When Less is More: How Microdosing GLP-1s Can Personalize Your Weight Care Journey 

In recent years, glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have transformed the landscape of weight management. Originally approved by the FDA as diabetes treatments for controlling blood sugar, medications like semaglutide (like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®) have become the new face of weight loss medications. When prescribed at higher doses for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, these medications support as much as an average 18% reduction in body weight. But traditional healthcare often waits until you're 'sick enough' to qualify for care—even when your body is already signaling metabolic dysfunction.

‍

The truth? Body mass index alone doesn’t tell the full story of metabolic health. Emerging research on GLP-1 agonists suggests that these medications could benefit more than those who meet strict BMI criteria. At Found, we believe healthcare should listen when your body signals it's time for intervention—not wait for arbitrary thresholds to be met–and that personalized weight care should be more accessible. 

‍

We’re rethinking medication weight management with our microdosing approach: prescribing GLP-1 meds at lower doses that are adjusted according to your body’s individual response. This allows us to tailor your treatment plan to what your body needs at your metabolic health stage, helping you achieve and maintain better health. 

How does GLP-1 microdosing for weight loss work? 

GLP-1 medications work in a variety of ways to make healthy weight loss more achievable. By helping your body release insulin and use glucose more efficiently, they support balanced blood sugar levels. They also slow digestion and enhance feelings of fullness in the brain, so eating less doesn’t feel like such a battle. And at the highest recommended doses for weight management, GLP-1s can deliver impressive results, with study participants losing more than 20% of their starting weight in just over a year, according to clinical trials. 

‍

But metabolic health is about a lot more than a number on a scale. And if your current BMI means you don’t qualify for standard GLP-1 doses, then rapid weight loss should not be your main goal. The benefits of GLP-1s aren’t limited to weight care; new research indicates that in addition to balancing your blood sugar, they can improve cardiovascular functioning, protect brain health, reduce inflammation, and even improve sleep quality. Although research on microdosing is just getting started, it’s likely that many of these benefits can start to take effect at lower doses than those typically prescribed for weight loss. 

‍

In fact, the standard GLP-1 dosing schedule starts at what could be considered a microdose, gradually increasing the dose every four weeks to minimize side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Recently, some providers are exploring an even more personalized approach with microdosing, starting at very low doses and increasing according to how your body reacts. By titrating your dose to the results you achieve, microdosing can help you achieve the goals you want with minimal side effects. At Found, our clinicians can personalize your treatment and microdose schedule based on your labs, symptoms, and history – not just BMI. 

Is microdosing GLP-1s right for me?

Your body already knows when something's off—the brain fog, post-meal bloat, dysregulated appetite, declining sleep quality. These aren't just normal effects of aging or "in your head." They could be your metabolism asking for help. For many women, these signals intensify during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause, or with conditions like PCOS, when metabolic shifts disrupt your body's balance. Traditional healthcare often dismisses these early signals, telling you to wait until your numbers worsen enough to warrant treatment. But metabolic dysfunction begins years before traditional metrics flag a problem.

‍

For women navigating perimenopause or menopause, these metabolic shifts—including increased insulin resistance, inflammation, and appetite dysregulation—compound over time but are often dismissed as normal aging. GLP-1 microdosing could be right for you if you have a diagnosed condition like sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or fatty liver. A provider may also determine that  qualify with more subtle symptoms like persistent weight gain, appetite changes, fatigue, bloating, or sleep disturbances. 

‍

These signals of early metabolic dysfunction could mean your body is asking for attention, and we believe that healthcare providers should listen. If you’re noticing a pattern of changes like these, a simple screening is the first step to find out whether our personalized approach to metabolic care is right for you.  

What are the benefits of microdosing GLP-1 medications? 

Microdosing GLP-1 medications may offer many benefits for those who qualify. First, starting small and increasing slowly means a dramatic decrease in side effects. In one study, participants who took smaller doses of semaglutide were much more comfortable taking the drug. Only 2% of people on the microdose program stopped taking them due to side effects, compared to 19% on the standard dose schedule. At Found, we define microdosing as preventive care for people with documented early metabolic risks—not as a generic protocol or cosmetic solution for otherwise healthy individuals.

‍

Although higher doses typically correspond with more weight loss, low doses of GLP-1 medications can still make a big difference in your health. In fact, the standard maintenance dose of semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes is just 0.5 mg weekly–only a little higher than a microdose. At that level, semaglutide can help lower your HbA1c by up to 1.5 points. This small dose of semaglutide can also have big benefits for heart health; in one study, the 0.5 mg dose had similar cardiovascular effects to a standard dose of 1 mg. 

‍

For many people, this lower, slower approach means fewer potential side effects, more comfort, and ultimately, more success. Microdosing can also open doors for more people to access GLP-1 meds, empowering you to take control of your health before small symptoms become serious. 

What are the risks of microdosing GLP-1 medications?

Although microdosing may minimize side effects, it doesn’t fully remove the possibility. The most common side effects are digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. In rare cases, these medications can also cause more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, vision changes from diabetic retinopathy, or  gastroparesis. They can also cause severe hypoglycemia, especially if you’re taking another medication to control  blood sugar. And if you’re not overweight, too high of doses could cause you to lose too much weight, risking complications like malnutrition, muscle loss, or osteoporosis. 

‍

That’s why it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider when taking these medications, even at lower doses. A microdose is still a prescription medication that requires monitoring by a medical professional. At Found, your provider will regularly check in with you and adjust your plan as needed, so your treatment can be optimized for your body and overall health.  

How to get started with Found’s microdosing program

Ready for healthcare that finally listens to what your body is telling you?

‍

Getting started with Found is simple. After you complete our eligibility quiz, the first step is to meet with a Found clinician to discuss your goals, concerns, and health history. This information will help your provider design your personalized treatment plan. Once you and your provider agree on your plan, your medications will be conveniently shipped right to your door. 

‍

In addition to ongoing support from your clinician, you’ll work with a dedicated coach who can answer your questions and offer advice. Plus, you’ll gain access to the Found community, where you can share inspiration, questions, and ideas with other members who are exploring microdosing for weight loss. 

‍

Take our quiz today to discover your eligibility for Found’s personalized healthcare! 

‍

Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosing or treating any health condition, or for determining actual costs incurred. Always follow your health care provider’s instructions to ensure safe and effective management of your health conditions. Found is not affiliated or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S., the owner of the registered trademarks Wegovy® and Ozempic®,, nor is it affiliated or endorsed by Eli Lilly & Co., the owner of the registered trademarks Zepbound® and Mounjaro®. Certain medications are only FDA-approved to treat conditions other than weight, but may be prescribed to help aid in weight loss. Compounded GLP-1s are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and are not approved to treat any specific condition. Potential benefits are based on early clinical studies, patient-reported outcomes, and provider observations. Individual results may vary. For key risk information by drug, visit the Found medication page. Any prescription medications referenced are always subject to individual provider evaluation and clinical eligibility.