Am I eligible?
Quick read · 4 min
Most weight loss drugs require a BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI 27+ with a qualifying health condition. A doctor makes the final call.
BMI eligibility at a glance
A doctor makes the final decision. This shows the general FDA-approved thresholds.
Check your BMI
Enter your height and weight to see your number and whether you would likely meet the standard criteria. This is a guide only — a doctor makes the final decision.
BMI Calculator
Standard FDA eligibility criteria
Classified as obesity. Eligible for all FDA-approved weight loss medications regardless of whether other health conditions are present.
Source: FDA approved indications + WHO GLP-1 guideline 2024 [1]
Reasons your doctor might say no
Personal or family history of this rare thyroid cancer. FDA black box warning — animal studies showed tumour risk at GLP-1 receptor sites in thyroid tissue.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 — an inherited condition involving genetic tendency to develop thyroid and other endocrine tumours.
Phentermine/topiramate causes birth defects — cannot be used. GLP-1s are not approved for pregnancy.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. Taking it while on opioids causes immediate withdrawal.
Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold — not suitable for people with a seizure history.
Phentermine is a stimulant — not suitable in narrow-angle glaucoma or overactive thyroid.
⚠️ BMI isn't perfect
Think you might qualify? Next step: talk to your doctor
Find out what to bring to the appointment, how to frame the conversation, and what to do if your GP is unfamiliar with current treatments.
How to talk to your doctor →Think you might qualify? Next step: talk to your doctor
Find out what to bring to the appointment, how to frame the conversation, and what to do if your GP is unfamiliar with current treatments.
How to talk to your doctor →Next step most people take
Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: April 2026