The Guardian Interviews Dr Omar Babar On The Science Of Microdosing

In recent years, powerful injectable medications, originally made to treat diabetes and more recently adopted for off-label use, have changed the way people approach weight loss.

Drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have taken Hollywood by storm, with celebrities like Tracy Morgan, Chelsea Handler, and Amy Schumer openly admitting to taking the drug to help shake off the pounds.

And while many people tolerate it well, others may experience mild to serious side effects. That is where microdosing comes in; it has shown potentially safer benefits for weight management, without secondary effects.

The Guardian recently published an article exploring how the off-label use of weight loss jabs is spreading from the US to the UK. The piece highlights how private clinics are administering reduced doses of GLP-1 drugs to patients beyond the typical target group, and our very own Dr Omar Babar was featured as an expert contributor.

Let’s review.

Highlights From The Guardian's Report

The article was written by Julia Kollewe, a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience covering pharmaceuticals, biotech, property, and insurance for The Guardian and The Observer. She also frequently reports on breaking financial and city news, and has previously worked at sought-after publications like The Independent, Bloomberg News, the Daily Express, City A.M., the Swiss newspaper Cash, and Market News International. Her specialities include writing, reporting, feature articles, interviews, and press releases.

In the Guardian article, she discusses how GLP-1 drugs, initially popularised in the US and promoted by celebrities and social media influencers, are now gaining traction in the UK. One emerging trend is microdosing these drugs, meaning they are used in smaller, off-label amounts to promote more gradual weight loss and help manage appetite.

However, there is still debate about whether it works and how safe it is. Supporters say it helps people improve their health without serious side effects, but many health experts warn that it may carry unknown risks and has not been properly tested in clinical trials.  

Dr Omar Babar, Medical Director of Healand Clinic and a leading expert in regenerative health, has set a high standard for advanced treatments including peptide therapy.

Dr Babar sat down and spoke to The Guardian, sharing his belief that using this medicine in small, microdosed amounts can give patients effective and safe results. Dr Babar holds an MBChB and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Leadership and Management, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM), and has a deep passion for medical innovation. He was also named Medic of the Year at the inaugural British Asian Professional Awards 2023.

Healand Clinic is also a proud finalist for Best New Clinic at the Aesthetic Awards 2024 and has already won two major GHP Awards: Most Innovative Healthcare Clinic 2024 and Excellence in Pain Management 2024.

How Microdosing Can Help Support Effective Weight Loss

Many GLP-1 drugs have recently been all over the news for their off-label use (using a drug in a way that differs from its originally approved purpose) to gently suppress appetite and support weight loss. Simply because these drugs mimic a natural hormone in the gut called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and control food intake.

However, many people have reported minor side effects like nausea and constipation, as well as more serious side effects like pancreatitis, after using the drug for something other than its intended purpose. That said, at Healand, we believe in the power of microdosing, as it involves taking very small amounts of a particular medication to gain its benefits while minimising the risk of significant side effects.

Our doctor-led clinic, regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has been safely offering a microdosing weight loss treatment to 750 people over the past year. All patients began with just one-fifth of the usual dose. Most, including men in their 30s as well as older men up to the age of 70, typically lose between 5 and 10 kg. This success is largely due to the fact that the treatment is provided under expert guidance, allowing the body to acclimate under strict medical supervision gradually.

“Nearly all work out several times a week, and a lot are in ‘high-functioning jobs’ and want ‘a bit more control over their health.’ Our medical weight loss involves the use of prescription medication under the guidance of medical professionals to maintain a calorie deficit and reduce weight overall.” - Dr Babar, published in The Guardian

Microdosing can also improve your ability to tolerate the medication, especially if you are sensitive to it. Taking lower-than-normal doses can also help prevent what is now known as “Ozempic face” (a very thin and tired appearance that drastic weight loss can sometimes cause).

“The idea is not to feel so suppressed, not to feel like you can’t eat any more. The idea is that you just get a bit more gentle suppression of cravings. A lot of people use it to help curb their alcohol consumption as well.” - Dr Babar, published in The Guardian.

Interestingly enough, research shows that the off-label benefits can go beyond weight loss. A study published in January by scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that these GLP-1 drugs may potentially be able to lower the risk of 42 different diseases, including heart disease, cancer, blood clots, Alzheimer’s, and many other conditions.

Dangers Of Unlicensed Providers

With the recent surge in demand for GLP-1 weight loss injections, many unlicensed providers have tried to capitalise on the trend. The reality is that choosing any treatment from an unqualified medical professional can be dangerous.

The reason is simple: unlicensed providers may not properly assess your medical history or adjust doses safely. This increases the risk of administration errors, side effects, or ineffective treatment. Bear in mind, GLP-1 therapy is not safe for everyone. People with certain medical conditions (like personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or pancreatitis) should avoid it.

Plus, without proper sourcing, you might receive counterfeit, expired, or contaminated drugs, which can be equally harmful or unsuccessful.

And then there are legal risks. Receiving treatment from an unlicensed provider is illegal and could have legal consequences for you.

At Healand, our patients truly matter to us, which is why their safety always comes first. Every one of our clinicians is a fully registered professional with the GMC and NMC. Our team is here to support you, closely tracking your progress and making thoughtful adjustments to help you achieve the best possible results, with your well-being in mind.

All You Need To Remember Is The Following

While the off-label and microdosing use of weight loss injections first emerged and gained widespread popularity in the US, it is now firmly establishing itself in the UK. This growing trend is reshaping conventional ideas about medical necessity, self-care, and the boundaries of pharmaceutical treatment.

Opinions on microdosing vary; some remain sceptical, while others swear by its success. As research progresses, a world of possibilities is opening up. For now, if you are considering microdosing, it is essential to consult a highly qualified professional specialised in this field, who can tailor a treatment plan to suit your lifestyle and individual needs.