I keep seeing ads in my Facebook and Instagram feeds for Summa Up by Dr. Ryan, using a very trendy phrase right now, “micro-dosing GLP-1s.” I decided to take a look at the Summa Up microdosing program to find out what the deal is, as there’s a big controversy in the fitness and weight loss space right now around what microdosing actually is and what it should be used for.

I’ve done a lot of research on GLP-1s and how they can be used not only for weight loss but also for longevity. I have dozens of clients in my programs who use GLP-1s as a weight loss tool alongside my fitness program in the Simply Strong App. 

While I am a supporter of the use of GLP-1s responsibly, I am also on a mission to help those who are interested in utilizing this tool to find the right provider to help them get access to the medications. If you’re like me and have seen a lot of ads for Summa Up or LeanFast RX and are curious about what it entails and if it’s legit, I hope this article will help. 

First, What Is Micro-Dosing?

Microdosed GLP-1s are a buzzword right now. We’re seeing influencers all over the internet chatting about it and how it’s helping them. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there that are claiming to be selling micro-dosed GLP-1s, but are still prescribing patients at regular dosages for weight loss. 

From what I understand (and I am not a doctor), microdosing GLP-1s shouldn’t be used for weight loss; it should be used for longevity. That being said, weight loss is a natural consequence of taking a medication that reduces your appetite, so I don’t think I completely agree with the people who are arguing that microdosing isn’t for weight loss. 

Microdosing is a dosing strategy that calls for small, “micro” doses of the medication, administered more frequently, to help combat inflammation, cravings, and to assist with longevity. Summa Up calls it a “total body upgrade.”

What Is Summa Up?

Summa Up, or LeanFast RX (it appears they use the two names interchangeably?), claims to be the first ever all-inclusive GLP-1 service to offer an “end-to-end” package that includes personal training, nutrition coaching, and full clinical support (with a micro-dosed GLP-1 prescription). 

Summa Up only offers one product: micro-dosed compounded tirzepatide, which I actually like because tirzepatide is a more potent product than semaglutide. Summa Up’s whole sales pitch is that they provide a micro-dosed prescription along with 1-on-1 holistic coaching (fitness, nutrition, and clinical oversight) and custom workout/nutrition protocols. They are taking an “all-in-one” approach to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle by providing all the tools and resources needed. As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I love that Summa Up is providing more than just medication and cutting people loose. I am a firm believer in using GLP-1 medications as a tool alongside a healthy lifestyle, and it appears that’s what’s going on with this company.

Summa Up has a 20-pound in 90 days service guarantee, which I find a bit curious as micro-dosed tizepatide is not meant to be used for weight loss. Plus, Summa Up doens’t have a BMI requirement, so technically someone with little to no weight to lose could sign up and take advantage of this service, but where does that leave the 20-pound weight loss guarantee? 

Summa Up does not accept insurance, but they do accept HSA/FSA cards, which is nice. Below is the pricing:

Keep in mind that these are micro dosages (so less than what you would get from a traditionally dosed provider) and that this price includes access to their fitness app, which is supposed to contain nutritional information and protocols as well, and access to their doctors for support.

I looked into the Summa Up App, and it is an app whitelisted from Trainerize (meaning they use Trainerize’s software but custom-brand it). I used to host my own personal fitness app on Trainerize, so I am familiar with the software, and it’s pretty good; however, it leads me to believe that the “customization” claims might be a bit misleading unless the Summa Up team has trainers who create custom nutrition and workout plans for each member. More often than not, these apps have plans that are meant to serve everyone, which is totally fine and absolutely will work, but the customization claims might be a bit of a stretch. 

My Experience With Summa Up

Disclaimer: I did not go through with the ordering process. I simply went through Summa Up’s onboarding process to see if I would be approved and what the process looks like, so I could report back here. 

Summa Up’s questionnaire gave a good experience with questions that I don’t usually see on other GLP-1 providers' intake forms. They focus heavily on the whole picture of wellness and your habits vs just weight loss, which, again, I approve and appreciate. One thing I noted was that they never asked me any questions about my current weight or goal weight, which is interesting given that they are promising a 20-pound weight loss in 90 days.

Regardless, the quiz is actually very interesting and does a great job of setting you up to say yes to the medication and the treatment plan at the end. 

Another thing that was different about Summa Up was that they have you book a one-on-one call with their onboarding team after you’ve paid for your treatment. Most providers don’t have you meet with anyone face-to-face, but it’s usually an option if you’d like it. With most providers, if you want to do a virtual consultation (or if your state requires one), you would be meeting with a prescribing physician. With Summa Up, it appears that your intake call is done with a customer service representative. 

Summa Up mentions that if at any time during the call either you or their team feels that the program isn’t a good fit for you, they will refund your payment. This is the way most companies operate; they take your money upfront and then refund it if it's decided not to be a good fit. And while I understand this from a business perspective, as a customer, I would rather not be charged until I’m officially approved and feel 100% comfortable with the process. 

Overall Thoughts and Opinions

There are a lot of things that I like about Summa Up, as well as a few things that I don’t like. I really like that Summa Up is clear that they only offer micro-dosed tirzepatide; they are clearly marketing to a certain demographic who is looking for this exact experience. I also really like that they give you more than just the medication, including support for fitness and nutrition, so that you make the most of your GLP-1 journey.

The things that give me pause about Summa Up are their claims and promises. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, micro-dosing tirzepatide really shouldn’t be used solely as a weight loss strategy, but that’s how they are marketing it. I also don’t like how they are offering a 20 pounds in 90 days weight loss guarantee even though there is no BMI restriction, and people are signing up for this program that may not have 20 pounds to lose. 

To be honest with you, if you had 20 or more pounds to lose, you would probably be better off going with a traditional GLP-1 provider, where you could start off on a small dose and increase if needed for about the same amount of money. I’m obviously not a doctor; this is just my personal opinion, as I know many providers are happy to start you off on smaller doses and even keep you there so long as you’re happy with the results and how you are feeling. 

Personally, I would go with a provider like Josie (especially if you’re a woman in perimenopause or menopause - use code JOSIE100 for $100 off) or Willow. Both of these providers will help you get set up with compounded tirzepatide for weight loss without BMI restrictions, and the cost will be only slightly higher than Summa Up. They may even offer micro-dosing if you ask!