Who qualifies for a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide?

What providers generally consider

There is no single checkbox, but providers commonly weigh a few things when deciding whether a GLP-1 is appropriate for weight management:

• BMI. The weight-management medications are generally used at a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher alongside a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
• Health history. Your medical history, current medications, and any relevant family history.
• Goals. What you are trying to achieve, and whether a GLP-1 fits that goal.
• Safety factors. Certain personal or family medical histories make a GLP-1 inappropriate, which a provider screens for.

These are general factors, not a guarantee of eligibility. Your provider reviews your individual situation and makes the call.

Who it may not be right for

A GLP-1 is not appropriate for everyone. A provider reviews your history for reasons it may not be a fit, including certain medical conditions, a relevant family history, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and interactions with other medications. A responsible clinic will decline to prescribe when treatment is not appropriate, which is a sign of real medical oversight, not a hurdle.

"Am I too young, or not heavy enough?"

Two of the most common worries are being too young or not having 'enough' weight to lose. Eligibility is not about a number on its own; it is about your overall health picture and goals, assessed by a provider. Some people who assume they would not qualify do, and some who expect to may not. Rather than guess, the honest answer is to get assessed.

A free consult with a US-licensed provider is the way to find out. Compare your options first on semaglutide vs tirzepatide, or see what treatment costs.

Frequently asked questions