GLP-1 Microdosing Explained: A New Approach to Weight Management and Wellness

Just a few years ago, it was a well-kept secret among celebrities, but the secret is really out: one in eight adults in the U.S. has taken or is taking a GLP-1 agonist. And, now there’s even a microtrend within the weight-loss drug community: microdosing.

Microdosing GLP-1s, like Ozempic or Wegovy, has exploded in popularity over the past year with some TikTok creators saying it has “completely changed their lives.” Some are microdosing as a way to maintain weight, while others are using it as a cost-cutting method. Unless you qualify for insurance coverage, GLP-1s cost $1,000 a month, on average. So, what exactly is microdosing GLP-1s, how does it work, and is it right for you? Let’s dive into it right now.

WHAT IS MICRODOSING GLP-1?

“Microdosing” is the practice of taking smaller doses of medication or drugs than what’s typically prescribed or recommended. There’s a strong chance you’ve heard the term associated with psychedelics, like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. But, you can microdose any substance—weight-loss drugs included.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM STANDARD GLP-1 DOSING?

Each GLP-1 medication has its own dosage schedule recommended by its manufacturer. But, for the most part, patients following standard protocol start with .25mg for the first four weeks and double the dosage in four-week increments until week 13 (e.g., 0.5mg weeks 5-8, 1mg weeks 9-12). From there, the patient and doctor will collectively decide if they think it’s best to increase the dosage or maintain it at 1mg. The maximum recommended maintenance dosage is 2.4mg.  AEDIT founder Dr. William Kennedy elaborates, stating, “When we talk about microdosing GLP-1s, we’re referring to initiating and maintaining doses that are substantially lower than what’s used in full-dose medical weight loss protocols. For example, the standard therapeutic dose of semaglutide for weight loss reaches up to 2.4 mg weekly. In contrast, a microdose might start at just 0.05 mg to 0.25 mg weekly—often less than one-tenth the full dose. Similarly, tirzepatide can reach up to 15 mg per week in full-dose regimens, but microdosing typically begins around 1 to 2.5 mg.

The intention isn’t to achieve maximum appetite suppression immediately, but rather to gently engage the GLP-1 pathway, reduce side effects like nausea and fatigue, and allow the body to adapt. We evaluate a patient’s health history, body composition, and metabolic labs to personalize the starting dose and titration. This approach is particularly useful for patients interested in the metabolic benefits of GLP-1s—like improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control—without necessarily pursuing significant weight loss.”

DOES MICRODOSING GLP-1 ACTUALLY WORK?

While there’s an overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence, there isn’t any clinical data to validate that microdosing semaglutide medication works. In other words, we can’t be certain whether or not microdosing GLP-1 delivers the same, or comparable, results as a standard dosage.

“It’s true that we don’t yet have robust clinical trial data supporting the efficacy of GLP-1 microdosing, especially when compared head-to-head with full-dose protocols. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t ‘work’—it depends entirely on how you define success. If the goal is aggressive weight loss, a microdose likely won’t match the efficacy of a full therapeutic dose. But if a patient is looking for improved glycemic control, appetite regulation, or sustainable weight management with fewer side effects, microdosing can absolutely be effective.

In clinical practice, we’ve seen patients experience meaningful results at subtherapeutic doses—just more gradually and with better tolerability. So while microdosing may not deliver the same magnitude of effect, it can still ‘work’ when the outcome aligns with the patient’s specific goals,” says Dr. Kennedy.

Regardless of taking a full dosage or a micro dosage, it’s critical that patients work under professional guidance to increase effectiveness and limit any potential complications.

WHY MICRODOSE GLP-1S? 

While there are a lot of people who microdose because of financial restraints, microdosing is also thought to have medical benefits, such as minimizing side effects. When taken at the recommended dosage, GLP-1s can cause unwanted side effects, like nausea, GI issues, and dizziness. Taking a smaller dose can help patients lose weight without lifestyle disruptions.

Additionally, doctors sometimes prescribe microdosing once their patient has reached their target weight. Since most people gain the weight back after going off of GPL-1s, a lot of people will microdose as a way to maintain their results.

IS THERE EVIDENCE OR ANECDOTAL SUPPORT FOR WEIGHT LOSS, APETITE CONTROL, OR OTHER BENEFITS AT LOW DOSES?

There are no significant studies on microdosing GLP‑1s, but anecdotal reports suggest benefits like reduced appetite and weight loss at low doses. However, results seem to vary, and more research is needed to validate its effectiveness.

IS MICRODOSING GLP-1S APPROVED BY THE FDA?

While certain GLP-1 medications are approved for diabetes and weight loss by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most off-label semaglutide medications are compounded GLP-1s, which are not FDA-approved. These custom-made versions of the medications are prepared by specialized pharmacies. Though they use FDA-approved ingredients, they’re not FDA-approved products.

IS MIRCRODOSING SAFE

When practiced under professional supervision, microdosing is generally considered safe. That being said, there is no significant clinical evidence to support its long-term safety, nor is it FDA-approved. There are also a number of online pharmacies selling GLP-1s illegally. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a safety alert warning the public of counterfeit medication. As always, it’s essential to work with an experienced medical provider to ensure safety.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK YOUR DOCTOR WHEN CONSIDERING MICRODOSING GLP-1S?

When considering microdosing GLP-1s, you’ll want to set up a consultation with your doctor to discuss your goals and how microdosing can help. You’ll want to cover topics like your medical history, current medications, what realistic results could look like, possible side effects, dosing strategy, safety of compounded versions, and any lab work needed.

HOW DO YOU MICRODOSE GLP-1?

Microdosing GLP-1 involves taking a much lower dose than standardly prescribed, typically administered by a weekly injection and compounded to minimize any potential side effects. An experienced doctor will determine dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness and monitor progress to assess whether any adjustments need to be made.

WHAT DOSING SCHEDULES OR PROTOCOLS ARE USED?

Microdosing protocols vary from person to person, but most people start with 0.05mg to 0.25mg per week.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE MICRODOSES USING PENS OR VIALS?

The FDA-approved semaglutide comes in injectable pens, but most of the compounded drug is distributed in a vial with a syringe, making it easier to measure in smaller increments.

IS MICRODOSING COVERED BY INSURANCE?

While standard GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, are usually covered by insurance for diabetes or weight loss, insurance rarely covers off-label or compounded formulations. As a result, most people planning to microdose GLP-1s should expect to pay out of pocket without reimbursement.

WHERE CAN I GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR MICRODOSING GLP-1?

As GLP-1 medications have become more abundant, it’s pretty easy to get your hands on them without having to meet with a doctor in person. There are numerous telehealth services online that can prescribe the medication. While it’s undoubtedly more convenient to get an online prescription, we strongly urge people to resist because of the heightened risk. Some services may prescribe GLP-1s without a thorough health evaluation or ongoing monitoring. The services may also get their prescriptions from pharmacies that do not have strict protocols or standards, leading to improper dosing and/or impurities. When looking for a prescription for microdosing, it’s best to meet with a board-certified doctor in person, either at a private practice or weight-loss clinic.

WHAT DO EXPERTS SAY?

Dr. Kennedy concludes, “microdosing GLP-1s can be a practical, cost-effective alternative for patients who either can’t tolerate full doses or are looking for a gentler on-ramp to treatment. It may also be appealing for those navigating the financial barriers of traditional GLP-1 therapy. That said, while early clinical experience is promising, microdosing hasn’t been formally studied in large trials and isn’t FDA-approved. So it’s essential to approach this strategy with eyes wide open. Patients should always work closely with a board-certified physician who can evaluate their health history, monitor for risks, and tailor dosing safely. This isn’t something to DIY.”