After the FDA crackdown, here’s how some companies are still selling GLP-1s

Microdosing, once associated with mushrooms, now refers to taking small, sub-clinical doses of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This trend has emerged despite limited research on its efficacy. People are pursuing microdosed GLP-1s to manage weight more affordably and reduce side effects. Telehealth companies are actively promoting off-brand compounded versions of these drugs. These companies are adapting their offerings to navigate FDA regulations after shortages of name-brand drugs ended. By slightly altering formulations, such as reducing dosage or adding vitamins, they aim to circumvent bans on exact copies. While currently legal, these custom-formulated drugs lack the same rigorous safety regulations as their brand-name counterparts. Demand for microdosing support stems from curiosity, cost savings, and a desire for control over treatment. Some individuals experiment at home, while others utilize clinics offering "custom titration." Major telehealth providers like Noom and Hims & Hers have launched microdosing programs, citing benefits like fewer side effects and lower costs. These companies emphasize finding the lowest effective dose for personalized weight management. Although research is ongoing, the popularity of microdosing highlights a growing patient interest in personalized and more accessible weight loss treatments.