Wondering if you actually qualify for a GLP-1 prescription? The eligibility criteria are more straightforward than most people think — but there are important nuances your prescriber will consider beyond the basic BMI number.
The Core Eligibility Criteria
FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management (semaglutide as Wegovy, tirzepatide as Zepbound) carry specific label indications:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity) — qualifies on its own
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity
Qualifying comorbidities include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides), obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The Expanding Criteria
In practice, prescribers are increasingly considering additional conditions that may qualify patients at BMI 27+:
- Pre-diabetes (A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Osteoarthritis exacerbated by weight
- Metabolic syndrome
- History of gestational diabetes
Important Distinction
BMI thresholds apply to the FDA label for brand-name medications. For compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, individual prescribers may use clinical judgment with slightly different criteria. The prescriber always makes the final call.
What Disqualifies You
Certain conditions are contraindications for GLP-1 medications:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- History of pancreatitis (relative contraindication — prescriber discretion)
- Pregnancy or active plans to become pregnant
- Current or recent eating disorder diagnosis (most providers screen for this)
How Telehealth Providers Assess You
Online platforms typically evaluate eligibility through a structured intake process. You will report your height, weight, medical history, current medications, and health goals. A licensed prescriber reviews this information and may request additional details or lab work before making a prescribing decision.
Some platforms accept patients who have recently had blood work done within the past 6 to 12 months. Others can order labs for you through partner networks.
Eden Health $239/mo sema · Physician-led telehealth. Semaglutide from $239/mo. Free consultation, ongoing clinical support, cancel anytime.
⚕️ Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies under physician supervision.
Care Bare Rx From $199/mo · Streamlined intake process. Compounded semaglutide from $199/mo. Licensed 503A/503B pharmacy network.
⚕️ Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies under physician supervision.
Yucca Health $146/mo sema (6-mo) · Semaglutide from $146/mo or tirzepatide from $258/mo on 6-month plans. Free medical consultation.
⚕️ Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies under physician supervision.
If You Are on the Border
If your BMI is close to 27, you may still qualify depending on your metabolic health profile. Conditions like insulin resistance, elevated fasting glucose, or waist circumference above established thresholds can support a prescription even if your BMI is borderline.
The most important step is to be thorough and honest during your medical intake. Prescribers need a complete picture to make a safe, informed decision.