GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have become some of the most talked-about options for weight management and type 2 diabetes. They’re not quick fixes, but for the right person, they can make weight loss more sustainable and metabolic health easier to manage. The key is knowing whether you actually qualify.
Not everyone is a candidate for GLP-1 treatment. Providers look at specific criteria, like BMI, health conditions, and age, to determine whether the benefits outweigh any risks.
Questions like “Do I qualify for GLP-1?” or “Who is eligible for these medications?” are among the most common people ask when they first consider treatment. By understanding how the qualifications work, you’ll be better prepared for a conversation with your provider and feel more confident about whether this path fits your long-term goals.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone your body releases after meals. This hormone signals fullness to your brain, slows digestion so you stay satisfied longer, and helps steady blood sugar levels. Together, these effects make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived and to avoid the energy crashes that often drive cravings.
For people struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes, these mechanisms can be life-changing. By reducing hunger and improving blood sugar control, GLP-1s give you a stronger foundation to follow through on healthier habits. Instead of relying solely on willpower, your body is working with you, not against you.
But because GLP-1s affect multiple systems at once, they’re not appropriate for everyone. That’s why GLP-1 eligibility matters. Providers carefully review your health profile to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks and that this type of treatment aligns with your long-term goals.
Do I Qualify for GLP-1?
If you’ve been wondering how to qualify for GLP-1, the answer comes down to a few key factors. Providers look at your body mass index or BMI, your health history, and your age to determine whether you’re a candidate. These aren’t arbitrary rules, they’re based on how the medication works in the body and what makes it both safe and effective.
Broadly speaking, who is eligible for GLP-1 treatment includes adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with another health condition, like high blood pressure. People with type 2 diabetes may also qualify, even at lower BMIs, because GLP-1s improve blood sugar control as well as appetite regulation.
Understanding the basic qualifications can help you feel more prepared, but you can get GLP-1 from your doctor and your provider will walk you through the specifics.
BMI Requirements
If your BMI is 30 or higher, you typically qualify based on BMI alone. This is the threshold for clinical obesity, where GLP-1s are often prescribed to support safe, sustained weight loss.
If your BMI is 27 or higher but below 30, you may still qualify, but only if you also have a secondary health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. These conditions increase health risks, which is why GLP-1 therapy may be appropriate even if you aren’t in the obesity range.
If your BMI is below 27, you usually won’t qualify unless there’s another significant medical factor, such as type 2 diabetes.
This tiered system ensures that GLP-1s are used where they can provide the most benefit, while minimizing unnecessary risks.
Health Condition Criteria
In addition to BMI, your health conditions play a big role in determining eligibility for GLP-1 medications. The most common example is type 2 diabetes, since GLP-1s were originally developed to help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may qualify for a GLP-1 even at a lower BMI.
Other conditions can also serve as qualifying factors when combined with being overweight or obese. These include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol or triglycerides (dyslipidemia)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Prediabetes or insulin resistance
- Cardiovascular disease or elevated heart disease risk
If you’re exploring whether you might qualify for semaglutide or tirzepatide, these are the conditions providers will consider.
Age Requirements
Age is another factor in deciding whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate. Most GLP-1s are approved for adults 18 and older. If you’re under 18, you generally won’t qualify unless a specific product has adolescent approval.
Currently, Wegovy (semaglutide) is the only GLP-1 approved for adolescents ages 12 and up who meet the criteria for obesity. This makes it an option for younger patients struggling with serious weight-related health concerns under close medical supervision.
If you’re looking into whether you meet the criteria for medications like tirzepatide, it’s important to note that it’s currently approved only for adults. Your provider will take your age into account when reviewing eligibility, ensuring the medication is both safe and effective for your stage of life.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for GLP-1?
While GLP-1 medications are highly effective for many people, they aren’t a safe fit for everyone. Just as providers look for specific criteria that make you eligible, they also check for factors that may rule you out. This helps prevent side effects, interactions, or complications that could outweigh the benefits.
You may not be a good candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take certain medications that interact with GLP-1s, or have specific medical conditions in your history. These exclusions don’t mean you don’t have options for weight or blood sugar management, they simply mean your provider will guide you toward safer alternatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Mothers
GLP-1 medications aren’t safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because they affect appetite and blood sugar regulation and may pass to the baby, providers recommend avoiding them if you’re pregnant, planning to conceive, or nursing.
If you become pregnant while on a GLP-1, your provider will advise stopping right away. During this time, safer options like nutrition guidance and lifestyle strategies can help support your health without added risk.
Medication Interactions
Some medications don’t pair well with GLP-1s and may make you a poor candidate (or require careful supervision). Tell your provider if you take:
- Insulin or sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride): Present a higher risk of low blood sugar when combined
- Oral contraceptives: Tirzepatide can lower pill absorption; you may need backup contraception after starting or increasing the dose.
- Levothyroxine: Slowed stomach emptying can change absorption; dose monitoring is often required.
- Warfarin or other narrow-therapeutic-index drugs: Absorption changes may affect INR or blood levels.
- Drugs that slow gut motility (opioids, anticholinergics): Can worsen GLP-1–related GI side effects.
- DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, linagliptin): Duplicative incretin therapy; generally not used together.
If you rely on any of the above and adjustments aren’t feasible, a GLP-1 may not be the safest choice. Bring a full medication list to your visit so your clinician can map the safest path forward.
Medical History
Certain medical conditions may make GLP-1s unsafe. These include a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal issues such as gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and low blood pressure that could be worsened by the medication’s effects. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 should also avoid GLP-1s.
If any of these apply to you, your provider will likely recommend other safe and effective approaches to weight or blood sugar management.
Other Considerations Before Taking GLP-1
Some factors don’t automatically disqualify you from GLP-1 treatment but are worth weighing before you begin. These include your goals, tolerance for side effects, and ability to commit to a long-term plan. Thinking through these considerations with your weight management provider ensures the medication is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Goals
GLP-1s are best suited for people seeking long-term weight management, improved blood sugar control, or reduced health risks. They may not be ideal if your goal is quick, short-term weight loss. Clarifying your reasons helps your provider decide whether a GLP-1 supports your overall health goals.
Side Effects
Most people experience side effects in the first few weeks, including nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. These often improve as your body adjusts, but the severity can depend on which GLP-1 you use and how quickly the dose increases. If side effects feel overwhelming, another medication, or a slower dosing schedule, may be a better fit.
Cost
GLP-1 medications are a significant monthly expense, often ranging from hundreds to over a thousand dollars without insurance. Coverage varies—many insurers approve them for type 2 diabetes but not always for weight loss. Compounded versions may be more affordable, but it’s important to review all options with your provider.
I Qualify. How Do I Get GLP-1?
If you qualify, the next step is finding the best way to start treatment. Here are the most common options:
- Online providers like OrderlyMeds: Convenient and discreet, with access to GLP-1s such as semaglutide and tirzepatide in compounded and personalized forms, plus ongoing support.
- Local weight loss clinics: In-person care with specialists who can guide you through eligibility, dosing, and follow-up visits.
- Primary care physician: A good choice if you want your GLP-1 prescription integrated into your overall health management and routine care.
Each path has its benefits, and the right choice depends on your preferences for accessibility, cost, and the level of ongoing support you want.
Qualify for GLP-1 Medication at OrderlyMeds
OrderlyMeds makes starting GLP-1 therapy simple and supportive. Patients can access semaglutide and tirzepatide in convenient, compounded forms that fit easily into everyday life.
But what truly sets OrderlyMeds apart is the holistic care team that comes with your prescription. Alongside your provider, you’ll have access to a registered dietitian for personalized meal guidance, a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist to help you stay active, and a support team that ensures your plan fits your real life. This combination means you’re not just getting medication—you’re gaining a structured program designed to help you succeed long term.
