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What your patients are reading: Week of April 28, 2025

May 2, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be reading. Here are this week's highlights:

Gen Z is leading a new weight loss trend: Ozempic microdosing

(Newsweek)—Gen Z is leading a new weight loss trend by microdosing Ozempic, an approach that involves taking lower doses to manage weight while minimizing side effects and costs. According to a survey by healthcare software company Tebra, nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z users report microdosing Ozempic. The survey, which included 640 GLP-1 users, found that 36% had microdosed the drug, with 89% of Gen Z users indicating they had microdosed in the past or currently do so. Microdosing aims to control appetite and support metabolism with a reduced risk of adverse effects. It also offers a cost-effective solution, as Ozempic can be expensive, with monthly doses ranging from $1,000 to $1,200. The survey revealed that weight loss satisfaction didn’t differ significantly between those who microdosed and those who didn’t. However, microdosers were 16% more likely to feel confident about maintaining their weight loss over time.

THC seltzers surge in popularity among health-conscious consumers

(ABC News)—THC-infused seltzers are rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative to alcoholic beverages. The drinks, which contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are projected to become a $4 billion industry by 2028. The rise in popularity is driven by the increasing legalization of cannabis and consumer interest in alternatives that offer a "social high" without the hangover associated with alcohol. THC seltzers come in various potencies, typically ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg per serving, allowing for controlled dosing. However, health experts caution about potential risks, including delayed onset of effects, which can lead to overconsumption, and the interaction of THC with alcohol, which may increase impairment. High doses of THC can also trigger anxiety, paranoia, or psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals.

Patient alleges Ozempic caused blindness, files suit against manufacturer

(NBC News)—Todd Engel, a 62-year-old Maryland man, is suing Novo Nordisk after experiencing irreversible vision loss due to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) following Ozempic use for type 2 diabetes. The lawsuit alleges Novo Nordisk failed to warn about the risk of NAION, despite having relevant data from clinical trials. While some studies suggest a potential link between Ozempic and NAION, definitive evidence is lacking, and diabetes itself is a risk factor. Novo Nordisk denies any causal relationship, emphasizing physician consultation for benefit-risk evaluation. Engel's legal action seeks damages and a jury trial.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Sources:

Blake, S. (2025, April 28). Newsweek. Gen Z is leading a new weight loss trend: Ozempic microdosing. https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-leading-new-weight-loss-trend-ozempic-microdosing-2065309

Messner, S. et al. (2025, April 28). ABC News. THC seltzers rise in popularity: What to know about the drinks. https://abc7ny.com/post/thc-seltzers-rise-popularity-what-know-drinks/16269734/

Chuck, E. (2025, April 25). NBC News. Lawsuit alleges Maryland man with diabetes became blind after taking Ozempic. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lawsuit-alleges-man-diabetes-became-blind-taking-ozempic-rcna202959