Qualifying conditions at BMI 27+ include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
What BMI do you need for GLP-1 medication?
You generally need a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related condition. Those are the FDA-approved criteria for weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound. A BMI of 30+ is classified as obesity.
Qualifying conditions at BMI 27+ include:
Qualifying conditions at BMI 27+ include:
Our 2 favorite GLP-1 providers
The two providers our editors recommend first, with the same checked prices and scores used in our full ranking.
Our Most Popular
1
Exceptional
9.8out of 10
Semaglutide from $69/mo, delivered in 1-2 days
Refund if not approvedFree expedited shipping
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Online doctor review and prescription · Dose changes through the patient portal
Starting price
$79$69/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide $69/mo; tirzepatide $119/mo
- 5-minute questionnaire; doctor review usually within 24 hours
- Free 1-2 day shipping: cold-packed, tracked and insured
- No insurance, no clinic visits, cancel anytime
Pricing starts at
from $69/month
embody prescribes compounded semaglutide at $69/mo and tirzepatide at $119/mo online, ships in 1-2 days, and requires no insurance. Trustpilot: 3.8 from 9,604 reviews.
Read full embody review2
Exceptional
9.7out of 10
Low-cost GLP-1 care: semaglutide from $89/mo
Clear, flat pricingNo insurance needed
Treatments offered
Compounded semaglutide injection (GLP-1) · Compounded tirzepatide injection (GLP-1 + GIP) · Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy · Once-weekly injection schedule
Starting price
$199$89/month
*Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
- Semaglutide from $89/mo; tirzepatide from $149/mo
- Brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy available
- Reviewed by a physician, PA or nurse practitioner
- Free shipping, arriving in about 5-7 days
Pricing starts at
from $89/month
altRx sells compounded semaglutide from $89/month and tirzepatide from $149/month at a flat price per dose, plus brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy. Self-pay, no insurance needed.
Read full altRx reviewWhich health conditions rule out GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 medications are considered unsafe if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- A history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- A history of pancreatitis
- A known allergy to semaglutide or tirzepatide
Is there a minimum or maximum age for GLP-1s?
Most providers prescribe GLP-1 medications to adults 18 and over. Wegovy is FDA-approved for adolescents 12 and older with obesity, but that care usually runs through in-person pediatric endocrinologists rather than telehealth.
There is no firm upper age limit. For older adults, providers weigh kidney function, current medications and overall health, and a careful evaluation matters most for patients over 65.
There is no firm upper age limit. For older adults, providers weigh kidney function, current medications and overall health, and a careful evaluation matters most for patients over 65.
Lowest-priced GLP-1 plans
The cheapest published plans, sorted from lowest price, with the terms listed under every price.
What drugs interact with GLP-1 medications?
The main interactions to know:
- Insulin and sulfonylureas: combining them with a GLP-1 can raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Oral medications in general: slower gastric emptying can change how they are absorbed.
- Oral birth control with tirzepatide: tirzepatide carries a label warning that it can make oral hormonal contraceptives less effective. Use a barrier method or non-oral contraceptive for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase.
Is GLP-1 Treatment Right for You?
GLP-1 medication is prescription-only: a licensed clinician has to decide it is appropriate, and it is not a fit for everyone. Side effects are possible, and they tend to show up in the first few weeks while your body adapts.
Results are usually best when the medication is paired with simple daily habits, such as balanced meals and regular movement.
For both safety and lasting progress, pick a provider that screens you properly before prescribing and keeps following up once treatment starts.
How does a telehealth GLP-1 evaluation work?
A telehealth evaluation usually takes one to three days:
- Fill out a detailed health questionnaire with your medical history and current medications.
- Consult with a licensed provider, often by video or asynchronous messaging.
- Complete lab work if required; some providers ask for recent results, others order labs themselves.
What are your options if you don't qualify for a GLP-1?
Not qualifying for a GLP-1 does not leave you without options. Providers may suggest oral weight-loss medications such as metformin or bupropion-naltrexone, which have different eligibility rules.
Structured programs built around nutrition, behavior change and exercise can also produce real results.
Some people who do not qualify now become eligible later as their health changes. Work with a licensed provider who can review every option and build a plan around you. Take our quiz to find a provider that fits.