Is semaglutide more effective than semaglutide?

Head-to-head trials (STEP-1) showed semaglutide produced roughly 50% more weight loss than semaglutide over 72 weeks. Semaglutide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while semaglutide only activates GLP-1, which likely explains the stronger effect.

What are the side effects?

Most common: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, typically mild and temporary. Side effect profile is similar to semaglutide. Your provider starts you at a low dose and titrates up slowly.

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (semaglutide) is chemically identical to that used in the FDA-approved branded products. However, compounded preparations are not FDA-approved; the FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. The compounded preparation is made to your specific prescription by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies under USP sterility standards.

Can I switch from semaglutide to semaglutide?

Yes. Many patients switch for stronger results or fewer GI side effects. Your OPTML provider will manage the transition and titration plan.

Do I need labs before starting?

Not always required, but strongly recommended. We offer an optional comprehensive metabolic panel to establish baseline markers before starting treatment.

Sub-clinical GLP-1 for metabolic optimization

Microdose GLP-1,
prescribed online.

Sub-clinical doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide for the metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of GLP-1 activation — without the heavy appetite shut-down or weight loss of a full-dose protocol. Built for lean optimizers.

Improved insulin sensitivity + inflammation markers
Quieter food noise without the appetite shut-down
Free 2-3 day discreet shipping
Free provider consult · cancel anytime

Get started How it works →

Compounded medication is not FDA-approved. Sema $199/mo · Tirz $299/mo · HSA/FSA eligible.

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Prescription only 4.9 · 200,000+ patients

Metabolic optimization · Sub-clinical

★★★★★4.9 / 200,000+ patients across our provider network

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.

✓ Licensed US providers✓ 2-3 day discreet shipping✓ Cancel anytime

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Microdose GLP-1 protocols use sub-therapeutic doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — typically a fraction of the doses studied in pivotal weight-loss trials. The goal is metabolic optimization (insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammation, gentle appetite calibration), not significant weight loss. Prescribed by U.S.-licensed providers and dispensed by our licensed 503A pharmacy partners (Strive · Boothwyn · Absolute).

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Sub-clinical (off-label) dosing is at provider discretion. Individual results vary.

Anti-inflammation + insulin sensitivity
Minimal GI effects
Provider-titrated
Cancel anytime

Start your free assessment How it works

Sema $199/mo · Tirz $299/mo · Same retail as full-dose · HSA/FSA eligible

87%

Patients on microdose GLP-1 report an 87% improvement in how easy it is to maintain their goal physique.*

Goal-physique maintenance Effortless

Food noise & cravings Quiet

Insulin sensitivity Improved

Inflammation (hs-CRP) Trending down

Gentle weight shift over 12 mo ~3-5%

Current: 180 lbs Projected: 7 lbs over 12mo

*Microdose-protocol patient-reported outcomes. Maintenance-ease score reflects average self-reported reduction in calorie tracking and food preoccupation. Individual results vary.

Microdose GLP-1, explained

The metabolic upside, without the trade-off.

Microdose GLP-1 means using sub-clinical doses of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — well below the doses studied in the pivotal weight-loss trials of the FDA-approved branded preparations. The goal isn't significant weight loss. The goal is the metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of GLP-1 activation: improved insulin sensitivity, reduced visceral inflammation, gentler appetite regulation, better metabolic flexibility. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved.

Built for lean optimizers, athletes, and biohackers — not patients with significant weight to lose.

Full-dose GLP-1 protocols are titrated to maximum tolerated dose for maximum weight loss. They produce intense appetite suppression that's hard to navigate if you need to eat enough to fuel training and recovery.

Microdose protocols use ~10-25% of full-dose to capture the metabolic upside while leaving your appetite mostly intact. Most lean operators describe it as "the GLP-1 mechanism without the side effects."

Microdose semaglutide ($199/mo): single GLP-1 receptor activation, gentlest profile, longest safety record. Best entry point for most optimization-focused patients.

Microdose tirzepatide ($299/mo): dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor activation, metabolic effects often more pronounced even at sub-clinical doses. Best for patients who want maximum metabolic flexibility.

Same retail as full-dose — we charge by molecule, not by milligram.

GLP-1 receptor activation has documented anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects independent of weight loss. Sub-clinical dosing is an emerging clinical pattern in optimization medicine — there's strong mechanistic basis but fewer large-scale microdose-specific RCTs than full-dose.

Recent literature documents GLP-1's effects on visceral inflammation, cardiovascular markers, and metabolic flexibility at lower doses. Source: Drucker DJ, Cell Metabolism, 2018. Marso SP et al, NEJM, 2016 (LEADER).

Microdose vs full-dose

Microdose

10-25^%

of full-dose titration

Full-dose

100^%

FDA-approved weight-loss titration

Goal

Metabolic optimization

Significant weight loss

Appetite effect

Gentle, eat normally

Strong suppression

GI side effects

Minimal

Common (esp. titration)

Best for

Lean optimizers

Patients with weight to lose

Sema retail

$199/mo

Tirz retail

$299/mo

Same molecule, same compounding standards — different titration. OPTML charges by molecule, not by dose, so microdose costs the same as full-dose.

What you get

Everything in your semaglutide kit

No surprises, no upsells. Each shipment includes everything you need to administer safely at home, plus full clinical support.

Compounded semaglutide

Sterile, multi-dose vials. Doses titrated 0.25 → 2.4 mg by your provider.

Sterile syringes & needles

Pre-paired insulin syringes sized for subcutaneous injection.

Alcohol pads + sharps bin

Everything for safe, sanitary self-administration at home.

Provider + care messaging

U.S.-licensed provider review and unlimited messaging access.

Discreet 2-3 day shipping

Insulated, temperature-controlled, plain packaging. Always free.

The clinical data behind GLP-1 receptor agonists

STEP-1 (NEJM 2021, n=1,961) was the pivotal trial of FDA-approved branded semaglutide at the full 2.4 mg weekly dose. Microdose protocols use sub-clinical doses; the trial below is included as the science of the molecule, not a prediction of microdose outcomes.

14.9%

Avg body weight reduction (branded semaglutide 2.4 mg)

86%

Of trial participants lost ≥5% body weight

−3.6″

Avg waist circumference reduction

Source: Wilding JPH et al. New England Journal of Medicine. STEP-1 Trial. 2021. Trial studied FDA-approved branded semaglutide at the 2.4 mg full dose; microdose patients receive sub-clinical doses and would not expect comparable weight loss.

Customer reviewing her OPTML protocol on her phone

How it works

Start microdosing in 5 simple steps.

Online assessment to first shipment in under a week. No in-person visits, no waiting rooms.

Start your free assessment →

Take the free assessment

Answer a few questions about your health, weight history, and goals. Takes about 5 minutes online.

Provider reviews your info

A U.S. licensed provider reviews your assessment and prescribes the right dose, if appropriate. You'll hear back from your provider.

Get your kit shipped

If prescribed, your compounded semaglutide, syringes, and supplies ship discreetly in 2-3 days. Free 2-3 day shipping always.

Inject once a week

Self-administer at home. Most patients report reduced cravings and steady weight loss within 2-4 weeks.

Get ongoing support

Message your provider anytime. Dose adjustments, refills, and side-effect questions handled in-app. Cancel anytime.

9:41

Question 1 of 12

What do you want to accomplish with OPTML?

Lose weight
Metabolic optimization
Build muscle & performance
Optimize hormones

Start microdose GLP-1 in 5 simple steps

Take the free assessment
Answer a few questions about your training, metabolic goals, and current physique — about 5 minutes.
Provider writes a microdose Rx (if appropriate)
Get your kit shipped in 2-3 days
Inject once weekly at home
Get ongoing provider support

Start your free assessment →

No commitment. No insurance needed. See full eligibility & contraindications →

What to expect

What microdose patients typically report at 24 weeks

The data below reflects what patients on microdose protocols report subjectively (food noise, energy, metabolic markers). It is not the trajectory of full-dose STEP-1 weight loss. Sub-clinical microdosing aims at metabolic optimization, not body composition change. Individual results vary.

Week 1-2

Days 1-14

Appetite quiets down

Most patients report reduced cravings and earlier fullness within the first two doses. Mild nausea is common; usually fades within a week.

Week 4

Subtle

Food noise quiets

Most microdose patients report reduced cravings and lower food preoccupation by week 4. Weight typically stable; the goal is metabolic, not scale.

Month 3

Steady

Markers shift

By month three, providers often see improvements in fasting insulin, A1c trend, and inflammatory markers. Weight typically holds; body composition may quietly improve.

Month 6

Calibrated

Effortless maintenance

By month six, most report effortless physique maintenance and a quieter appetite signal. Long-term sub-clinical dosing is at provider discretion.

Context: Outcomes shown reflect microdose-protocol patient-reported observations. STEP-1 (Wilding JPH et al., NEJM 2021) studied FDA-approved branded semaglutide at the full 2.4 mg dose and produced an average 14.9% body-weight reduction over 68 weeks — microdose protocols use sub-clinical doses and are not expected to produce comparable weight loss. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved.

Choose your microdose protocol.

Provider consult, compounded medication, and supplies, all included. Cancel anytime.

LegitScript verifiedLicensed US providersHIPAA-protected503A pharmacy

Compounded microdose GLP-1

One flat price.
Every dose.

Provider-titrated microdose protocol of either compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. Your monthly price stays the same as your dose evolves — same retail as full-dose, just dosed sub-clinically.

Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide vial
Unlimited messaging with your licensed physician
Sterile syringes & alcohol prep pads
Free 2-3 day discreet shipping
Cancel anytime · HSA/FSA eligible

From

$199 /month— cancel anytime

Microdose semaglutide. Tirzepatide $299/mo — same flat retail as full-dose.

Start your free assessment →

Provider titrates your microdose protocol based on your response. Most operators see improved insulin sensitivity and quieter food noise within 4–6 weeks.

Your monthly price includes everything.

Physician consultation, prescription, and ongoing medical oversight. No hidden fees. No separate membership. Just your optml protocol.

Microdose Semaglutide

$249/month— cancel anytime

Billed monthly. Cancel anytime.

Compounded semaglutide (microdose)
Provider consultation
Syringes & supplies
Free 2-3 day shipping
Provider messaging

Start at $199/mo

Microdose FAQs

Maybe a little — but it's not the goal. Most patients see a modest weight shift (1-5%) over 6-12 months as a side effect of improved metabolic health. If significant weight loss is your priority, microdose isn't the right protocol — you want full-dose semaglutide or tirzepatide.

No. OPTML pricing is by molecule, not by milligram. Compounded semaglutide is $249/mo and compounded tirzepatide is $299/mo whether you're on a microdose or a full clinical titration. Transparent flat retail.

Most patients start with sema microdose: gentlest profile, longest safety record, $199/mo. Tirz microdose ($299/mo) makes sense if you've already responded well to GLP-1 therapy and want the dual-receptor metabolic effect at a sub-clinical dose. Your provider helps you decide.

Microdose protocols dramatically reduce GI side effects vs full-dose. Most patients report no nausea or appetite changes. Occasional mild fatigue or transient injection-site irritation in the first 1-2 weeks. Full GLP-1 eligibility & contraindications →

Not always required, but a baseline metabolic panel (insulin, A1C, lipid panel, hs-CRP) gives your provider a starting point and lets you actually track the metabolic improvements you're after. The OPTML lab panel is offered as a separate add-on at member rates.

Yes — microdose pairs well with TRT, HRT, sermorelin, and NAD+. The metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of microdose GLP-1 amplify the rest of an optimization protocol.

Insulated, temperature-controlled, plain packaging. Free 2-3 day discreet shipping. Vials are stable refrigerated; full storage and dosing instructions ship with each kit.

Sema microdose: $199/mo. Tirz microdose: $299/mo. Same retail as full-dose — we charge by molecule, not by milligram. All-inclusive: medication, provider oversight via call or text, supplies, and shipping. Lab panels are a separate add-on at member rates. Cancel anytime.

Microdose GLP-1,
prescribed online.

The metabolic upside of GLP-1 — without the appetite shut-down.