Am I a Candidate for GLP-1 Medication? A Self-Assessment Guide
Wondering if semaglutide or tirzepatide could be right for you? This guide walks through the qualification criteria, contraindications, and questions to ask yourself before seeking treatment.
You have read about the results. You know people who have transformed their health with semaglutide or tirzepatide. Now you want to know: is this for me? While only a licensed healthcare provider can determine if GLP-1 medication is appropriate for your specific situation, this self-assessment guide helps you understand the general criteria.
Medical Disclaimer
This self-assessment is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical evaluation. A licensed provider must evaluate your individual health profile before prescribing any medication.
You May Be a Good Candidate If...
Qualifying Factors
- Your BMI is 30 or above (use an online BMI calculator)
- Your BMI is 27-29.9 AND you have at least one of: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, heart disease, or PCOS
- You are 18 years or older
- You have tried lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) with limited long-term success
- You do not have any of the contraindications listed below
- You are willing to make lifestyle changes alongside medication
- You are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future
You Should NOT Take GLP-1 If...
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Active pancreatitis or history of severe pancreatitis
- Known allergy to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any component
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Active eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or active bulimia)
- Severe gastroparesis
Conditions That Require Discussion
Tell Your Provider About
- History of pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Kidney disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Current use of insulin or sulfonylureas
- History of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
- Planned surgery in the near future
- History of eating disorders
Having any of these conditions does not automatically disqualify you, but your provider needs to weigh the risks and benefits carefully and may require additional monitoring.
Understanding Your BMI
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. While imperfect as a health metric, BMI is the standard clinical tool for determining GLP-1 eligibility. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI of 30 to 34.9 is Class I obesity. A BMI of 35 to 39.9 is Class II obesity. And a BMI of 40 or above is Class III (severe) obesity.
For reference: a 5'6" person weighing 186 pounds has a BMI of 30. A 5'10" person weighing 209 pounds has a BMI of 30. Use any free online BMI calculator to check yours.
Your Next Steps
If you believe you may be a candidate based on this self-assessment, your next step is a medical evaluation with a licensed provider. Trimi's online health profile takes about 5 minutes to complete. A licensed provider reviews your information and determines if GLP-1 treatment is appropriate within 24 to 48 hours. If you are not a candidate, your provider will explain why and may suggest alternatives.
There is no cost for completing the health profile, and no obligation to proceed if you are approved. Think of it as a free eligibility check from a real medical professional.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications help millions of people achieve sustainable weight loss. If you meet the BMI criteria, do not have contraindications, and are ready to commit to treatment alongside healthy lifestyle changes, you are likely a good candidate. The only way to know for certain is to complete a medical evaluation.
Find Out If You Qualify
Complete a free health profile. Semaglutide from $99/mo, tirzepatide from $125/mo if approved.
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Sources & References
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021;384:989-1002.
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. NEJM 2022;387:205-216.
- Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. NEJM 2023;389:2221-2232.
- FDA Prescribing Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).