Many people are familiar with the concept of microdosing when it comes to psychedelic drugs—but a new trend is emerging in the world of weight loss and weight management: microdosing GLP-1 medications. But what exactly does it mean to microdose a GLP-1 medication?

 

GLP-1 microdosing involves off-label, fractional use of a GLP-1 medication, which means taking a smaller dose than what the drug manufacturer recommends. GLP-1 microdosing could also mean taking the smallest amount of a GLP-1 medication without titrating up to higher doses.

Although not currently approved by the FDA or drug manufacturers, microdosing is an emerging trend in medication-based approaches to weight loss. Is GLP-1 microdosing right for you?

Benefits of GLP-1 Microdosing

There are several reasons patients with obesity try GLP-1 microdosing. For example, microdosing a GLP-1 medications have several advantages: 

• Managing GI side effects: GI side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common with a GLP-1 medication. Smaller, incremental dose adjustments could enhance treatment outcomes or reduce non-compliance or early termination of a GLP-1 because it could help with dose tolerability. 

 

• GLP-1 Compliance during Shortages: GLP-1 medications have been in high demand, leading to gaps in compliance. When GLP-1 medications are difficult to find at community pharmacies, patients may turn to compounding pharmacies. A compounding pharmacy sells custom-made medications, and many are not FDA approved. Compounded medications come without FDA oversight, which can put the consumer at risk because of inconsistent formulation, measurement errors when mixing ingredients, and contamination if sterilization is compromised during the compounding process. Because the FDA does not regulate the compounding process, the safety, effectiveness, and quality of these medications can be uncertain and potentially risky for consumers. Microdosing GLP-1 medications can help patients stretch their FDA-approved GLP-1 medication.
  

 

• Financial Strain: Microdosing GLP-1 medications can benefit patients whose insurance doesn't cover the full cost, while also helping consumers stretch the use of each prescribed GLP-1 pen. For example, each semaglutide pen can deliver 72 “clicks” of medication, so understanding how GLP-1 microdosing translates to clicks can help patients keep costs down while also working toward achieving clinically significant weight loss.

 

Considerations When Microdosing a GLP-1 Medication

A GLP-1 microdose might sound like a good idea, but to date GLP-1 microdosing is not supported by empirical evidence nor is it recommended by drug manufacturers. GLP-1 microdosing is currently considered “off-label,” which means the FDA has not evaluated its safety and effectiveness.

 

Microdosing a GLP-1 medication is an individual decision that warrants consideration of several factors such as medical history, weight loss goals, financial constraints, and each patient’s ability to manage off-label dosing instructions and guidelines. Additionally, GLP-1 microdosing may require more frequent check-ins with a patient’s healthcare provider to ensure the GLP-1 microdose is working as intended and to ensure there are no unanticipated side effects from GLP-1 microdosing.   

 

For some patients, GLP-1 microdosing might work, but for others it might not be a realistic option. Prior to microdosing GLP-1 medications, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider to discuss potential issues with not following standard of care for GLP-1 medications and other weight loss options.

Biocare and Better Choices: Tools for a Healthier, Sustainable Lifestyle

Creating sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes — like following a healthy eating plan and incorporating 150 minutes of moderate exercise — is important whether or not you take a GLP-1 medication. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers suggestions and guidance on healthy eating options. For patients with obesity who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it is important to build sustainable, long-term weight loss practices. While GLP-1s are an effective weight loss strategy, they are not the only approach.

 

As part of a balanced nutrition plan, scientifically formulated beverages, meal replacements, and snacks can be effective tools to support healthier eating habits. Biocare — a dietary beverage designed for individuals using GLP-1 medications — helps meet your daily requirements for essential macronutrients and micronutrients. With 130 to 170 calories per serving, it offers a nutrient-dense option that supports gut health through added probiotics and prebiotic fiber. Each serving also delivers 30 grams of high-quality whey protein to help preserve lean muscle mass, and just two servings provide 100% of the recommended daily intake of 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

 

In addition, Biocare can serve as a protein supplement for bariatric patients who have a medical recommendation to consume whey protein, low-fat, and low-sugar supplements with no restrictions regarding intake of probiotics, prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, or other Biocare ingredients. If you are unsure, it is best to consult your medical provider.

 

Prior to starting any weight loss program, whether it includes anti-obesity medication or not, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure your desired weight loss strategy is right for you. 

 

About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.