Am I Eligible for GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication? BMI Requirements Explained

GLP-1 Eligibility: Do You Qualify?

One of the most common questions about GLP-1 weight loss medications is: "Am I eligible?" The answer depends on your BMI, health conditions, and medical history. Here is what the FDA-approved labeling states.

BMI Requirements

Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) share the same basic eligibility criteria:

**You may be eligible if you have:**

What Counts as a Weight-Related Condition?

The FDA labeling references comorbid conditions including:

If your BMI is between 27 and 30, you will need documentation of at least one of these conditions to qualify.

How to Calculate Your BMI

BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. For reference:

| Height | BMI 27 (lbs) | BMI 30 (lbs) |

|--------|-------------|-------------|

| 5'4" | 157 | 175 |

| 5'6" | 167 | 186 |

| 5'8" | 177 | 197 |

| 5'10" | 188 | 209 |

| 6'0" | 199 | 221 |

Who Should NOT Take GLP-1 Medications

Per FDA prescribing information, GLP-1 weight loss medications are contraindicated in people with:

Additional Considerations

Your provider will also evaluate:

Pediatric Eligibility

Wegovy has been approved for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity (BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex). This is based on the STEP TEENS trial.

The Evaluation Process

A typical eligibility evaluation includes:

1. BMI measurement and health history review

2. Discussion of previous weight loss attempts

3. Blood work (metabolic panel, thyroid function, kidney function)

4. Review of current medications

5. Assessment of contraindications

Many weight loss clinics and telehealth providers can complete this evaluation in a single visit. The goal is to determine not just if you qualify, but which medication and dose is the best starting point for your specific situation.

*GLP-1 medications require a prescription. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine if these medications are appropriate for you.*