Australian doctors are fielding an increasing number of questions from patients asking whether they should take Ozempic despite not being overweight, as new microdosing trends gain traction online.

Social media influencers are encouraging people to microdose weight-loss drugs, claiming the medications can deliver a sharper brain, longer life and just the right amount of weight loss without the side effects.

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But medical experts are warning the trend could cause more harm than good, noting there isn’t enough research to back the claims.

Australian Medical Association president Dr Danielle McMullen said doctors were increasingly being asked about the trend, but the evidence did not currently support using the medications in people without diabetes or weight issues.

“These medicines have taken the world by storm and there are a variety of trials underway but, to date, the strong evidence that we have for management of diabetes or weight management is all in people who have either diabetes or struggle with overweight and obesity,” she told Sunrise on Wednesday.

“It’s really important that we don’t jump ahead of that evidence and that research and make sure that we’re sticking to guidelines and evidence that we have to keep people safe.”

Warnings as fakes flood the market

There are also concerns about people buying purported weight-loss drugs online, with McMullen warning consumers may have no way of knowing what they are actually taking.

“If you’re buying products online, whether that’s peptides or fake versions of medicines, you don’t know what’s in it,” she said.

“It’s really hard to know what those risks are because that could be anything.

“It could have none of the medicine you’re expecting, could have super high doses, could be contaminated with who knows what.”

Even legitimate medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold under brands including Ozempic and Mounjaro, carry potential side effects.

“Quite a lot of patients struggle with tummy upset, gastrointestinal sort of side effects,” McMullen said.

“There are some rare concerns around vision loss.

“We’re seeing people with malnutrition. If you’re not managed well in a team with a GP and a dietician, people can really have their health and nutrition affected if not using these medicines properly.”

McMullen urged Australians to be “sceptical” of health advice shared online.

“While people may share their personal experiences, online influencers, you really don’t know their credentials or their background,” she said.

“And there’s quite strict rules about advertising prescription medicines online, including through social media.”

She said Australians should speak to their GP before considering the medications.

“Have a chat about your personal circumstances, and make sure that you’re getting health advice that’s tailored to you, not junk off the internet.”