Medically reviewed by DietsMD Board-Certified Physicians, Obesity Medicine
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for specific patient populations. Understanding the eligibility criteria helps you know whether you may qualify — though a physician evaluation is always required to make the final determination.
Q: Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss medications?
A: FDA eligibility criteria require a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea. A physician evaluation confirms eligibility.
FDA Eligibility Criteria
Both semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are FDA-approved for adults who meet one of the following criteria:
Criterion 1: BMI ≥ 30 (Obesity)
If your BMI is 30 or higher, you meet the primary eligibility threshold regardless of other health conditions.
Criterion 2: BMI ≥ 27 with a Weight-Related Comorbidity
If your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, you may still qualify if you have at least one of the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol or triglycerides (dyslipidemia)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
Q: What BMI do you need for semaglutide or tirzepatide?
A: You need a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition. Many patients who think they don't qualify actually do — a physician evaluation is the only way to know for certain.
Who Does NOT Qualify (Contraindications)
Certain medical conditions disqualify patients from GLP-1 therapy:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — absolute contraindication
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) — absolute contraindication
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or tirzepatide
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (discuss with physician)
- History of pancreatitis (discuss with physician — not an absolute contraindication)
Age Requirements
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older, and for adolescents 12 and older with obesity. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is currently approved for adults 18 and older. Your physician will advise on age-specific eligibility.
What the Physician Evaluation Covers
A DietsMD physician evaluation assesses:
- Your current BMI and weight history
- Presence of weight-related comorbidities
- Current medications (for interactions)
- Personal and family medical history (for contraindications)
- Previous weight loss attempts and responses
- Overall health status and treatment goals
Q: Can I get GLP-1 medications if I only need to lose 20–30 pounds?
A: Possibly. If your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a qualifying health condition, you may meet the eligibility criteria even with a modest weight loss goal. A physician evaluation is the only way to determine eligibility with certainty.
→ How the DietsMD evaluation process works
→ Complete GLP-1 Weight Loss Guide
→ Check your eligibility at DietsMD — free evaluation →
Medically reviewed by DietsMD board-certified physicians. Eligibility criteria based on current FDA prescribing information for Wegovy and Zepbound.
