Quick answer
As of September 2026, the FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines for chronic weight management are labeled for adults with obesity, or adults with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition. In BMI terms, the National Institutes of Health puts that at a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related health problem such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. A BMI calculator tells you which side of those lines you are on; a licensed physician decides whether treatment is appropriate.
One of the most common questions people ask about GLP-1 weight loss treatment is: "Do I qualify?"
While every provider has their own criteria, the general guidelines are based on Body Mass Index (BMI), a widely used screening tool that estimates body fat based on your height and weight. You can get your exact number in seconds with our BMI calculator.
Let's break down what these numbers mean, where they come from, what a physician looks at beyond them, and whether you might qualify.
What BMI do you need to qualify for GLP-1 treatment?
The BMI to qualify for GLP-1 treatment follows the populations the approved weight-management medicines were studied in.
You may be a candidate for a physician's evaluation if:
Option A: Your BMI is 30 or higher (obesity). A weight-related condition is not required at this level.
Option B: Your BMI is 27 to 29.9 (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition.
Where do the numbers 30 and 27 come from?
Many pages say the FDA label "requires" a BMI of 30. It does not put it that way. The prescribing information for semaglutide injection, tirzepatide and liraglutide describes the approved weight-management population in words: adults with obesity, or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
The numbers come from two primary sources:
- The clinical trials summarized in each label. The main weight-management studies enrolled adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 to just under 30 with at least one weight-related condition.
- NIH patient guidance. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says a health care professional may prescribe a weight management medication for an adult with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with weight-related health problems.
So 30 and 27 are the reference points physicians work from, not a switch printed in the indication. The labels describe FDA-approved products, and physicians use these criteria as the clinical reference when deciding whether any GLP-1 treatment fits a patient.
What weight is a BMI of 27 or 30 at my height?
The table below turns the thresholds into pounds using the standard formula: weight (lb) = BMI × height (in)² ÷ 703. Figures are rounded and informational only.
| Height | BMI 27 | BMI 30 | BMI 40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" | 129 lb | 144 lb | 191 lb |
| 5'0" | 138 lb | 154 lb | 205 lb |
| 5'2" | 148 lb | 164 lb | 219 lb |
| 5'4" | 157 lb | 175 lb | 233 lb |
| 5'6" | 167 lb | 186 lb | 248 lb |
| 5'8" | 178 lb | 197 lb | 263 lb |
| 5'10" | 188 lb | 209 lb | 279 lb |
| 6'0" | 199 lb | 221 lb | 295 lb |
| 6'2" | 210 lb | 234 lb | 312 lb |
| 6'4" | 222 lb | 246 lb | 329 lb |
As a cross-check, the CDC's own example for an adult who is 5 feet 9 inches tall places the start of the obesity range at 203 pounds, which is what the formula gives. For heights between rows, or to use metric units, the BMI calculator gives the exact figure.
What counts as a weight-related condition?
It helps to separate three tiers.
Named in the label trials. The semaglutide and liraglutide weight-management trials give treated or untreated dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides) and hypertension (high blood pressure) as examples. The tirzepatide trials name dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. People with type 2 diabetes were excluded from those main trials and studied in separate trials that enrolled adults with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 27 or more.
Named by NIH. NIDDK gives high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes as examples of weight-related health problems.
Other conditions a physician may weigh. Prediabetes, fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and joint pain or osteoarthritis related to weight are real weight-related health concerns, but they are not on the example lists in the label trials or the NIH page cited here. Whether they count toward the threshold is physician judgment, not a rule you can read off a label.
In practice, the physician looks for a condition that is documented or can be confirmed, such as blood pressure readings, a cholesterol panel or a sleep study.
Why is the line at 27 and not 25?
The CDC defines adult overweight as a BMI of 25 to less than 30. The weight-management trials behind the labels, however, enrolled people with overweight starting at 27, together with a weight-related condition. So a BMI of 25 to 26.9 counts as overweight yet sits below every weight-management trial population in these labels. The weight-management trials in these labels do not cover that range, which is why the reference point is 27, not 25.
What is BMI and how is it calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat. It has limitations, since it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition, but it is the standard screening tool healthcare providers use to assess weight-related health risks.
How to Calculate Your BMI
Metric formula (CDC): BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
US formula: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches squared) × 703
*Quick reference:*
- A person who is 5'5" and weighs 180 pounds has a BMI of approximately 30
- A person who is 5'8" and weighs 200 pounds has a BMI of approximately 30
BMI Categories
CDC categories for adults 20 and older:
- Less than 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to less than 25: Healthy weight
- 25 to less than 30: Overweight
- 30 to less than 35: Obesity Class 1
- 35 to less than 40: Obesity Class 2
- 40 or greater: Obesity Class 3 (severe obesity)
How do you calculate your BMI at home?
You can calculate your BMI in seconds using a simple formula or online calculator. Here's the manual method:
- Weigh yourself in pounds
- Measure your height in inches
- Divide your weight by your height squared
- Multiply by 703
For example, someone who is 5'7" (67 inches) and weighs 210 pounds:
- 67 × 67 = 4,489
- 210 ÷ 4,489 = 0.0468
- 0.0468 × 703 = BMI of 32.9
A BMI of 32.9 falls in Obesity Class 1. BMI is one screening input; whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate is always a licensed physician's decision.
What if BMI doesn't tell the whole story?
Some people, particularly athletes or people with high muscle mass, may have a high BMI but low body fat. Others may have a normal BMI but carry excess abdominal fat, which poses health risks.
The CDC notes that BMI does not distinguish between fat, muscle and bone mass, and does not show where in the body a person carries fat. It calls BMI a screening measure to weigh alongside medical history, health behaviors, exam findings and lab results. The NHLBI puts it plainly: your BMI is just one piece of the puzzle, and there is more to obesity than BMI.
Waist size is a simple addition. The NHLBI states that a waist circumference of more than 35 inches for women, or more than 40 inches for men, increases risk. To measure, stand, place a tape measure around your middle just above your hipbones, and read it just after you breathe out. On keeping muscle, see GLP-1 treatment and muscle.
BMI is just one piece of the puzzle: what else does a physician check?
While BMI is the primary screening tool for GLP-1 eligibility, it's not the only factor your doctor will consider.
Other Factors That Matter
- Medical history: Any conditions that might affect treatment safety
- Current medications: Possible drug interactions
- Previous weight loss attempts: History of diet and exercise efforts
- Waist circumference: An additional measure of abdominal fat
- Metabolic health markers: Blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure
- Family history: Especially medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2
- Pregnancy and plans: Current pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive
What rules treatment out under the labels
The labels list two contraindications: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to the active ingredient or its excipients. No BMI result overrides either one.
What needs a careful conversation first
These are warnings and precautions in the labels, not automatic exclusions:
- A history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
- Severe gastroparesis, where the labels say use is not recommended
- Diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes
- Insulin or a sulfonylurea, because of the risk of low blood sugar
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant; the semaglutide label states that weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant patient and may cause fetal harm
- Oral hormonal birth control, which the tirzepatide label addresses directly
- A planned surgery or procedure under anesthesia or deep sedation
- Another GLP-1 medicine; the labels say combining them is not recommended
New to this class of medicine? Start with what GLP-1 medication is.
How does this calculator relate to your physician's decision?
The calculator informs; the physician decides. It turns two measurements into one number. It cannot see your blood pressure, lab results, medications, family history or pregnancy plans, and it cannot confirm a diagnosis, which is why nothing is prescribed from a number. A result above 30 is not an approval, and a result below 27 is not a verdict on your health. At Majesta Health, a US-licensed physician reviews the file and decides whether treatment is appropriate, and nothing is charged unless a physician approves treatment. You can read about our medical team and when you are charged.
What if your BMI is below the threshold?
If your BMI is under 27, you are below the range the weight-management trials in these labels enrolled and below the NIH reference points. NIDDK is clear that weight management medications aren't for everyone with a high BMI, and points to lifestyle programs that change eating and activity habits. You should still speak with a healthcare provider about other evidence-based approaches that might work for you. See is GLP-1 right for you.
Can you take GLP-1 medications if your BMI is higher than 40?
Yes, a higher BMI does not by itself rule out treatment. The label indications describe adults with obesity and set no upper BMI limit. At a higher BMI, a physician also weighs related conditions such as joint pain, sleep apnea and blood sugar before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
How to check if you may qualify, step by step
- Measure your height, weight and waist.
- Calculate your BMI with the BMI calculator or the formula above.
- List diagnosed conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.
- List medications and family history, including any thyroid cancer in the family, and note pregnancy plans.
- Let a physician review it. The process from intake to decision is covered in how to qualify for compounded semaglutide, and you can confirm we serve your state on our states page.
What does treatment cost if a physician approves it?
Majesta Health keeps one published price per plan:
- Essential (compounded semaglutide injection): $179 for the first month, then $299 every 30 days.
- Performance (compounded tirzepatide injection): $339 for the first month, then $439 every 30 days.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as final products. If a physician approves treatment, a state-licensed 503A pharmacy prepares a patient-specific prescription. Nothing is charged unless a physician approves treatment. Full details are on our pricing page. Meeting the label criteria is not the same as insurance coverage; for that question, see does insurance cover compounded GLP-1.
Ready to find out if you qualify?
The way to know if GLP-1 treatment is right for you is to speak with a licensed physician.
Start your 2-minute medical assessment to connect with a licensed physician who can evaluate your complete health profile and determine if GLP-1 treatment is appropriate. Enrollment is on early access for now, and we will email you when it opens.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Medication is prescribed only if a licensed physician determines it is appropriate. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary. Prices are Majesta Health's published prices as of September 2026 and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI do you need to qualify for GLP-1?
The approved weight-management labels describe adults with obesity, or adults with overweight plus at least one weight-related comorbid condition. The trials behind those labels, and NIH patient guidance, translate that into a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. Meeting the number makes you a candidate for evaluation; a US-licensed physician makes the decision after reviewing your full medical history.
Can I get GLP-1 if my BMI is below 30?
Possibly, if your BMI is 27 or higher and you have at least one weight-related health condition that a physician can confirm. Below 27, you are outside the populations the weight-management trials in these labels enrolled, and outside the NIH reference points for weight management medication. A physician can talk with you about other evidence-based approaches instead.
How do I calculate my BMI for GLP-1 eligibility?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared, or multiply your weight in pounds by 703 and divide by your height in inches squared. As a check, a 5 foot 4 inch adult who weighs 175 pounds lands at about 30, and a 5 foot 9 inch adult who weighs 183 pounds lands at about 27. The BMI calculator on this site does the math for you. Treat the result as a screening number: CDC describes BMI as one indicator to weigh alongside history, exam findings and lab results.
What other factors matter for GLP-1 eligibility besides BMI?
Two findings rule these medicines out under their labels: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, and a prior serious allergic reaction to the medicine. Other findings call for a careful conversation rather than an automatic no, including past pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastroparesis, diabetic retinopathy, kidney problems, pregnancy or pregnancy plans, and use of insulin, a sulfonylurea or oral birth control.
Can teenagers or older adults qualify for GLP-1?
For teens, it depends on the medicine. The semaglutide injection and liraglutide labels include adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity; the semaglutide pediatric trial enrolled teens with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex, and the liraglutide label adds a body weight above 60 kg. The tirzepatide label states that safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. For older adults, the label indications set no upper age limit, and the trials included people aged 65 and older; a physician weighs other conditions and medications that become more common with age.
Is a BMI of 27 enough on its own?
No. At 27 to just under 30, the label populations also require at least one weight-related condition. Without one, a BMI in that range sits in the overweight category but outside the group the weight-management trials enrolled.
Does the calculator decide whether I get a prescription?
No. The calculator only turns height and weight into a number. A licensed physician reviews your history, conditions, medications and goals, and nothing is prescribed from a number alone. A result above 30 is not an approval, and a result below 27 is not a diagnosis.
Does a high BMI from muscle count?
BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so a muscular person can score in the overweight or obesity range without carrying excess body fat. That is one reason a physician also looks at waist size, blood pressure, lab results and history before deciding whether a weight-management medicine fits.
Sources
This article is based on the following primary sources. Links open the original documents.
- 1.Prescribing information, semaglutide injection and tablets (DailyMed) · National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · accessed
- 2.Prescribing information, tirzepatide injection for chronic weight management (DailyMed) · National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · accessed
- 3.Prescribing information, liraglutide injection for chronic weight management (DailyMed) · National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · accessed
- 4.Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight and Obesity · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · accessed
- 5.Understanding Adult Overweight and Obesity · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · accessed
- 6.Calculate Your BMI · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · accessed
- 7.What Are Overweight and Obesity? · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · accessed
- 8.Aim for a Healthy Weight · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · accessed
- 9.Adult BMI Categories · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · accessed
- 10.About Body Mass Index (BMI) · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · accessed
Is this available in your state?
Telehealth rules differ by state, and so does what a physician can prescribe remotely. Each state page covers the local telehealth requirements, whether a video visit is required, and the current status of our physician coverage there.
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
- Ohio
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Washington
Majesta Health articles are written against primary sources (FDA labeling, NIH and CDC publications, state statutes) and each one passes a documented compliance review before publication. Where an article cites external sources, they are listed at the end of that article so you can check them yourself. No article currently carries an individual physician review; when a physician reviews an article, that page will show the reviewer's name, NPI and review date.
- Written against primary sources: FDA labeling and safety communications, NIH and CDC publications, state statutes and medical board rules
- Documented compliance review against FDA, FTC and LegitScript requirements before publication
- External sources, where an article cites them, are listed at the end of that article with links to the original documents
- Compounded medications are described as not FDA-approved as final products on every page that mentions them