The FDA Criteria for GLP-1 Prescriptions
FDA guidelines for GLP-1 medications approved for chronic weight management (Wegovy, Zepbound) specify two groups who qualify:
- BMI of 30 or higher(classified as obesity) — no additional conditions required
- BMI of 27–29.9(classified as overweight) — with at least one weight-related health condition
Weight-related health conditions that qualify include high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. Absolute contraindications include:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Prior serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or tirzepatide
Relative cautions (not absolute disqualifiers, but factors we weigh carefully) include a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal conditions, and certain kidney or liver conditions. We review all of this at your consultation.
What Happens at Your First Visit?
At Li Health, your initial weight loss consultation covers your full medical history, current medications and supplements, previous weight loss attempts, any existing conditions, and your goals. I also discuss realistic expectations — what GLP-1 therapy can and cannot do — because setting honest expectations is part of good medicine.
If you're a good candidate, I'll discuss which medication makes the most sense for you, walk through the titration schedule, order any necessary lab work, and send your prescription electronically to your pharmacy.
What If I've Already Tried Diet and Exercise?
This is actually very common — and it doesn't disqualify you. Obesity is a chronic disease with a strong biological component. GLP-1 medications address the hormonal and neurological drivers of weight that willpower alone cannot fix. If you've worked hard with diet and exercise and still struggled to maintain significant weight loss, you're exactly the kind of patient GLP-1 therapy was designed for.
What About Age?
GLP-1 medications are approved for adults 18 and older. Wegovy has also received FDA approval for adolescents 12 and older, though pediatric prescribing involves additional considerations. We see adult patients at Li Health.
| FAQ: Does my BMI have to be 30 to get a GLP-1? No — a BMI of 27 or higher qualifies if you have at least one weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, prediabetes, or high cholesterol. |
| FAQ: Will a doctor prescribe Ozempic just for cosmetic weight loss? Responsible physicians prescribe GLP-1s based on medical criteria, not cosmetic goals. If you meet the BMI threshold and have no contraindications, cosmetic weight loss and health improvement often go hand in hand — but the prescription is grounded in clinical criteria. |
| FAQ: Can I get GLP-1 medication if I have thyroid disease? It depends on the type. Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) is not a contraindication. However, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma IS a contraindication. Your physician will review your thyroid history carefully. |
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Li Health Clinic is a virtual practice led by a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Initial weight loss consultation:$250· Weight Loss Membership:$149/mo· All-Inclusive:$199/mo. Membership spots are limited. Available in MD, VA, DC, GA, CA, and PA. Visitlihealthclinic.comto learn more.
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