Does Microdosing GLP–1 Drugs Make Sense?
You may have seen a new trend taking hold in the weight loss community: patients microdosing GLP–1 drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound. This means taking a smaller amount of the drug, presumably to minimize the potential side effects while also providing some reduced benefit. To that end, microdosing has become increasingly popular, especially among individuals seeking to maintain a lower weight or those with just a few pounds to lose.
But is microdosing a good idea? And if you are microdosing, what exactly does that mean for your health?
To start, let’s understand why microdosing is problematic, and even dangerous, for your health.
If your physician has determined that GLP–1 drugs are appropriate for you, they will likely start you on a low, initial dose, whether it’s for diabetes or for weight loss. This dose is typically increased every month until the target dose is reached. The initial conversation to discuss weight loss goals and whether GLP-1 therapy is beneficial for you is very important. Close monitoring is part of the program once you and your provider have decided on this route; you do not want to lose weight too fast nor lose too much, which can lead to anorexia and underweight complications. The idea is for you to be healthy and feel happy.
Very rarely will a physician maintain you on the smallest dose. It isn’t usually indicated, and for most people, it doesn’t provide enough help to address their concern, whether related to weight or blood sugar. To microdose, patients often look to overseas or even illegal pharmacies. These pharmacies may not offer pure products, or they may not be truthful about their potency.
Other patients may be sourcing their low-dose GLP-1 drugs from domestic compounding pharmacies that operate outside of FDA guidelines. They may not be fully transparent regarding the potency and purity of their products, either.
Experiencing the side effects with less benefit
While smaller doses of the drug almost always result in fewer side effects, most patients might still experience some positive effects of a medication even at the smallest dose. That said, many will not enjoy a substantial benefit. This is certainly true for patients who have a significant amount of weight to lose. While microdosing for someone who is already near their weight may be successful, these patients should not be taking these drugs, as microdosing GLP-1 medications is not indicated or approved for minor weight loss or weight maintenance.
When microdosing makes sense
Before and after bariatric surgery, a low dose of a GLP-1 receptor agonist drug may be appropriate for some patients- for example, post-surgical patients who are gaining excessive weight and require assistance with hunger suppression. This can also be very useful for patients awaiting bariatric surgery who have a considerable surgical risk because of an enlarged liver and excess abdominal fat.
In both of these cases, patients may not need to take a full dose of a GLP-1 med because of the short duration that they will be on them. For pre-surgical patients, the gastroparesis or, often, temporary stomach paralysis that these drugs induce increases the risk for aspiration under anesthesia. As such, patients will need to discontinue their GLP-1 medications at least two weeks before their surgical procedure.
The bottom line
Microdosing is, of course, relative, and there is no widely accepted definition of the term’s meaning. Unfortunately, the microdosing trend among individuals who are already near or at their goal weight is on the rise. This vanity use of GLP-1 drugs is not recommended, and depending on where it’s sourced, can even be problematic or dangerous. However, patients before and after bariatric surgery may be advised by their prescribing physician to microdose to reduce their surgical risk or, if they are taking it after their bariatric procedure, get them back on track if they’ve had problems with weight regain.
Here at Surgical Associates of Mobile, we are committed to the safe and effective use of GLP–1 drugs, both for patients relying on them as their primary weight loss tool and for those who are preparing for or recovering from bariatric surgery and need additional support.
To that end, we emphasize the importance of a structured program that provides ongoing follow-up for patients on GLP-1 therapy. Careful monitoring helps protect long-term health and success, as unsupervised use can contribute to unwanted muscle and bone loss and create unpredictable outcomes.
Contact our office to learn more about our GLP–1 medical weight loss management program. We look forward to being a part of your weight-loss journey!