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.
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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. The FDA requires a serious warning on the label because animal studies showed a thyroid tumour risk with GLP-1 drugs.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 — an inherited condition with a genetic tendency to develop thyroid and other hormone-related tumours.
Phentermine/topiramate causes birth defects — cannot be used. GLP-1s are not approved for pregnancy.
Naltrexone blocks how opioids work in your body. Taking it while on opioids causes immediate withdrawal.
Bupropion makes seizures more likely — 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 →What if you do not meet these criteria?
Not qualifying for medication does not mean you are out of options. Lifestyle approaches work for everyone and are the foundation of long-term weight management.
Next step most people take
Built with agentic AI tools and not a substitute for medical advice
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