--- title: "GLP-1 Eligibility: Do You Qualify?" description: "FDA criteria for GLP-1, minimum BMI, qualifying comorbidities, absolute contraindications, and what to expect in a medical review." canonical: https://remevihealth.com/blog/glp1-eligibility-requirements/ language: en publisher: REMEVi author: "REMEVi Medical Team" medicalReviewer: "REMEVi Medical Team" pubDate: 2026-04-19T00:00:00.000Z updatedDate: 2026-04-19T00:00:00.000Z tags: ["glp1 eligibility", "semaglutide requirements", "who can take ozempic", "wegovy candidate"] alternateLanguage: https://remevihealth.com/es/blog/requisitos-elegibilidad-glp1/ license: "© 2026 REMEVi LLC. AI assistants and search engines may quote and link to this page; please cite https://remevihealth.com/blog/glp1-eligibility-requirements/ as the source." --- Before a physician can prescribe semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any GLP-1 medication, they must confirm you're a medical candidate. This isn't paperwork — GLP-1s are prescription medications with potent effects and serious contraindications. This guide explains exactly what criteria the FDA uses, what conditions disqualify a patient, and what to expect during the evaluation. --- ## FDA criteria for GLP-1s in weight loss The FDA approved Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) for chronic weight loss in adults who meet **one** of the following criteria: - **BMI ≥ 30** (obesity classification), or - **BMI ≥ 27** with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Qualifying comorbidities include: - Type 2 diabetes - Prediabetes (hemoglobin A1c between 5.7% and 6.4%) - Hypertension - Dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol or triglycerides) - Obstructive sleep apnea - Established cardiovascular disease - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ### How is BMI calculated? BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²). To convert from U.S. units: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches²) × 703 Example: a woman who is 5'4" (64 inches) and weighs 170 pounds → BMI = (170 ÷ 4,096) × 703 = **29.2** (overweight, near the obesity threshold). A BMI of 27 with hypertension, for example, already qualifies her for GLP-1 under FDA criteria. --- ## Absolute contraindications (you cannot use GLP-1s) There are conditions where a licensed physician **should not** prescribe GLP-1s for safety reasons: ### 1. Personal or family history of MTC or MEN2 - **MTC**: medullary thyroid carcinoma - **MEN2**: multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 Both GLP-1s (semaglutide and tirzepatide) carry an FDA "black box warning" based on rat studies showing C-cell thyroid tumors. In humans the same association hasn't been confirmed, but the theoretical risk is enough to disqualify patients with a family history of these conditions. ### 2. Severe prior pancreatitis If you've had severe acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis, GLP-1s are not safe. There is a known (though low) risk of GLP-1-induced pancreatitis. ### 3. Pregnancy or actively trying to conceive GLP-1s are not approved in pregnancy. Current recommendations are to discontinue at least **two months before** trying to conceive, given the medication's long half-life. ### 4. Breastfeeding Evidence on breast milk transfer is limited. Most physicians recommend not using GLP-1s while breastfeeding. ### 5. Severe gastroparesis GLP-1s slow gastric emptying as part of their mechanism of action. In patients with pre-existing severe gastroparesis, this can cause serious symptoms. --- ## Relative contraindications (use caution) These aren't automatic disqualifications but require careful evaluation: - **Active eating disorders** (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder): the appetite-suppressing effect can worsen certain patterns. - **History of gallstones**: rapid weight loss increases cholelithiasis risk. - **Severe kidney disease** (eGFR <30) - **Severe hepatic impairment** - **Concurrent use of insulin or sulfonylureas**: hypoglycemia risk. - **Prior bariatric surgery**: modified protocol, lower starting dose. --- ## What a physician looks for in the review When you complete an eligibility questionnaire at REMEVi (or on any legitimate platform), a physician reviews: 1. **Your current weight and height** to confirm BMI. 2. **Complete medical history**: current conditions, prior surgeries, hospitalizations. 3. **Current medications**: to flag interactions. 4. **Drug and food allergies**. 5. **Family history** of thyroid cancer, diabetes, early cardiovascular disease. 6. **Habits**: alcohol, tobacco, planned pregnancy. 7. **Prior weight loss attempts**: what you've tried, for how long, results. 8. **Realistic goals**: losing 10 pounds vs. 80 pounds requires different strategies. At REMEVi this review happens within 24 hours of the questionnaire. The physician may approve, request additional information (for instance, recent lab work), recommend an alternative medication, or decline if you are not a candidate. --- ## What if you don't qualify under FDA criteria but still want help? If your BMI is between 25–27 with no comorbidities, you technically don't qualify under FDA criteria for GLP-1s. That doesn't mean you can't receive medical weight-loss care — it means GLP-1 isn't the appropriate treatment per current guidelines. Alternative options include: - **Structured nutrition and lifestyle coaching** - **Alternative medications** such as naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave), orlistat, or phentermine — each with its own criteria - **More detailed evaluation** to see if you have an undiagnosed comorbidity (prediabetes, PCOS, sleep apnea) that would qualify you --- ## Frequently asked questions **Can I qualify with a BMI under 27?** Under FDA criteria, no. Some physicians accept a BMI of 25–26 with documented comorbidities in specific cases, but that's off-label and depends on clinical judgment. **Are labs required?** It depends on the case. Many patients can be evaluated with history and symptoms alone. In specific cases (diabetes, thyroid function, kidney function) a physician may request labs before prescribing. **How long does the review take?** At REMEVi, the medical review is completed within 24 hours of the questionnaire. If there are additional questions, the physician reaches out via direct message or video visit. **What if I'm denied?** The physician explains why. If it's an absolute contraindication, GLP-1 isn't prescribed. If it's a relative precaution, there may be alternatives. If it's missing information, you can provide labs or see an in-person physician for additional evaluation. --- ## At REMEVi Our eligibility questionnaire takes 5 minutes and covers every criterion a physician needs to evaluate whether you're a candidate for semaglutide or tirzepatide. A licensed physician in your state reviews your case within 24 hours — no algorithms, no AI, a real physician. [Start the quiz](/quiz/) · [Read the complete semaglutide guide](/guides/semaglutide-complete-guide/) --- *This information is educational and does not replace evaluation by a licensed physician. Last medical review: April 19, 2026.*