Microdosing GLP1 Agonists: Smaller Doses, Big Results

I introduced the clinical strategy of microdosing GLP-1 receptor agonists -- not as a vanity weight loss hack, but as a metabolic support tool for those already optimized. While the internet has twisted it into a shortcut for shrinking waistlines, that was never the point.

The clinical research is clear: GLP-1 receptor agonists offer benefits that go far beyond blood sugar and weight loss. They support brain health, reduce inflammation, protect the cardiovascular system, and can even benefit hormone balance and immune regulation. That’s the conversation I've been trying to have, one rooted in nuance, science, and personalized care. 

But now? The inmates are running the asylum. “Microdosing” is being misused to describe standard low dose regimens -- still well above what I would call a microdose. And it's being marketed almost exclusively for cosmetic weight loss by medispas, influencers and doctors who clearly haven't been paying attention to what I've been laying down. They prescribe you the standard starting dose and call it microdosing. 

To be clear: Microdosing GLP1s is NOT a weight loss strategy.

What I’m actually proposing is the strategic use of ultra-low, personalized doses -- what I now call 'personalized dosing' -- to explore a range of potential benefits supported in the research: from metabolic and immune modulation to neurocognitive and inflammatory support. This is an off-label, precision-based approach best suited for individuals who are already metabolically optimized and looking to fine-tune their resilience

For those with appreciable weight to lose or dealing with type 2 diabetes, those folks are looking at needing the more standardized dosing that these medications were FDA approved at.

So, let’s set the record straight about GLP-1 agonists and talk about what personalized dosing of GLP-1s actually means...

You may know the term GLP1 agonists better by their brand name counterparts like Ozempic® and Wegovy®.

In this article, you will learn:

• What GLP-1 is and how it works in the body.
• The potential benefits of personalized dosing of GLP-1 for metabolic health.
• How to approach personalized dosing safely, under medical supervision.

Please note: While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor, so nothing in this article is intended as medical advice. My goal is to educate so you can make informed, empowered decisions about your own health. Always work with a prescribing physician to manage your care. I am not currently accepting patients, nor am I affiliated with any telemedicine companies or  pharmacies. I have nothing to sell you but education.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into understanding what GLP-1s like Ozempic® is, what personalized dosing of GLP-1s means, and why it’s generating so much buzz.

Curious about GLP-1 agonists and what they can do for your metabolic health? Be sure to check out my FREE 4-part video series, Ozempic Uncovered > HERE.  

How Do GLP1 Receptor Agonists Work?

First, let’s talk about how GLP1s works and why they've became so popular. 

Ozempic is one of several brand-name GLP-1 receptor agonists originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications mimic a hormone that we make in our own bodies that regulates blood sugar, insulin, and appetite. But what’s been lost in the hype is their broader impact -- on inflammation, neuroprotection, cardiovascular function, and even immune balance. The Ozempic craze may have centered on weight, but the true potential of GLP-1s reaches far beyond the scale. And there's a LOT of data to back this claim up.

Originally approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic has been primarily prescribed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. The drug is typically administered via a once-weekly injection. 

In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, GLP1s have also been shown to help with weight loss. (1) It’s also been studied for a range of health conditions, from cancer to heart disease and more. (2,3)

GLP1s could help one lose weight for a few reasons. It influences appetite regulation and energy balance. It also helps regulate blood sugar and sends signals to the brain that reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This dual action has made GLP1s a very attractive option for those looking to manage their weight, even for those who don’t have diabetes.

Enter the Ozempic craze.

GLP1 Side Effects 

While GLP1s offer significant potential benefits, they also comes with a range of potential side effects that users should be aware of. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric reflux, and constipation. These gastrointestinal issues are usually more pronounced when starting the medication, and I find that with a slow and low strategy these side effects can be avoided. Now, for folks desiring weight loss, often times the standard dosing can come with more of these side effects.

There are also more serious side effects. Some users have reported experiencing pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any symptoms like this while on GLP1s be sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Other serious side effects claims have included thyroid tumors and even cancer, though these have been primarily observed in animal studies and have not bore out in the human meta-analysis data. (4) Ozempic carries a black box warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, and patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are advised against using this medication. 

GLP1 agonists can also potentially increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms like dizziness, sweating, confusion, and even loss of consciousness if not managed properly.

Due to these potential side effects, it is crucial for anyone considering a GLP1 agonist, especially for off-label uses, to do so under strict medical supervision.

What Is Microdosing of GLP1 Agonists?

Microdosing isn’t just a term for psychedelics. I was the first to apply this concept to peptides like GLP-1 agonists at ultra-low doses strategically for metabolic, neurologic, and immune support. And while I now prefer the term 'personalized dosing' to avoid confusion, the framework remains the same: precision over protocol.

Many doctors are claiming they’ve been 'microdosing' GLP-1s for years. But in nearly every case, what they’ve actually been doing is prescribing standard low-tier doses and always for appetite suppression or weight loss. I’ve yet to meet a physician who was using true microdoses the way I have proposed: to target metabolic, neurological, or inflammatory support in metabolically sound individuals.

With the concept of microdosing GLP-1 agonists, one may be able to take a smaller-than-prescribed dose of this medication to achieve some of its benefits while potentially minimizing side effects.

It means one may enjoy the anti-inflammatory, neurocognitive and metabolic health benefits of GLP-1s without experiencing the full range of side effects associated with the standard doses used in weight loss and diabetes management. 

Here’s the problem: most practitioners don’t actually understand how to implement personalized, precision dosing. I hear from followers constantly, they've been told they’re 'microdosing,' yet suffering from side effects. When they share their dose, it’s always the standard starting dose. Every. Single. Time. If you’re feeling terrible and think you’re microdosing, you’re probably not.

Personalized or microdosing of GLP-1s requires a tailored-to-you dosing strategy that accounts for the specific pharmacodynamics of the peptide: how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. And it also requires adjunctive peptides and strategies to work optimally. 

How Does Personalized Dosing of GLP-1 Agonists Work?

When you develop a solid personalized GLP-1 dosing strategy with your doctor, the benefits for a multitude of different organ systems can be significant. We have data to back this up.

I chatted at length on the Diary of a CEO podcast about the benefits of microdosing GLP-1s. Check it out here. 

And while I can’t tell you a specific personalized dosing strategy of GLP1 agonists protocol for you, here’s how the basic process works. 

1. ALWAYS consult with a Healthcare Provider

The first and most important step before considering personalized dosing of GLP1 agonists is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, current health status, and specific goals. DO NOT GO THIS ALONE.

A healthcare provider can help determine whether GLP1s are appropriate for you and can guide you on the right dosage. They can also monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. These are powerful prescription-only medications and should be respected as such.

2. Start With A Low Dose

If you and your healthcare practitioner decide that GLP1s are a viable option, in my opinion it's essential to start with the lowest possible dose. Brand name medications used to only come in pre-filled injection pens with specific dosing increments, but vial options are now available.

Starting with a slow and low dosing strategy allows your body to adjust to the medication gradually, which may help minimize potential side effects. Your healthcare provider may recommend slowly increasing the dose over time, depending on how your body responds.

3. Monitor Your Body’s Response

Once you begin GLP1s, closely monitor how your body responds. Keep track of any changes in appetite, weight, blood sugar levels, and any side effects you experience. This information will be crucial for your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness and safety of the regimen.

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential during this period. They may conduct tests to monitor your blood sugar levels, kidney function, and other vital health indicators to ensure the medication is not causing harm.

4. Be Aware of Potential Side Effects

Even at lower doses, GLP1 agonists can potentially cause side effects, especially since most people are still taking way too much, even if they think they are microdosing. Be vigilant in recognizing any adverse reactions, particularly gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, reflux, or diarrhea. If these side effects become severe or persistent, it's important to consult your healthcare provider immediately.

In rare cases, more serious side effects like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues could occur. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions can help you seek prompt medical attention if necessary.

5. Avoid Self-Medicating or Adjusting Doses Without Guidance

It's important to resist the temptation to self-medicate or adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Always follow the dosing schedule and instructions provided by your doctor.

There is a whole lot more to this, including the adjunctive interventions like HRT and other peptides for body composition (if that's the goal) that I can't possibly cover in a blog post. 

If you want to learn how to do this the right way -- not the influencer way -- I teach the entire strategy inside GLP-1s Done Right University. No gimmicks. No bait-and-switch. Just clinical precision, clear protocols, and the truth about what these peptides can (and can’t) do. 

What Microdosing GLP-1s Is Not

Let’s set the record straight.

When I first began using true microdoses of GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical practice, it was as a metabolic support tool, not a shortcut for weight loss, and certainly not a replacement for proper care in people with Type 2 diabetes. But over time, the mainstream media, influencers, and telemed startups have completely hijacked the term and twisted its meaning.

So here’s what microdosing GLP-1s is not:

❌ It’s not a weight loss strategy. Can it help someone already doing “all the things” -- strength training, optimizing hormones, eating enough protein, living the insulin sensitive lifestyle -- lose a bit of stubborn fluff? Maybe. But that’s a side effect, not the goal.

❌ It’s not a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. If you have insulin resistance or diabetes requiring therapeutic intervention, microdosing is not going to cut it.

❌ It’s not a replacement for standard doses in patients who genuinely need them. Microdosing may serve as a gentle onboarding strategy to help mitigate side effects, but it’s not for individuals who require full therapeutic dosing.

❌ It’s not taking the standard starting dose - or higher - and calling it microdosing. That’s just standard low dosing. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.

❌ It’s not splitting a standard dose into smaller injections throughout the week. 

❌ It’s not taking a half dose for weight loss. Starting lower to improve tolerability is smart clinical practice, but it’s not microdosing.

❌ It's NOT going it alone. These are powerful medications and the more I hear from my followers who've tried to go this alone and gotten into hot water with them, the more I will double down on what I've always said: FIND A GOOD DOCTOR TO WORK WITH. This FREE GUIDE can get you started.

So What Is Microdosing?

Microdosing GLP-1s, as I originally designed it, means using a fraction of the standard starting dose, as one tool in a comprehensive metabolic strategy.

It’s meant for those who are already metabolically healthy but may need extra support due to age, illness, perimenopause, menopause or recovery. It’s a precision intervention, not a magic bullet. And it very likely will not produce meaningful weight loss on its own.

This approach isn’t for everyone. 

This is true personalized medicine. There is no standard starting point with microdosing GLP-1s because every body is different. The appropriate dose depends on a wide range of factors: age, sex, weight, muscle mass, metabolic status, and both short- and long-term goals. Anyone offering a one-size-fits-all microdosing protocol is missing the entire point. Precision matters.

I walk through exactly how I determine the right starting dose and how to safely personalize it inside my GLP1 Done Right University.

Microdosing GLP1 Agonists Success Stories

Obviously, I can’t share personal medical information here. But I’ve had several patients, clients and family members who have started on this microdosing GLP1 agonist method and had fantastic results. 

We’re talking:

• Dramatic reduction in cravings across the board, from ultra-processed foods to alcohol to online shopping. It often helps people stop chasing the dopamine dragon.

• Improved tolerance and fewer side effects compared to standard dosing

• Noticeable improvements in mobility, energy, and overall mood

• Enhanced metabolic control, including better blood sugar stability

• Decrease in systemic pain and inflammation

• Improvement in joint discomfort and overall musculoskeletal resilience

• Visible improvements in inflammatory skin conditions, including skin lesions

• And yes, some mild weight loss in many. It takes the puff down, so to speak.

• We have the clinical data to back all of this up. There are studies to support every single one of these impacts.

• This isn't about prevention, treatment or cure of any specific conditions, this is utilizing GLP1s to optimize overall health and wellness as a longevity strategy. 
• To be clear, these outcomes are individual and not guaranteed. GLP-1s are not FDA-approved for off-label uses.

Beyond Microdosing GLP1 Agonists

It’s so crucial to note here -- microdosing GLP1 agonists MUST be part of a holistic metabolic health strategy that includes both diet and exercise, plus a multitude of other tools.

Microdosing GLP1 agonists is an approach designed to help you fine-tune metabolic health, not deliver quick-fix, overnight, drastic results. It takes commitment and consistency to see results when you’re microdosing. That means microdosing GLP1s may not be the right choice for you if you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight or have severe metabolic health issues to correct.  

I talk a LOT about improving your overall metabolic health so you can thrive in midlife and beyond over on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there for more information about optimizing your metabolic health and resilience.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/  
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37952131/ 
3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2812769 

      4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11050669/ 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog/podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tyna Moore is a licensed doctor, she is not the reader’s or listener’s personal doctor. Individuals should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatments, supplements, sauna use, or significant changes to their exercise routine. The benefits of strength training and other exercise interventions can vary among individuals, so personalized advice is essential to avoid potential injury. Professional medical advice should not be disregarded or delayed because of something read or heard in this content.

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