Understand microdosing GLP-1s for sustainable weight loss

Microdosing GLP-1s key points:

• Microdosing means taking a much lower dose of a medication than traditionally prescribed. Microdosing GLP-1s is a relatively new practice that may help patients who’ve achieved their goal weight on higher dosages maintain the loss. It may also offer a gentle approach for overweight patients who need weight loss support. 
• Taking lower doses of GLP-1s like personalized Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can help reduce the risk of side effects like nausea, dizziness and muscle loss that many patients experience at higher dosages. 
• Clinical studies on GLP-1s have not included the personalized compounded medications used in microdosing protocols. However, the medications contain the same active ingredient (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) and are made by licensed pharmacists at registered facilities.

We’re heading into a new era of GLP-1 medications, with new options for various conditions in development. Because just like people gain weight for a variety of reasons, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to medical weight loss.

Taking GLP-1s like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in far lower doses than traditionally prescribed is one way doctors can currently customize treatment. Here, we’ll explore what a microdosing protocol can look like and the risks and rewards to be aware of. Then, how Dr. B offers personalized microdosing treatment with our holistic prescription weight loss program, Shed It!

What are GLP-1s? A rundown of traditional use

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1. It’s a hormone secreted by the gut when we eat that encourages fullness and insulin production (which lowers blood sugar). Because we have GLP-1 receptors in our brain, the release also calms hunger and general “food noise.”

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Semaglutide (Wegovy®*) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound®*) mimic this hormone. When taken as a once-weekly injection, they elevate GLP-1 to much higher levels than our bodies make naturally. They also keep those levels elevated for longer periods than natural GLP-1.

(Tirzepatide also contains GIP, another hormone. So it’s a dual-receptor agonist medication. It may additionally curb inflammation and reduce hunger at a higher rate.)

At high dosages, these medications help (most) patients feel full faster while eating, reduce overall hunger, and maintain healthy glucose (blood sugar) levels. This encourages weight loss, and studies show patients on GLP-1s can lose 5-20% of their starting body weight over one year.

Microdosing: what it does and who it may help

Microdosing means taking a much smaller amount of medication weekly than traditionally prescribed.

There are no clinical studies on microdosing GLP-1s. (One is currently underway.) But observational and case studies suggest that a low-dose GLP-1 treatment plan may reduce side effect risks while helping some patients meet or maintain their weight loss goals.

Taking lower doses may reduce nausea, dizziness and muscle loss primarily because the personalized medications often contain additional ingredients to address them. (For example, a pharmacist may add B6 to help ease nausea.) But simply lowering the dose of a medication often stops side effects from happening.

Then, some patients might find microdosing a more appropriate GLP-1 treatment path:

• Patients who are overweight and do not qualify for brand-name GLP-1s may find that microdosing jumpstarts their active weight loss plans. (With Dr. B, overweight patients may qualify if they have a BMI of 25-27 and a related health condition, or a BMI of 27+ and no related health condition.)
• GLP-1 qualifying patients who prefer a (comparatively) low-and-slow approach may find that microdosing helps curb their appetite without drastically altering their lifestyle.
• Those who’ve lost significant weight on traditionally high GLP-1 dosages and are considering stopping treatment may find that titrating down with personalized lower dosages helps them maintain their goal weight.
• Patients sensitive to medications may find that microdosing reduces the extreme discomfort they experienced on higher doses of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, while still supporting their nutrition and fitness efforts.

How exactly does microdosing GLP-1s work?

To microdose with GLP-1s, a doctor needs to prescribe a personalized compounded medication like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.

Licensed pharmacists make these at registered compounding pharmacies—not large-scale pharmaceutical companies. They can make them at practically any dosage, allowing doctors to fine-tune dosing for patients with more subtlety than traditionally available. It also means the pharmacists can add ingredients to help mitigate side effects.

Dr.B offers two microdosing medications with Shed It, our holistic prescription weight loss program. Both medications are delivered to your door with syringes/needles and alcohol swabs. You store them in the refrigerator. Then take them by injection once weekly.

The first option, personalized compounded Semaglutide, is a GLP-1 that contains glycine as an additional ingredient. This vital amino acid helps reduce muscle wasting (among other things). Full doses of Semaglutide for weight loss range from .25-2.4mg. When microdosing personalized Semaglutide, you may take as little as .125mg and only as much as .75mg.

Personalized compounded Tirezpatide is a GIP/GLP-1 that contains B6, which can help reduce nausea. Full doses of Tirzepatide for weight loss start a 2.5mg and can go as high as 15mg. When microdosing, you may take as little as 1.05mg and only as much as 4.4mg.

On traditional (higher) dosages, patients might experience differences in their hunger within their first few injections. But significant weight loss usually doesn't begin until reaching a maintenance dose (the highest dose you expect to take).

When microdosing GLP-1s, timelines and success metrics are going to be personal and unique. Because dosages are far lower, some may experience incredibly subtle effects, with slower caloric reduction and weight loss. Yet those who are medication sensitive or those who lean into nutrition and exercise may lose significant weight within a few months of microdosing. And those who have lost a significant amount of weight on higher dosages and choose to microdose instead of stopping treatment entirely may find they continue to lose weight, or simply maintain the weight they lost.

It's a personalized protocol—so expect personal results!

Low-dose GLP-1 safety points to consider

Again, no clinical studies considered microdosing protocols—so they can’t vouch for the efficacy or safety of this kind of treatment. That means you should work closely with your doctor and report any adverse reactions or side effects. You should also know the general risks of GLP-1 treatment so that you can discuss possible contraindications or conflicts with your providers.

It’s also important to consider that compounded medications are not approved by the FDA like those made from large, brand-name pharmaceutical companies. That makes it extra vital to work with a care team that works with trusted, licensed, and registered compounding pharmacies (like Dr. B!). These pharmacies often source their active ingredients from the same places as those big pharma companies. And they’re overseen by state agencies (and sometimes the FDA).

Beyond medication: vital lifestyle strategies for sustainable healthy weight

GLP-1 treatment fits into a broader medical weight loss plan that includes a nutritious diet, increased physical activity and shifted behavioral strategies. Food should fuel our bodies while bringing joy to our lives. And the right kind of physical activity should help relieve stress while building strength, supporting heart health, encouraging sleep, and so much more!

To create lasting changes, it’s vital to set realistic goals, timelines and success metrics. In Shed It, we provide science-backed tools that encourage such efforts.

Online GLP-1 microdosing is here with convenient consultations

Shed It offers personalized microdosing medications with a convenient online consultation.

Here’s how it works:

1. AI consult: Start a convenient, chat-like AI consult and answer some questions about your health history and current weight loss goals.
2. Payment options: In the chat, have our team run your insurance info to find out if your consults will be covered. (Here’s a complete pricing breakdown.)
3. Video consult: Depending on where you live, your clinical details, or your personal preference, you may then schedule a video consult with a medical doctor who specializes in weight management. (They often have same-day availability, or slots within a day or two.)
4. Doctor review: Once all your info is in, a doctor will review your consult information. This usually happens within 1-2 business days of a completed AI consult and immediately after a completed video consult.
5. Prescription sent: If you qualify for medical weight loss, the doctor will send a prescription for personalized compounded Semaglutide or Tirzepatide to one of our compounding pharmacies.
6. Program materials sent: You’ll then receive an email with your medication and pharmacy information. Attached to the email, you’ll find a patient packet packed with details like how your medication works, how to take it, how to eat to avoid side effects, fitness tips and more.
7. And all the extras! As a Shed It patient, you get unlimited access to licensed providers. So whenever you have a question or concern, we want you to request a callback so a nurse can talk things through or field a question to your doctor. You’ll also receive weekly support emails on topics like how to reduce muscle loss, how to save money on support tools, how to eat to maximize benefits, and more.

To recap: Is microdosing GLP-1s right for you?

Microdosing GLP-1s may help lower the risk of side effects while providing sustainable weight loss support.

These personalized medications are available to those who may not qualify for traditional GLP-1s, like those with a BMI between 25-30 without a related health condition. They may also help those who have lost significant weight maintain their weight loss without unnecessary medication excess.

But because studies have not reviewed this treatment protocol on a large scale, it’s vital to seek medical advice and work closely with a doctor throughout treatment. Dr. B takes your safety seriously, which is why we offer unlimited provider support to all Shed It patients and offer monthly video consults for personal face time!

So if you’re curious about microdosing with GLP-1s for gentle, sustainable weight loss, learn more and start a consultation!