EMERGING PATTERNS OF GLP-1 MICRODOSING IN A LARGE REAL-WORLD POPULATION
Author(s)
Ernesto Ramirez, PhD1, Wei-Nchih Lee, MD, PHD1, Stephanie Jones, BS2;
1Evidation Health, Research Science, San Mateo, CA, USA, 2Evidation Health, San Mateo, CA, USA
1Evidation Health, Research Science, San Mateo, CA, USA, 2Evidation Health, San Mateo, CA, USA
OBJECTIVES: Microdosing of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—customized, lower-intensity dosing strategies—has emerged in real-world use but remains poorly characterized. This study described the prevalence, behaviors, and outcomes associated with GLP-1 microdosing and compared experiences between microdosers and non-microdosers.
METHODS: Members of the Evidation online health community were recruited to complete a cross-sectional 51-item survey capturing GLP-1 use patterns, dosing strategies, side effects, costs, information sources, and outcomes. Of 79,602 respondents, 75,886 met analytic criteria after quality exclusions. Participants were categorized as current, prior, or never users of GLP-1 medications. Microdosing status was self-reported using a predefined definition. Descriptive analyses compared characteristics and outcomes across groups.
RESULTS: Among current injectable GLP-1 users (n=8,486), 15.0% reported microdosing (9.3% current; 5.7% former). Nearly half of current microdosers initiated treatment using a microdose (47.6%), while the remainder transitioned after starting on a standard regimen (52.4%). The most commonly cited reasons for microdosing were management of side effects (40.8%), cost reduction (31.9%), and support for weight maintenance (29.6%). Shared decision-making with healthcare providers regarding dosing was reported by a plurality of participants across all groups (41.7-53.4%), however current microdosers were more likely to report obtaining their medication from a source other than their healthcare provider (e.g., telehealth, weight loss clinic, medspa, etc.) While overall satisfaction with GLP-1 therapy was similar between groups, current microdosers were less likely to anticipate long-term use, with 51.0% expecting to discontinue within one year. Social media was the most common source of information about microdosing across all participants.
CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 microdosing is a prevalent, patient-driven practice associated with perceived improvements in tolerability and shorter expected treatment duration. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based guidance, greater clinician engagement, and policy considerations supporting flexible dosing and access.
METHODS: Members of the Evidation online health community were recruited to complete a cross-sectional 51-item survey capturing GLP-1 use patterns, dosing strategies, side effects, costs, information sources, and outcomes. Of 79,602 respondents, 75,886 met analytic criteria after quality exclusions. Participants were categorized as current, prior, or never users of GLP-1 medications. Microdosing status was self-reported using a predefined definition. Descriptive analyses compared characteristics and outcomes across groups.
RESULTS: Among current injectable GLP-1 users (n=8,486), 15.0% reported microdosing (9.3% current; 5.7% former). Nearly half of current microdosers initiated treatment using a microdose (47.6%), while the remainder transitioned after starting on a standard regimen (52.4%). The most commonly cited reasons for microdosing were management of side effects (40.8%), cost reduction (31.9%), and support for weight maintenance (29.6%). Shared decision-making with healthcare providers regarding dosing was reported by a plurality of participants across all groups (41.7-53.4%), however current microdosers were more likely to report obtaining their medication from a source other than their healthcare provider (e.g., telehealth, weight loss clinic, medspa, etc.) While overall satisfaction with GLP-1 therapy was similar between groups, current microdosers were less likely to anticipate long-term use, with 51.0% expecting to discontinue within one year. Social media was the most common source of information about microdosing across all participants.
CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 microdosing is a prevalent, patient-driven practice associated with perceived improvements in tolerability and shorter expected treatment duration. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based guidance, greater clinician engagement, and policy considerations supporting flexible dosing and access.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
PCR123
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, SDC: Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), STA: Personalized & Precision Medicine