Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Ozempic Microdosing, Hydration Tips, and Managing Winter Blues

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Ozempic Microdosing, Hydration Tips, and Managing Winter Blues · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

• 0:00
  Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
• 0:04
  Chow!
• 0:04
  I'm your host, Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow.
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  As always, we'll be diving into the latest medical and health news from around the world.
• 0:13
  Today, we're going to explore a new and somewhat controversial weight-loss trend that's
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  been capturing attention: microdosing Ozempic.
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  Let's delve into what this means and whether it's something you should consider.
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  Ozempic, a medication originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes, is gaining popularity
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  for its weight-loss benefits.
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  Interestingly, there's a new trend where people are microdosing Ozempic in an attempt to lose
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  weight.
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  But what exactly does microdosing entail?
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  Well, it's using smaller amounts than the standard doses typically prescribed for
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  diabetes management and weight loss.
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  However, it's important to note that this practice isn't approved by the United States
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  Food and Drug Administration.
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  Despite its growing popularity, experts in the field have raised some concerns.
• 1:06
  Dr.
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  Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and
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  Harvard Medical School, points out that healthcare clinicians generally don't recommend
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  microdosing.
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  The standard dosing regimens are based on clinical trials that determine the most
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  effective and safe amounts for conditions like diabetes and obesity.
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  One reason people are drawn to microdosing is the cost.
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  Ozempic can be quite expensive, with the average monthly price exceeding one thousand
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  dollars without insurance.
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  By microdosing, individuals hope to reduce their expenses while still receiving some
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  benefits.
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  This practice also aims to minimize side effects like nausea, vomiting, or stomach
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  discomfort, which can occur with standard doses.
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  However, the potential benefits of microdosing may not outweigh the risks.
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  Dr.
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  Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and obesity specialist, warns that microdosing is
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  entirely off-label and unproven.
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  Without supporting clinical studies, the effectiveness of such a regimen is
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  questionable.
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  Additionally, smaller doses may lead to inadequate blood sugar management and
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  suboptimal weight loss results.
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  There's also the issue of compounded versions of Ozempic, which aren't regulated by the FDA.
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  These versions pose risks of contamination and inconsistent formulations.
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  Dr.
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  Amy Rothberg from the University of Michigan highlights that compounded medications often
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  require syringes for dosing, increasing the risk of incorrect dosing.
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  Many healthcare providers emphasize the importance of medical supervision when
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  considering any changes to medication regimens.
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  Dr.
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  Suzanne A.
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  Trott, a double board-certified surgeon, mentions that while microdosing can be safe
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  under medical supervision, people should always consult a healthcare provider before making any
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  adjustments.
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  In conclusion, while microdosing Ozempic might seem like a cost-effective and
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  side-effect-friendly approach, it's crucial to weigh these potential benefits against the
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  risks and uncertainties.
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  Remember, sustained weight loss involves more than just medication; it requires lifestyle
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  changes, including diet and exercise.
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  Always consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on such a regimen.
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  Today's segment explores a New Year’s resolution that is simple yet incredibly
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  effective for rejuvenating your entire body.
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  We're talking about the importance of staying hydrated.
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  This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about health resolutions,
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  but as experts point out, it’s a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.
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  Hydration is often overlooked in our health goals, yet water is fundamental to our
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  well-being.
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  It’s the elixir of life, and making it a priority can lead to numerous health benefits.
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  Drinking plenty of water can improve blood pressure, diabetes, joint, gut, and kidney
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  health, ease migraines, and even give your skin a healthy glow.
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  Researcher Natalia Dmitrieva from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute emphasizes
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  that staying optimally hydrated is a simple lifestyle modification with potentially
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  significant benefits, including a longer disease-free life.
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  So, how can you incorporate this into your daily routine?
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  One practical approach is to attach drinking a full glass of water to other routine activities
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  you do daily.
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  For example, while waiting for your coffee or tea to brew, drink a glass of water.
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  If you’re taking your dog for a walk, fill a water bottle and drink it before you return.
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  This method, known as habit stacking, helps make new habits stick by linking them to
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  existing ones.
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  Statistics show that many Americans do not drink enough water, with over fifty percent not
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  meeting the recommended daily intake.
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  Women are advised to drink about eight to ten cups of water daily, while men should aim for
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  ten to twelve cups.
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  One reason for this shortfall is that many people do not consciously consider their water
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  intake and are unaware of these recommendations.
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  Relying solely on thirst as a cue to drink more water can be misleading, as thirst often occurs
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  when the body is already underhydrated.
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  This means the negative effects of insufficient hydration may have already started.
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  Instead, aim for a more proactive approach to hydration.
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  The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you do not have to
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  drink only water to meet your hydration needs.
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  Plain coffee or tea, sparkling water, and flavored waters are all good low-calorie
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  options.
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  However, regular sodas, fruit drinks, and sweetened beverages should be avoided due to
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  their lack of nutritional value.
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  Certain foods can also help with hydration, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, and
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  lettuce.
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  These foods contain water and can significantly contribute to your daily intake.
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  For those looking to meet their hydration goals, a useful strategy is to fill a 32-ounce
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  bottle with water in the morning and ensure you drink it throughout the day, in addition to any
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  beverages consumed during meals or breaks.
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  By the end of the day, assess whether you've consumed an additional four to six cups of
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  water.
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  If not, refill the bottle and drink more before the day ends.
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  Bar owner Vergie Arandid is making waves in Washington, D.C., with her innovative
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  establishment, Binge, the city’s first fully non-alcoholic bar.
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  As we enter another Dry January, a month where many people take a break from consuming
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  alcohol, Vergie is eager to share why she believes that this movement is more than just a
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  fleeting trend.
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  Vergie opened Binge with the vision of creating a space where people can enjoy the social
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  atmosphere of a bar without the pressure or expectation to drink alcohol.
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  She notes that the concept of "sober curiosity" has been gaining traction, not only during
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  January but throughout the entire year.
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  This growing interest suggests a shift in how people view alcohol consumption and social
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  drinking habits.
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  Sober curiosity, as Vergie explains, is about exploring life without alcohol and questioning
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  the role it plays in our lives.
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  It's not necessarily about committing to complete sobriety but rather understanding how
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  alcohol affects one's health, relationships, and overall well-being.
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  This exploration has led many to seek out alternatives and spaces like Binge, which cater
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  to their evolving lifestyle choices.
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  Vergie points out that many of her patrons are not necessarily giving up alcohol for good.
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  Instead, they are experimenting with reducing their intake and finding new ways to socialize
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  and unwind.
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  The non-alcoholic options at Binge are crafted to provide a satisfying experience, with
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  creative mocktails and non-alcoholic beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
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  The bar owner believes that Dry January has played a significant role in raising awareness
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  about the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption.
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  However, she emphasizes that the movement towards sober curiosity is becoming a
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  year-round phenomenon.
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  More people are recognizing the physical and mental health benefits of drinking less, such
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  as better sleep, improved mood, and clearer skin.
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  Vergie is optimistic about the future of non-alcoholic venues like Binge.
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  She sees them as part of a broader trend towards wellness and mindfulness that extends
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  beyond just alcohol consumption.
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  By offering a space where people can connect and enjoy themselves without alcohol, she hopes
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  to contribute to a more inclusive and health-conscious social scene.
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  Andrew Brown from London Morning recently interviewed Camille Quenneville, the Chief
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  Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, about how to manage the
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  winter blues and maintain mental health during the colder, darker days following the holiday
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  season.
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  Camille shared insights on understanding and addressing the feelings many experience during
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  this time of year.
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  Andrew began by asking Camille what exactly the winter blues are.
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  Camille explained that it's a feeling many can relate to, as the shorter days and colder
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  weather can leave people feeling down.
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  It's not uncommon to feel a bit blah as the holidays pass and the days grow colder and
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  darker.
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  Andrew then asked how these feelings differ from seasonal affective disorder.
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  Camille clarified that seasonal affective disorder is a clinical diagnosis affecting
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  about three percent of the Canadian population.
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  In contrast, the winter blues are more of a general feeling of malaise that about fifteen
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  percent of Canadians experience, prompting them to seek treatment.
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  When asked about signs that might indicate something more serious like depression, Camille
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  advised that if someone withdraws from their daily activities or stops engaging with those
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  closest to them, it might be time for a check-in and a conversation about whether they
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  need support.
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  Andrew inquired about strategies to fend off the winter blues.
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  Camille suggested making deliberate decisions regarding mental health care, such as eating
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  better, exercising more, and spending time in nature.
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  These actions, while beneficial for physical health, also significantly enhance mental
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  well-being.
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  Camille emphasized the importance of getting outside, even when it's cold, as exercise,
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  social engagement, and spending time in nature can help combat the difficult winter months.
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  She highlighted the mental health benefits of consciously deciding to engage in these
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  activities.
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  For those considering just waiting out the winter blues, Camille cautioned against this
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  mindset.
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  She encouraged breaking down the stigma around mental health and illness by having
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  conversations.
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  If you notice a friend or family member struggling, suggesting ways to manage these
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  months can improve their overall well-being.
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  Andrew asked how to start a conversation about mental health.
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  Camille advised having specific, deliberate conversations that are open, honest, and
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  transparent about how someone is doing.
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  It's an important step that's long overdue for many of us with family and friends.
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  Camille also recommended reflecting on the positive parts of life when feeling down.
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  Flipping a situation around, practicing gratitude, and recognizing positives can be
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  very beneficial for mental health.
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  For those in Ontario concerned about their mental health, Camille highlighted resources
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  like the Canadian Mental Health Association, which has twenty-seven branches across the
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  province, and ConnexOntario, a registry for all mental health and addiction services in
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  Ontario.
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  These resources can be accessed online to support oneself or a loved one.
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  In closing, Camille shared her personal approach to staying mentally healthy during
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  this time of year.
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  She remains mentally aware and practices gratitude for everything she has in her life,
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  which helps her maintain a positive outlook.
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  Let's talk about a unique and fascinating use of Botox that goes beyond cosmetic procedures.
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  We're diving into how Botox is being used to treat a condition known as "no-burp syndrome."
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  This condition, medically referred to as retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction, can
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  significantly impact an individual's quality of life by preventing them from burping.
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  This may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to bloating, discomfort, and even
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  psychological distress due to its social implications.
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  The cricopharyngeus muscle, which is the main muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter,
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  usually relaxes to allow burping.
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  However, in those with no-burp syndrome, this muscle remains contracted, preventing the
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  release of gas through the esophagus.
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  This can result in symptoms like a gurgling noise in the throat and excessive flatulence.
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  Dr.
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  Neil Chheda, an otolaryngologist at UF Health in Gainesville, Florida, notes that both men
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  and women can be affected by this condition, although the risk factors are still unclear.
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  Dr.
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  Priya Krishna from Loma Linda University adds that the inability to burp can cause
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  significant psychological distress, making social situations particularly challenging for
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  those affected.
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  So, how does Botox come into play?
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  Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein used to prevent muscle contractions by
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  blocking nerve signals.
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  When injected into the cricopharyngeus muscle, it relaxes the muscle, allowing the esophagus
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  to vent and enabling the patient to burp.
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  This innovative approach was pioneered by Dr.
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  Robert Bastian, an otolaryngologist and director of the Bastian Voice Institute.
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  He developed a procedure that involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeal muscle
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  to address this issue.
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  Dr.
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  Bastian reports that this method has drastically improved the lives of many patients
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  suffering from this disorder, allowing them to burp and reducing associated symptoms like
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  bloating and discomfort.
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  There are two methods for this procedure.
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  The first involves a brief procedure under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating
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  room, where a scope is used to visualize the sphincter, and Botox is injected with a tiny
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  needle.
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  The second method can be done in a doctor's office with local anesthesia, where the Botox
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  is injected directly into the muscle from the side of the neck.
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  Patients have reported significant improvements following the procedure, with many noting that
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  they can burp for the first time, and symptoms like gurgling and bloating have diminished.
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  This treatment offers a new hope for those who have struggled with the social and physical
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  discomforts of no-burp syndrome.
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  It's incredible to see how medical advancements continue to find solutions for even the most
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  unusual conditions.
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  As we wrap up today's episode, I hope you've learned something new about the diverse
• 15:50
  applications of Botox beyond its cosmetic uses.
• 15:54
  Thank you for joining me on this episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
• 15:57
  Chow.
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  Until next time, stay healthy and stay informed!