Microdosing and losing weight

It was a typical Monday morning when I first heard about microdosing. I was standing in the kitchen, staring at my breakfast—a half-eaten slice of toast—and feeling that familiar wave of frustration. The scale hadn’t budged in weeks, despite my best efforts to eat better and exercise more regularly. I felt stuck, as if my body was rebelling against me.

That’s when a friend casually mentioned how she had been experimenting with microdosing—a trend I’d vaguely heard about but hadn’t given much thought to. She wasn’t using it for creativity or mood enhancement like so many tech entrepreneurs I’d read about. She was using it to help regulate her eating habits, find balance, and ultimately, lose weight. It sounded intriguing but also a little intimidating. Could something as unconventional as microdosing really have an impact on weight loss?

I was curious but skeptical. After all, I’ve tried every diet, every trick in the book—how could microdosing be any different?

Before I dive deeper into my experience, let’s talk a bit about what microdosing actually is. Microdosing typically refers to the practice of taking very small doses of psychedelic substances, like psilocybin or LSD, usually about 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical recreational dose. At these low levels, users typically don’t experience the intense hallucinations or altered states that come with higher doses. Instead, they often report more subtle effects: improved mood, heightened focus, and better overall mental well-being.

But how does this tie into weight loss?

As it turns out, microdosing may also have effects on our relationship with food, emotions, and body awareness. While there isn’t a huge body of research specifically linking microdosing to weight loss, the available science on psychedelics and mental health provides some clues.

One of the primary ways microdosing could influence weight loss is through its impact on our mental and emotional health. Research has shown that psychedelics, even in small doses, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression . For many people, these mental health challenges are closely tied to overeating or emotional eating, making it difficult to stick to a healthy diet.

For instance, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that psychedelics can help individuals achieve significant, long-lasting improvements in mood and emotional regulation . When people feel more emotionally balanced, they’re less likely to turn to food for comfort or to engage in mindless eating.

Microdosing may also help by increasing mindfulness—heightened awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Some users report that microdosing helps them slow down and become more present in their daily lives, which can lead to better decision-making around food. By fostering this mindfulness, microdosing might make it easier to notice when you’re eating out of boredom, stress, or habit, rather than hunger.

There’s also emerging evidence suggesting that psychedelics can influence neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to new experiences and behaviors . This could help explain why some people find it easier to break out of unhealthy eating patterns or adopt new, healthier habits after microdosing.

But before you rush off to experiment with this yourself, it’s important to consider both the benefits and risks.

Benefits:

• Mindfulness and emotional regulation: As mentioned earlier, microdosing could help with emotional regulation, making it easier to resist emotional eating. The heightened mindfulness that many users experience can also help them become more aware of their eating habits, leading to more mindful consumption of food.
• Enhanced mood and energy levels: Microdosing might improve your mood and energy levels, which can make sticking to an exercise routine or healthy diet easier. Many people report feeling more motivated and clear-headed on days when they microdose, which could potentially boost weight-loss efforts.

Risks:

• Legal and safety concerns: First and foremost, psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are illegal in many places. It’s essential to know the legal status in your area before considering microdosing. In addition, there’s still much we don’t know about the long-term effects of microdosing on the brain and body.
• Unknowns in weight loss: While there are anecdotal reports and some scientific suggestions that microdosing could assist with weight loss, there’s no conclusive research backing this up. What works for one person may not work for another, and there could be unintended side effects.

Mental health risks: Psychedelics can have unpredictable effects, especially for individuals with a history of mental health disorders. Microdosing could trigger anxiety, paranoia, or other adverse reactions in some people. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen, especially one involving psychedelics.

If you’re considering trying microdosing to support your weight loss journey, it’s important to approach it mindfully and with caution. Here are a few tips:

1. Do your research: Make sure you understand the risks and legal implications in your area. It’s essential to be informed and to consider all the potential outcomes before making a decision.
2. Start small: If you decide to try microdosing, start with very low doses to see how your body reacts. Keep a journal of your experiences, noting any changes in mood, appetite, or energy levels.
3. Seek professional guidance: If possible, speak with a healthcare provider or a specialist in psychedelics who can guide you through the process safely.

Focus on mindfulness: Whether or not you try microdosing, practicing mindfulness can be a powerful tool in your weight loss journey. Consider incorporating mindful eating practices into your daily routine to help build a healthier relationship with food.

Reflecting on my own experience, microdosing wasn’t a magic bullet for weight loss, but it did help me become more attuned to my body and my habits. It helped me break some of the emotional patterns that were holding me back and gave me the mental clarity to make healthier choices. It’s not for everyone, and it’s certainly not without risks, but for some, it could be a valuable tool in their wellness toolkit.

Have you ever considered how your emotions influence your eating habits? How might becoming more mindful of your body’s cues help you reach your goals? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.