More than one in seven U.S. Adults who use glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are taking them in doses lower than prescribed, a practice known as “microdosing,” according to a recent survey by the health tracking app Evidation. While GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, a growing number of individuals are experimenting with smaller doses, hoping to achieve benefits like improved metabolic health and potential longevity without the pronounced weight loss or side effects associated with full dosages.
The trend comes as GLP-1 use surges in the United States. Over 10 percent of adults now take these drugs, according to Evidation’s data. Microdosing is driven by a variety of motivations, ranging from cost-cutting to a belief in the drugs’ broader health-promoting potential. Some proponents believe GLP-1s can reduce inflammation, lower cardiovascular risk, and even slow cellular aging, though rigorous scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited.
“There is no rigorous scientific data to support microdosing,” cautioned Katy Williams, a bariatric medicine specialist at the University of Missouri Health Care in Jefferson City. Despite the lack of conclusive research, companies like AgelessRx are actively marketing GLP-1 microdoses as a path to “long-term wellness.” The company is currently conducting a clinical trial to assess the effects of microdosing on health and quality of life.
Research into the broader health benefits of GLP-1s is ongoing. Studies have indicated the drugs can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and lower the risk of major cardiovascular problems, according to the Science News report. Some scientists are even exploring their potential in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.
However, experts warn against relying on unproven benefits. A recent study published in BMJ Medicine found that even short interruptions in GLP-1 treatment can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study, which followed over 333,000 adults, showed that discontinuing GLP-1s for as little as six months largely erased the cardiovascular protection offered by the drugs. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, who conducted the study, found that sustained use of GLP-1s over three years correlated with an 18% reduction in cardiovascular risk.
The National Health Interview Survey data from 2024 shows that 26.5% of adults with diagnosed diabetes were using injectable GLP-1 medications. Use increased with age between adults ages 18–34 (25.3%) to 50–64 (33.3%) and then decreased among those age 65 and older (20.8%).
Anne Komé, a clinical pharmacist practitioner at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill, emphasized the require for more data before widespread microdosing is adopted. She suggested that microdosing could potentially help patients who struggle with the cost or side effects of full doses, but cautioned against taking risks when benefits are unproven. Williams echoed this sentiment, advocating for a focus on established lifestyle interventions like diet, exercise, and sleep. She also warned about the potential dangers of obtaining GLP-1s from unregulated online sources or compounding pharmacies, where the quality and authenticity of the medication cannot be guaranteed.