For the first time in a decade, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association issued new recommendations for preventing strokes.

A recent study found significant reductions in opioid overdose and alcohol misuse among people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.

The high price and side effects of Ozempic, the blockbuster diabetes drug also used off label for weight loss, has led people to stretch out their supply by taking the medication in smaller, micro doses.

While Ozempic’s weight loss benefits are widely touted, the conversation is increasingly shifting toward its side effects. Commonly reported issues include: nausea, constipation and “Ozempic face,” a condition where rapid weight loss leads to a gaunt appearance.

What health experts think of the growing Ozempic “microdosing” trend that claims taking very small doses of GLP-1 drugs can still help people lose weight with fewer side effects at a lower cost.

The “Flow Joe” rapper made the admission after revealing in a July 2023 interview that he once weighed in at 470 pounds.

A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that patients taking the drugs Ozempic (semaglutide)

FDA approval: Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss. Cost: Ozempic is typically more affordable than Wegovy. At the time of publishing, the list price for Ozempic was $968.52 per month, whereas the list price for Wegovy was $1,349.02 per month. List prices are the price set by the manufacturer.

The weight-loss drugs are linked with reduced rates of excess drinking and opioid overdoses, suggesting they may tamp down substance use cravings too.