What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, insulin response, and appetite. It’s naturally produced in your gut and signals satiety to the brain.
Medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro mimic GLP-1, helping patients lose weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cravings.
What Is Microdosing GLP-1?
Microdosing refers to taking a much smaller-than-standard dose — typically below the FDA-approved therapeutic range — in hopes of gaining benefits with fewer side effects or cost.
Patients or providers may use compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide at low doses, often starting at 0.05–0.25 mg per week versus full doses of 1–2 mg or more.
Why Do People Try It?
Microdosing appeals to those who:
- Want to ease into medication slowly
- Are sensitive to side effects like nausea or constipation
- Prefer a more subtle, sustainable shift
- Are paying out-of-pocket and seeking affordability
But the science on microdosing is still evolving.
What Might Work at Low Doses
Even subtherapeutic doses may blunt appetite slightly, reduce cravings, and help with mindful eating. Some patients also report better blood sugar control, especially when paired with dietary changes.
The key here is mild appetite suppression without the intense side effects of full-strength dosing.
What Doesn’t Work (or Hasn’t Been Proven)
- Rapid weight loss — microdoses may produce slow or modest changes only
- Metabolic reversal — dramatic shifts in A1C, triglycerides, or insulin resistance may require higher doses
- Long-term maintenance — unclear if microdosing leads to sustainable results over time
Research is ongoing, and current data mostly supports therapeutic dosing for proven outcomes.
Who Might Consider Microdosing?
In my practice, I consider low-dose protocols for:
- Patients concerned about side effects
- Individuals at risk of rebound weight gain after stopping higher doses
- People wanting to explore GLP-1 with medical supervision but prefer conservative starts
It’s always off-label, and close monitoring is essential.
What Are the Risks?
- Unpredictable efficacy — not all patients respond
- Lack of clinical guidance — few studies on low-dose use
- Dependency without results — staying on meds that don’t deliver noticeable benefits
- Accessing unsafe or poorly compounded medications — especially online
Always work with a licensed provider and a reputable compounding pharmacy.
Best Practices If You Try It
- Track symptoms and appetite weekly
- Keep nutrition and activity dialed in
- Have a plan to titrate up or stop if ineffective
- Watch for GI side effects, low blood sugar, or fatigue
Start low, go slow — and reassess monthly.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 microdosing is promising, but still experimental. Some patients do well with small, steady progress — others need full doses to see meaningful results.
If you’re curious, talk to a provider who understands both the science and the individual nuances. Medication can be a powerful tool — but it’s never the whole solution.