The news: Noom is now selling microdoses of compounded GLP-1 semaglutide for weight loss with a lower price tag and fewer side effects.

The Noom mini doses are 25% of the therapeutic starter dose of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (brand name Wegovy). They cost $119 for the first month and $199 per month after. For context: Novo’s lowest dose is 0.25 mg and costs $499 per month direct from its NovoCare Pharmacy.

Zooming in: Noom is marketing microdoses as a less expensive way to start on GLP-1 weight loss drugs with fewer side effects.

• 74% of people experience side effects on typical full strength GLP-1 doses, per Noom.
• A semaglutide study showed an average 16.7% weight loss after 64 weeks on microdoses of .08 mg, per a Lancet study published in April.
• Low doses of GLP-1s have shown positive effects in studies on cardiovascular, kidney, blood glucose, and brain health across different studies.

Yes, but: Noom’s new microdose product is compounded semaglutide. The FDA ruled that componded semaglutide is no longer permited, but Noom appears to be using a personalized treatment exception to sell the mini shots.

Eli Lilly recently ended its agreement with Noom to sell its Zepbound (tirzepatide) after the telehealth company refused to stop selling compounded versions of GLP-1 meds, per Sherwood News.