HomeFAQsWho qualifies for GLP-1 weight-management medication?

Eligibility & getting started

Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight-management medication?

Short answer

Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea). Pediatric approval starts at age 12 for Wegovy.

GLP-1 weight-management drugs follow strict FDA criteria. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is approved for adults with BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbid condition — type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea. Zepbound (tirzepatide) follows identical eligibility for weight management. Pediatric Wegovy is approved at age 12+ with BMI at or above the 95th percentile.

For type 2 diabetes (separate indication), Ozempic and Mounjaro have no BMI requirement — they are indicated based on A1C and prior treatment failure.

Not eligible: pregnancy, personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), prior pancreatitis, or active gallbladder disease.

Related questions

Related on this site