Microdosing GLP-1 uses the prescription medications for diabetes and weight reduction at or below the lowest amount used for long-term treatment, rather than raising it until appetite is strongly suppressed. Blood sugar, blood pressure and the main blood marker of low-grade inflammation improve; fat loss is partial. Unwanted effects also scale with the amount. No study has followed low-dose use beyond a few years. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 75–85 mg/dL | Primary glycaemic target |
| Fasting insulin | 2–5 µIU/mL | Insulin resistance, earliest mover |
| HbA1c | 4.8–5.4% | 3-month average glucose |
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein | Below 0.8 mg/L | Inflammation; largest low-dose effect |
| Apolipoprotein B | Below 80 mg/dL | Count of artery-damaging cholesterol particles |
| Triglycerides | Below 80 mg/dL | Hepatic fat handling |
| Alanine aminotransferase | 10–26 U/L (men), 8–22 U/L (women) | Liver fat and injury |
| Estimated glomerular filtration rate | Above 90 mL/min/1.73 m² | Kidney filtration; dehydration risk |
| Lipase | Within laboratory reference range | Pancreatic safety |
| Ferritin | 50–150 ng/mL | Iron status; absorption is reduced |
| Vitamin B12 | 500–900 pg/mL | Deficiency risk from reduced intake |
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone | 0.5–2.0 mIU/L | Baseline thyroid status |
| Appendicular lean mass index | No universal target; track change from own baseline, aiming for no loss | Detects muscle loss early |
| Grip strength | Above 35 kg (men), above 20 kg (women) | Function, not just mass |
| Resting heart rate | 50–65 beats per minute | Dose-dependent adverse effect |
| Blood pressure | Below 120/80 mmHg | Cardiovascular benefit marker |
Cadence: Symptom and weight check at 4 weeks, first repeat panel at 12 weeks, then every 6 months thereafter; body composition and grip strength every 6 months; lipid and inflammation panel annually once stable.