GLP-1 Eligibility Calculator — Check If You Meet BMI Criteria
You may meet FDA-labeled criteria for GLP-1 weight loss medications if your BMI is 30 or higher, or if your BMI is 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 check your BMI and see which medications you may be a candidate for — then get next steps for talking to a provider.
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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, and only your insurer can confirm coverage.
Check any conditions you've been diagnosed with:
Eligibility Criteria 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 Saxenda all reference these thresholds.
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 Compounded: Which Fits You?
| Factor | Wegovy | Zepbound | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide (compounded) |
| FDA-approved? | Yes | Yes | No |
| BMI criteria | ≥30 or ≥27+condition | ≥30 or ≥27+condition | Provider-dependent |
| Special indications | CV risk reduction | Sleep apnea (OSA) | None |
| Typical cost | $1,000+/mo (or insurance) | $1,000+/mo (or insurance) | $150–400/mo |
| Best for | Insurance coverage, CV history | Sleep apnea, want dual-action | 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.
Is Zepbound approved for sleep apnea?
Yes. In late 2024, FDA approved Zepbound for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Can I qualify with a BMI under 27?
Generally no — FDA-labeled weight management indications start at BMI 27 (with condition) or 30 (without). Below 27, standard criteria don't apply.
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Wegovy?
No. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has raised concerns about quality and safety. They contain the same active ingredient but are manufactured differently.
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 eligibility criteria we use:
This calculator references BMI thresholds from FDA-approved labeling for Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. We do not use proprietary or made-up criteria.
Update log:
January 6, 2026: Page published. All medication criteria verified against current FDA labeling.