GLP-1 Eligibility Calculator — Check If You Meet BMI Criteria
FDA-labeled weight-management indications commonly use a BMI threshold of 30 or higher, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or heart disease).
Use this calculator to see how your BMI compares with those thresholds and choose an appropriate next step to discuss with a provider.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is educational only — it does not provide medical advice. Only a licensed clinician can determine if a medication is appropriate for you.
This adult calculator is not designed for people under 18.
BMI Thresholds Explained
What BMI Do You Need for GLP-1 Medications?
Most FDA-labeled weight management indications use this threshold:
| BMI | Condition Required? | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ≥30 | No | May meet criteria |
| 27–29.9 | Yes (at least 1) | May meet criteria |
| 27–29.9 | No | Usually requires condition |
| <27 | — | Below typical thresholds |
Sources: FDA prescribing information for Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo reference the labeled thresholds described here.
Which Conditions Count?
If your BMI is 27–29.9, you may still meet criteria with a weight-related condition. Examples commonly cited in FDA labeling:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (dyslipidemia, high LDL, low HDL)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnea — Zepbound also has a specific FDA indication for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity
- Heart disease — Wegovy has an FDA indication for CV risk reduction in adults with established CVD and overweight/obesity
You don't need a formal diagnosis to check with a telehealth provider — many will evaluate you during consultation.
Wegovy vs Zepbound vs Foundayo vs Compounded
| Factor | Wegovy | Zepbound | Foundayo | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Orforglipron | Semaglutide (compounded) |
| FDA-approved? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BMI criteria | ≥30 or ≥27+condition | ≥30 or ≥27+condition | Adults; see current label | Provider-dependent |
| Special indications | CV risk reduction | Sleep apnea (OSA) | Oral option | None |
| Typical cost | Varies by coverage and pharmacy | Varies by coverage and pharmacy | Varies by access route | Varies by provider |
| Best for | Insurance coverage, CV history | Sleep apnea, want dual-action | Adults discussing an oral option | Cost-conscious, can't get branded |
On compounded semaglutide:
These are not FDA-approved products. The FDA has raised concerns about quality, dosing, and unapproved salt forms. If you consider this route, vet the provider carefully. We cover safety considerations in our compounded GLP-1 guide.
BMI Isn't Perfect — When It Can Mislead
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It can be less accurate for:
- Muscular builds — muscle weighs more than fat, so athletes may show "overweight" BMI with low body fat
- Older adults — body composition changes with age
- Pregnancy/postpartum — temporary weight changes
- Edema or fluid retention — medical conditions that affect weight
If you're borderline, a clinician may consider waist circumference or body composition alongside BMI.
The Three Gates to Getting a GLP-1
Meeting BMI criteria is just step one. Here's the full path:
Gate 1: Clinical Appropriateness
Your clinician evaluates safety, contraindications, medical history
Gate 2: FDA-Labeled Criteria
This calculator checks this gate (BMI thresholds)
Gate 3: Insurance/Coverage
Prior authorization, step therapy, employer restrictions
Reality check: Many insurers use criteria stricter than FDA labeling — higher BMI cutoffs, required prior weight loss attempts, or excluded drug classes entirely. Don't assume "meeting criteria" = "covered."
Next Steps Based on Your Result
If You Likely Meet Criteria
- Gather documentation: List of current medications, any relevant diagnoses, recent lab work if available
- Choose a path: Your PCP, an endocrinologist, or a telehealth provider
- Expect prior authorization if using insurance — your provider typically handles this
- Compare telehealth options if you want faster access: View Provider Comparison
If You're Close to the Cutoff
- Double-check your measurements (height/weight errors are common)
- Ask about screening for undiagnosed conditions (blood pressure, cholesterol, A1C)
- Some providers evaluate patients individually even at borderline BMI
If You Don't Meet Criteria
- Talk to a clinician about evidence-based alternatives
- Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes
- Don't chase off-label prescriptions from questionable sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI do you need for Wegovy?
Wegovy's FDA label indicates BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27-29.9 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia).
What BMI do you need for Zepbound?
Zepbound uses the same threshold: BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27-29.9 with a weight-related condition.
What BMI do you need for Foundayo?
Foundayo is FDA-approved for adults with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related medical condition. In general, that corresponds to BMI 30 or higher, or BMI 27-29.9 with a condition. A licensed clinician must determine whether it is appropriate.
Is Zepbound approved for sleep apnea?
Yes. In late 2024, FDA approved Zepbound for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Do FDA-labeled weight-management thresholds start below BMI 27?
Generally no — adult FDA-labeled weight-management indications start at BMI 27 with a weight-related condition or BMI 30 without one. Below 27, those standard thresholds do not apply.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Wegovy?
No. Compounded semaglutide is a pharmacy-prepared formulation that is not FDA-approved and has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. The FDA has raised concerns about compounded GLP-1 products.
Does meeting BMI criteria guarantee coverage?
No. Insurance companies often have additional requirements (prior authorization, step therapy, BMI documentation). Meeting FDA criteria is necessary but not sufficient for coverage.
Is this calculator medical advice?
No. This is an educational tool based on publicly available FDA criteria. Only a licensed clinician can determine if a medication is appropriate for you.
Methodology & Updates
How we calculate BMI:
- Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
- Imperial: BMI = (weight (lb) / height (in)²) × 703
What thresholds we use:
This calculator references BMI thresholds from current FDA labeling for Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo. Compounded medication has no FDA-approved product label; availability and clinical decisions are provider-dependent.
Update log:
January 6, 2026: Page published. All medication criteria verified against current FDA labeling.