Am I a Candidate for GLP-1 Treatment? BMI Check and Criteria (2026)

"Am I a candidate for GLP-1 treatment?" is usually the first question people ask before an online visit, and the honest answer depends on more than your weight. The FDA labels for semaglutide and tirzepatide set a starting point based on BMI and weight-related conditions, and a licensed provider reviews the rest of your health history. Use the calculator below for a first screen.

Key takeaways

• BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis, and it does not distinguish between fat, muscle and bone.
• The FDA labels cover adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
• Some people should not take GLP-1 medications, including anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2; pregnancy, or planning one, also changes the plan.
• A licensed provider reviews your medications, medical history and mental health before deciding, and a prescription is not guaranteed.

What BMI is and what it cannot tell you

Body mass index (BMI) is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. The CDC describes it as quick, inexpensive and simple to calculate, and the FDA labels use it to define who the medications are for. For adults, the CDC classes a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 as overweight and 30.0 or higher as obesity.

BMI has real limits. According to the CDC, it does not distinguish between fat, muscle and bone mass, and it does not show where in the body you carry fat. That is why the CDC says BMI should be considered alongside other factors, such as your medical history, blood pressure and lab results.

That is why BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis. It tells you whether GLP-1 treatment is worth discussing, not whether it is right for you.

Am I a candidate for GLP-1? The FDA-labeled criteria

Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, when at least one of these applies:

• A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or
• A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

Eligibility is determined by a licensed provider after reviewing your health history. Meeting a BMI number does not mean you will be prescribed; the provider weighs your full picture. Learn more about semaglutide and tirzepatide, compare them in our semaglutide vs. tirzepatide guide, or see how the brands differ in Wegovy vs. Zepbound.

Who should not take GLP-1 medications

The prescribing information for both medications lists people who should not use them or who need extra caution.

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Both labels carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies and list this history as a contraindication.
• Pregnancy, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both labels advise stopping the medication when a pregnancy is recognized, and the Wegovy® label advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, tell your provider; they will discuss your options and timing.
• History of pancreatitis. Both labels warn about acute pancreatitis, so your provider will review any history carefully and may consider other options.
• Severe gastroparesis. Both labels say the medications are not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis, since they slow stomach emptying.
• A prior serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide or any ingredient in the product. The labels also advise against combining these medications with another GLP-1 medication.

This list is a summary, not a substitute for the label. Read the full important safety information for semaglutide and tirzepatide.

What else a provider reviews before prescribing

• Current medications. Insulin and sulfonylureas can raise the risk of low blood sugar with a GLP-1, and some oral medications may be absorbed differently because stomach emptying slows. The Zepbound® label advises people on oral birth control to switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
• Kidney and gallbladder history. Both labels warn about gallbladder problems and about kidney injury linked to dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Mental health. In January 2026, the FDA said its evaluation did not identify an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with GLP-1 medications and asked for that warning to be removed from the labels. It still advises telling your health care professional about new or worsening depression or unusual mood changes, so your provider asks about your history and current mood.
• Eating habits and history. Tell your provider about any history of an eating disorder, so they can weigh it in their decision and, if needed, recommend other care.

Am I a candidate for GLP-1? What happens next

If your BMI and health history suggest you may qualify, the next step is an online visit with a licensed provider. If side effects worry you, read semaglutide side effects and is tirzepatide safe? first. You complete a health assessment, and the provider reviews it and may follow up with questions. See what happens in your online visit.

The provider then decides. If GLP-1 treatment is appropriate, they choose the medication and the starting dose and increase it gradually over time; if not, they explain why. Submitting a visit does not guarantee a prescription; if one is not issued, any payment collected at checkout is refunded in full.

Ready to find out? Start your health assessment with Forever Health Rx.

How much does GLP-1 treatment cost?

Cost depends on whether the platform charges for the visit, the medication prescribed, supplies, shipping and follow-up. Brand-name and compounded products are priced very differently; compounded medications are not FDA-approved, are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality, and are not the same as Wegovy® or Zepbound®. Our guide on how much GLP-1 treatment costs online covers it all, including Forever Health Rx pricing.