The Skinny on Microdosing GLP-1 Drugs

March 3 -7, 2025, is Obesity Care Week.

The term “microdosing” probably makes you think of psychedelic drugs — us too. But the latest trend in microdosing involves taking small amounts of the popular weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s.

GLP-1 drugs have revolutionized the way we treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The injectable medications mimic a hormone made in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps manage blood sugar, reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying so you feel fuller, longer.

Although GLP-1 medications have been around for decades as diabetes drugs, they have only recently been approved for weight loss by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and that’s what has led to a significant increase in popularity and a rise in microdosing them.

​GLP-1 medications and microdosing

Microdosing GLP-1 medications means taking smaller doses than what’s standard or recommended by the manufacturer.

People microdose for different reasons. For one, the recent demand for GLP-1 drugs has created ongoing supply issues, and some people microdose to help stretch their supply.

A shortage of medication can be particularly concerning for people on GLP-1s considering that research shows that people who stop taking certain GLP-1s are likely to regain weight without the medication.

Microdosing GLP-1s has also been making the rounds on social media as a way to reduce the cost of the medication.

GLP-1 medications aren’t cheap. The price varies depending on insurance — if you have insurance — and which GLP-1 you’re prescribed. But for reference, most GLP-1 medications cost more than $1,000 a month without insurance.

Read: Thanks to TikTok, I Was Able to Afford the Anti-Obesity Medication That Changed My Life >>

In addition to supply and cost, Fatima Cody Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and obesity medicine physician-scientist in the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center, said reasons for microdosing can include:

Minimizing potential side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) that can happen at higher doses
To gradually get the body used to the medication before increasing to a full therapeutic dose
To experiment with the drug’s effects on appetite and weight loss at lower doses

​Does microdosing GLP-1s work?

For some people, microdosing GLP-1 medications may work for their health goals. According to Holly F. Lofton, M.D., director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council, “Some patients may find they are super responders to [the] recommended doses and can notice weight loss and other benefits when microdosing.”

But, there’s not much research to back up the benefits of microdosing, and for that reason, professional organizations such as the American Diabetes Association do not endorse microdosing. The best thing to do is to talk to your healthcare provider about your dose, cost and any other concerns you may have before making any changes.

​Is microdosing GLP-1 drugs safe?

Many people microdosing GLP-1 medications are taking a compounded GLP-1, which means the drug was made in a compounded pharmacy and not approved by the FDA for safety, quality or efficiency. Compounded medications are created during a drug supply shortage, which is why you’ll see many compounded GLP-1 options online these days. But the lack of FDA oversight can result in the ingredients being too strong, not strong enough or even harmful to your health.

Read: Anti-Obesity Medications Are All the Buzz >>

Anyone taking a GLP-1 medication should opt for the FDA-approved drugs when possible so you know exactly what you’re getting — and how much you’re getting. The FDA-approved GLP-1 medications come in injectable pens with precise dosing, whereas compounded GLP-1 drugs typically come in a vial with a syringe that can offer more flexibility for microdosing, but also opens up the chance for taking too much or too little medication. And, again, whatever is in the vial hasn’t been evaluated by the FDA.

“The safety of microdosing GLP-1 medications is not well-established,” Stanford said. “Potential risks include inadequate disease management, unpredictable side effects and interactions with other medications.”

​Don’t be fooled by social media

It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re seeing and hearing online, but if it seems too good to be true — it probably is. There are illegal online pharmacies selling GLP-1 medications and those medications are not checked for safety. Overall, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes or trying a new drug. Microdosing may sound like it’s a little thing — but it can have a big impact on your health.