Who qualifies for GLP-1 treatment?

GLP-1 eligibility is determined by your clinician using BMI, medical history, and contraindications. Here are the criteria most often used.

Last updated: May 4, 2026 Reviewed against: Current obesity-medicine and GLP-1 treatment guidelines Category: Educational

BMI thresholds clinicians use

GLP-1 medications are generally considered when:

BMI ≥ 30 (Class I or higher obesity) — qualifies on BMI alone.
BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, NAFLD, or PCOS.

BMI is a starting point, not the whole picture. Body composition, weight history, and metabolic health all factor in.

Weight-related conditions that lower the threshold

Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides)
Obstructive sleep apnea
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Cardiovascular disease

Contraindications

You should not take semaglutide or tirzepatide if you have:

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
History of pancreatitis
Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g. severe gastroparesis)
Active or recent eating disorder requiring clinical management
Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Hypersensitivity to GLP-1 medications

Conditions requiring extra clinician review

History of gallbladder disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Significant kidney impairment
Concurrent use of insulin or sulfonylureas
Recent bariatric surgery

How WeightlessRx confirms eligibility

You complete a structured medical intake covering BMI, conditions, medications, and contraindications. A licensed U.S. clinician in our third-party provider network reviews it, may ask follow-up questions, and approves, declines, or requests more information. The clinician — not the WeightlessRx platform — owns the decision.

Frequently asked questions

What if my BMI is between 25 and 27?

BMI in that range is generally below the threshold for chronic GLP-1 weight management. Lifestyle changes are usually first-line. Some clinicians may consider treatment in specific cases (PCOS, strong family history); the decision is individualized.

Do you require lab work?

For most members, the clinical intake is sufficient. Your clinician may request lab work if your history suggests additional screening would be valuable.

Can I qualify if I have type 2 diabetes?

Yes — type 2 diabetes is a weight-related condition that often makes someone eligible at BMI ≥ 27. Your clinician will coordinate with your other diabetes treatments.

Ready when you are.

Take a 90-second medical intake. Your clinician reviews it and prescribes only when clinically appropriate.

See treatment plans →

References & sources

AACE Clinical Practice Guideline: Comprehensive Medical Care of Patients with Obesity. 2016.
FDA. Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information.
FDA. Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information.

Editorial standards & medical oversight

This educational content follows WeightlessRx clinical content standards and is reviewed for accuracy against current obesity-medicine and GLP-1 treatment guidelines, including FDA prescribing information, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) obesity guideline, and peer-reviewed clinical literature. Information is educational and is not medical advice. Treatment eligibility is determined only after a U.S.-licensed clinician in our third-party provider network reviews your intake and medical history. Read our full medical review policy →