Noom says 70% of members on its microdose GLP-1 program report no side effects, while achieving up to 17 pounds of weight loss in 60 days with behavior change support
Sometimes less is more, and in Noom’s case, microdoses may lead to macro change.
The digital health company has launched its Microdose GLP-1 Rx Program, an affordable new approach that pairs fractional dosing of weight loss medication (25% or less of the typical maintenance dose) with behavioral coaching to drive long-term health improvements.
As the name suggests, Noom’s Microdose GLP-1 Rx Program follows a physician-designed “low and slow” protocol that reduces the side effects often associated with standard dosing. The company reports that 70% of members on microdoses experience no side effects, while losing up to 11 pounds in 30 days and 17 pounds in 60 days.
The premise, Noom says, is simple: microdoses are easier to tolerate and maintain, while microhabits, the behavioral layer of Noom’s program, reinforce long-term outcomes.
credit: Noom
“In both my clinical experience and evidence in published studies, it is clear that many people discontinue GLP-1 treatment because of side effects,” said Noom Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffrey Egler. “The Noom Microdose GLP-1 Rx Program was designed to address this issue by introducing GLP-1s gradually and sustaining them at a microdose level, as part of a larger holistic behavior change platform, which we call our GLP-1 Companion. This approach helps more patients stay on the treatment, experience the full health benefits of these medications, and make real progress in reducing obesity and overweight rates in the United States.”
According to Noom, members on GLP-1s log more meals, weigh in more frequently and report more physical activity by their second month than those not on medication. Those who engage with Noom’s GLP-1 Companion program also achieve 10% weight loss by month four at twice the rate of less engaged users.
The launch also expands potential use cases. Noom’s microdosing approach is not just for first-time GLP-1 users, but also for those tapering off higher doses, those seeking maintenance support and individuals exploring emerging off-label benefits of GLP-1s, such as improved metabolic health, inflammation control and reduced cravings related to alcohol or gambling.
ATN’s Edward Hertzman (left) and Dr. Frank Lipman at the ATN Innovation Summit (credit: Flickman Media)
Some are also turning to low-dose GLP-1s for longevity benefits. At the Athletech News CEO Summit earlier this year, longevity expert and Eleven Eleven Wellness Center founder Dr. Frank Lipman said he uses low-dose GLP-1 for anti-aging, citing their neuroprotective, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. “When used responsibly, they’re magical,” he said.
Like much of the fitness and wellness industry, Noom is leaning into personalization with SmartDose, which adjusts dosing for each member based on BMI, weight-loss pace, side effect profile and other health indicators.
credit: Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
“Noom has a unique, proprietary dataset that permits the level of deep personalization that our program deploys,” Dr. Egler said. “The Noom program has comprehensive data on patient health, injection dates, side effects, and weight-loss speed, and we bring that data to bear to personalize the dosing to maximize outcomes and adherence not just to the medication, but to our Noom microhabits program.”
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Fear of side effects has kept many eligible users from trying GLP-1 medications, but for others, the bigger barrier is cost. Among those who do start treatment, more than 50 percent stop due to affordability, according to Noom. The new program starts at $119, with a monthly cost of $199, and includes GLP-1 medication (if prescribed), access to Noom’s GLP-1 Companion behavior and microhabits program, 24/7 messaging with doctors and care coordinators, one-on-one premium health coaching and home delivery of prescriptions.
The launch follows Noom’s public health pledge at a White House event last month, where the digital health platform pledged to introduce a free tier of its platform to all Americans, regardless of income or BMI. Set to debut later this summer, the offering will focus on building healthy habits around nutrition, movement and stress reduction.
“Medication alone will not end the obesity epidemic. Lifestyle change is essential,” Noom CEO Geoff Cook said. “By offering a no-cost way for anyone to build healthy habits with Noom, we can reach millions more Americans with the tools to help them live better, longer. Pairing that with our new microdose GLP-1 program will help bend the curve on obesity rates in the United States.”
The launch of Noom’s microdose program comes as drugmakers race to expand the obesity treatment market with new (and sometimes needle-free) options.
On Thursday, Eli Lilly announced promising Phase 3 results for orforglipron, its once-daily oral GLP-1 pill. In a study of more than 3,000 adults with obesity, the highest dose of orforglipron resulted in an average weight loss of 27.3 pounds over 72 weeks, with a safety profile consistent with injectable GLP-1s. Lilly plans to submit the drug for global regulatory review by the end of the year.