Who is typically eligible
The FDA-approved labels for weight-loss GLP-1s such as Wegovy and Zepbound cover adults with:
- a BMI of 30 or higher, or
- a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
A clinician also checks for reasons the medication may not be suitable, such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, pregnancy, or certain other conditions and medications.
The usual steps
- Online questionnaire: your health history, current medications, height and weight.
- Clinician review: a licensed clinician reviews it. Some providers ask for lab work, a photo ID or a video visit.
- Decision: the clinician decides whether a GLP-1, or another option, is suitable. They may decide none is.
- Prescription: medication ships to you or is sent to a pharmacy, including manufacturer pharmacies like LillyDirect and NovoCare.
- Follow-up: regular check-ins to adjust the dose and discuss side effects.
Questions worth asking a provider
- Are the medications brand-name and FDA-approved, or compounded?
- What is the all-in monthly cost, including membership, consult and shipping fees?
- Is there a minimum commitment or a different price after the first month?
- Will they check insurance coverage?
- How do you reach a clinician if you have side effects?
Red flags
- No health questionnaire or clinician review.
- Selling "semaglutide" or "tirzepatide" without a prescription, or as a "research chemical".
- Claims that a supplement works the same as a prescription GLP-1.
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Sources
GLP1Rated is for general information only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs with real risks and side effects. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.