Microdosing GLP-1s: Does It Work for Weight Loss?

If you’ve been tracking headlines about prescription weight-loss medications, you may have noticed a new buzzword around GLP-1s: microdosing. The idea of microdosing GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) has bubbled into the public consciousness. 

And that awareness has some people—including those with obesity or overweight and those seeking less costly and more consistently available medications—wondering: Could microdosing GLP-1s be an effective option for me for weight management? We asked Found Chief Medical Officer Rekha Kumar, MD,  MS., to weigh in.

What is microdosing? 

Microdosing is the act of using a lower dose of a medicine than the typical FDA-approved therapeutic amount, explains Dr. Kumar. 

But if there’s a recommended therapeutic dose, why would anyone consider meddling with standard dosages? 

According to Dr. Kumar, microdosing may be a way for some patients to get a more personalized treatment or better access to a drug that is expensive or not consistently available. 

“People might be interested in microdosing GLP-1s even if they don’t need to lose weight or treat diabetes—because a rapidly growing body of evidence suggests these drugs can have a bearing on other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer prevention,” says Dr. Kumar. “Microdosing could also be rising in popularity as a way for these medicines to be more cost-effective during shortages.”

She says taking a low dose may also be appropriate for people who: 

• want to avoid or minimize side effects of a particular medication, or have a history of being sensitive to medication side effects;
• are curious about (and eligible for) GLP-1 medications but are not ready to try standard dosages;
• struggle with insurance coverage or month-to-month availability of a drug;
• can’t afford the cost of standard doses of the medication; or
• are entering “maintenance mode” after losing weight with higher doses.

Because access to GLP-1 medications can be inconsistent, some people may be able to use microdosing to stretch the medication they have left. “One might not feel the same level of appetite control on their usual dose, but it is a way to keep some level in the system and to mitigate side effects once their usual dose is resumed,” Kumar said. 

Is microdosing GLP-1s effective? 

We know FDA-approved weight-loss drugs in the class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists have been proven safe and effective for treating type 2 diabetes, regulating blood glucose levels, helping people lose weight, and decreasing the risk of some cardiovascular diseases at established dosages. However, no clinical trials available to tell us how microdosing GLP-1s affects body weight or disease management. 

Dr. Kumar notes there is some anecdotal evidence that supports microdosing GLP-1s for weight loss. She also sees potential for the practice to help treat less severe cases: “Depending on the dosage, [GLP-1 agonists] can help with weight loss or even just on fullness, food noise, or inflammation.”

Patients interested in microdosing should speak with their health care provider to determine whether it might be an option, which medications they should take, and precisely how to adjust and take their doses. 

“Microdosing under the guidance of a doctor is always recommended,” advises Dr. Kumar. “The clinician will not only decide whom microdosing is appropriate for, but they will also offer invaluable instructions on how dosing is done. Clinicians at Found decide dosing schedules based on the unique traits of a patient’s biology and medical history.”

Those with a medical contraindication or those who need a full dosage to be effective may be advised against microdosing. If you are using GLP-1 medications to treat type 2 diabetes, microdosing will make the medication less effective. Please discuss this with your health care provider as you may need to implement other changes to manage your blood sugar levels if your provider approves the lower dosage.

How do Found-affiliated providers support microdosing questions?

Found-affiliated clinicians are trained in obesity care and weight-loss medications, and they stay up-to-date on the latest weight-loss trends, including microdosing. Each Found provider undergoes training to support conversations about personalized weight loss prescription medication plans, including microdosing. 

If you and your health care provider determine that microdosing is an appropriate fit for your biological and wellness needs, Found has protocols  to help you get the correct prescription, ensure you understand the proper handling and administration of your doses, and monitor your progress.

How do I get started with microdosing GLP-1s? 

A conversation with your Found-affiliated clinician is the first step. Speaking with your clinician, you’ll review your health needs, concerns, and available options. 

Dr. Kumar notes that GLP-1 drugs that are available in vials (such as compounded semaglutide and the single-dose 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials of Zepbound®) or dial-a-dose pens (like Ozempic®) are better suited for microdosing. She does not recommend altering or opening nonadjustable single-dose pens (such as Wegovy® or Trulicity®) or multi-use pens (such as Mounjaro®).

Communicate with your health care provider to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your dosage and schedule, as well as how to extract a smaller dose without compromising the integrity of the drug.

You’ll want to keep an eye on the expiration date, and write down the date you first use the medication. Each GLP-1 has a specific shelf life after the first use. If you have any medication after that date, discard it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

‍Side effects of microdosing GLP-1s ‍

Common side effects of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, Zepbound, Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity and Mounjaro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and acid reflux. More serious but less common side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and worsening of diabetic eye disease. Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasias should not use these drugs. Read details about side effects and risks for specific medications by name on our dedicated medication page.

Microdosing GLP-1s: The bottom line 

While microdoses of GLP-1s haven’t been clinically tested, microdosing has the potential to help people who struggle with access, cost, or side effects. If this trend has been on your radar, it’s smart to work with your clinician to understand the risks and potential benefits and make an educated decision for your health. 

About Found

Found is among the largest medically-supported telehealth weight care clinics in the country, having served more than 250,000 members to date. To discover your MetabolicPrint™ and start your journey with Found, take our quiz.

While GLP-1s and dual agonists are effective for weight loss, they are not clinically appropriate for everyone. Eligibility for these drugs is based on a provider’s evaluation of your medical history, MetabolicPrint, and lab work. If a GLP-1 or dual agonist is not appropriate for you, a provider will work with you to determine an effective medication for your health profile.

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