects that can come with higher doses. This off-label approach has picked up traction online. Podcasts, social media posts and YouTube videos feature users sharing personal stories of shedding pounds through lower-than-recommended doses. But here's the thing: using smaller doses for weight loss hasn't been rigorously studied. Because it's considered off-label, there's little clinical evidence to show whether this kind of do-it-yourself dosing is actually effective, or just anecdotal. So, can people really lose weight on a dose that hasn't been prescribed? Story continues below advertisement 2:07 Ozempic can help prevent limb loss in some patients living with peripheral artery disease, trial shows 'It's not impossible, but there's no evidence,' said Hertzel Gerstein, a professor of medicine and a diabetes specialist at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. 'But a lack of evidence doesn't mean that it doesn't work. It means no one has really studied it in any systematic way. And you can always go online, on social media and you can find anecdotes. But the trouble is that a placebo works in anecdotes, right?' Gerstein noted one study published in Diabetes Care in March 2025, which suggested that microdosing might have some benefits for people with diabetes. But the study also made it clear: there's still not enough solid clinical evidence to back it up. Since microdosing is considered off-label and not officially supported by the drug makers, it needs to be done carefully, and only under the guidance of a health-care professional. Story continues below advertisement Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, told Global News in an email Monday that its drugs are prescription-only medicines used with the Health Canada-approved product monograph. 'Novo Nordisk does not recommend the use of Ozempic at doses or frequencies that deviate from the dosing instructions approved in the product monograph,' a spokesperson told Global News. Why microdose? In Canada, Ozempic is officially approved for managing Type 2 diabetes. It's also used off-label for weight loss. Its sister drug, Wegovy — which contains a higher dose of the same active ingredient, semaglutide — is approved for chronic weight management in adults living with obesity or weight-related health issues. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The semaglutide drugs help control blood sugar by imitating a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone boosts insulin production while also slowing down digestion and curbing hunger — a combination that's led to its growing use as a weight-loss aid. Story continues below advertisement Because of Ozempic's off-label use, many insurance companies may not cover weekly injections. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 monthly in Canada. And like many medications, Ozempic can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness and in some cases, a condition known as stomach paralysis. 'This could be a situation where, for some reason, you can't tolerate some of the fixed doses that you have, so in which case you might want to use a little bit more or a little less,' Gerstein said. So the cost and the side effects may be reasons people are experimenting with lower doses, he said. 4:26 Health Matters: Calls for the province to cover weight management medications Is microdosing Ozempic dangerous? Bottom line, Gerstein said, there are no official guidelines for microdosing these drugs — and no solid data on how safe it is or what the effects might be, good or bad. It's an experimental approach, and we just don't know enough yet. Story continues below advertisement For example, when you're prescribed a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, you usually start on the lowest dose — typically 0.25 milligrams. If your body handles it well, your doctor may gradually increase it to 0.5 milligrams, and eventually even higher, depending on your response. Doctors prescribe this amount because it's based on clinical testing done by the drug manufacturers, ensuring the dose is both effective and safe for most patients. 'The dosages that are marketed are what work based on clinical studies,' Gerstein explained. Since there's no evidence to support that microdosing — using amounts smaller than the prescribed dose, like 0.25 milligrams — can produce the same results, Gerstein emphasized that any positive outcomes could just be the placebo effect. 0:57 Ozempic linked to stomach paralysis, other gastrointestinal issues: UBC study 'Microdosing within the known therapeutic range, where the drug is proven to work, is one thing,' he said. 'For example, some people find that one milligram works for them, and when they increase it to 1.5 milligrams, they see better results. That's still within the range that's been studied. Story continues below advertisement 'But microdosing below that therapeutic range? It's less likely to have an effect, though not impossible. The problem is, we don't have any evidence, just anecdotes and guesswork.' Gerstein added that because much of the microdosing talk centres around weight loss, it's worth noting that studies show weight loss with semaglutide is dose-dependent. The more you take (within reason), the more weight people tend to lose. For example, one milligram usually leads to more weight loss than 0.5, and Wegovy, which is 2.4 milligrams, tends to deliver even better results. 'Could someone lose a lot of weight on 0.1 milligrams — basically a microdose? Or 0.25 milligrams? Anything's possible, but at this point, it's purely an untested hypothesis.' Are there benefits? Until microdosing is rigorously tested in a clinical setting, Gerstein strongly recommends discussing the potential benefits with your doctor before trying it. Story continues below advertisement 'As a physician, if someone told me they wanted to try microdosing, I'd say, 'There's no evidence it works. Why not start with the standard dosage? If you tolerate it well, I'd suggest sticking with that,'' he explained. He also points out that the cost of microdosing could be a concern, as it's not clear whether the practice is effective. 'My feeling is that you might end up paying whatever money you're paying for nothing … other than a placebo effect,' he said.
Daily Record
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Baby Reindeer creators reveal reason why 'tragic' scene was axed from Netflix series
Baby Reindeer was one of last year's most masterfully crafted and captivating dramas, but a pivotal moment ultimately didn't make the final cut. Regarded by many as one of the best shows of 2024, the gripping drama quickly rose through the streaming charts to become one of the decade's most successful TV shows. The hit Netflix series has already garnered several major television awards for its cast and creators, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, as well as four BAFTA nominations. Created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer's editors Benjamin Gerstein and Peter H Oliver have also been recognised for their contribution, receiving a nomination for Best Editing at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards. But in an exclusive interview with Reach at the upcoming ceremony, set to air on Sunday, April 27, the creators revealed that a key scene was cut from the drama, reports Surrey Live . "This is a tricky one," Gerstein confessed. "I think scenes that end up on the cutting room floor mostly end up there for a reason. "Sometimes you have to lose moments you love in order for the whole episode or series to work best." The seven-part drama enthralled fans last year, with Gadd playing aspiring comedian Donny Dunn, inspired by his harrowing experience with a stalker, portrayed by Jessica Gunning. While directors Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch expertly guided the series with a clear vision, there was almost a scene where Donny landed himself in even more trouble. "Having said that, there was a bar fight I really liked that we ended up losing," Gerstein revealed. "It was tragic and funny but didn't fit the overall thrust of the episode as we accelerated towards the end." Gerstein's co-editor Oliver also offered a glimpse into their decision-making for what ultimately made the final cut. "I never say which scenes are taken out in the edit ," he confessed, acknowledging that numerous scenes will remain unseen by audiences. "There were a few that I remember fondly though. Most of the episodes were long with Baby Reindeer so only the best earned its place in the final cut. "I like coming in long with episode assemblies because we then have to slim them down and craft everything much more tightly to make it all fit." Gadd's hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer is poised to scoop up additional accolades at this year's BAFTAs, having been nominated for awards for Gadd and Gunning, supporting actress Nava Mau, and Best Limited Drama. It comes after the Record reported that the real life Baby Reindeer's 'Martha' fears she will die before her Netflix lawsuit is resolved. Fiona Harvey, who inspired the award-winning series, was rushed to London's UCH hospital with suspected organ failure. The 59-year-old is diabetic and blames the stress caused from being depicted as a convicted stalker on her latest health woes. Now she fears she won't survive to see the outcome of her $170million (£128million) court case against Baby Reindeer producers Netflix – who she claims ruined her life.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix's biggest hit of 2024 removed 'tragically funny' moment from final cut
EXCLUSIVE: The true crime drama has already been lauded with several major television awards for its cast and creators The Netflix sensation that had everyone on the edge of their seats last year was a masterclass in suspense and drama, but it turns out a crucial scene never made it to our screens. Touted as one of the standout series of 2024, this enthralling true crime saga soared to the top of the streaming service's most-watched list, marking it as one of the most triumphant TV hits this decade. The show has scooped up a host of accolades for its stellar cast and creative team, bagging six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and earning four BAFTA nods. Scottish funnyman Richard Gadd is the brains behind Baby Reindeer, and the show's editors, Benjamin Gerstein and Peter H Oliver, are in the running for Best Editing at the upcoming BAFTA TV Craft Awards. In an exclusive chat with Reach ahead of the ceremony set to broadcast on Sunday, 27th April, they let slip that a significant moment was chopped from the final cut, reports Surrey Live. Gerstein confessed: "This is a tricky one. I think scenes that end up on the cutting room floor mostly end up there for a reason. "Sometimes you have to lose moments you love in order for the whole episode or series to work best." Last year, the seven-episode thriller had viewers gripped as Gadd took on the role of would-be comic Donny Dunn, drawing from his own chilling encounters with a stalker, portrayed by Jessica Gunning. Despite directors Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch steering the intense narrative, there was nearly a point where Donny found himself in even deeper hot water. "Having said that, there was a bar fight I really liked that we ended up losing," Gerstein revealed. "It was tragic and funny but didn't fit the overall thrust of the episode as we accelerated towards the end." Oliver, Gerstein's co-editor, also weighed in on the tough decisions made during editing. "I never say which scenes are taken out in the edit," he confessed, acknowledging that numerous scenes will remain unseen by audiences. Get Netflix free with Sky This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £15 Sky Get the deal here Product Description "There were a few that I remember fondly though. Most of the episodes were long with Baby Reindeer so only the best earned its place in the final cut. "I like coming in long with episode assemblies because we then have to slim them down and craft everything much more tightly to make it all fit." The critically acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer is poised for further success at this year's BAFTAs, having been nominated for awards including nods to Gadd and Gunning, supporting actress Nava Mau, and Best Limited Drama. Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix. The BAFTA TV Craft Awards will air on Sunday, 27th April.
