BMI Meets Criteria
Your BMI may need to meet the criteria established for the specific medication and treatment indication.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
Is a GLP-1 Medication Right for You?
GLP-1 medications can be an option for people managing obesity, overweight, type 2 diabetes, or other conditions for which a specific medication is approved. However, they are not appropriate for everyone.
Before recommending treatment, a healthcare professional may review your medical history, current medications, health conditions, treatment goals, and potential risks.
Eligibility depends on the specific medication, because approved uses, contraindications, warnings, and precautions can differ between GLP-1 and related incretin-based medications.
Important: These markers are intended to help you understand what may be considered during an eligibility assessment. They do not determine eligibility on their own.
IMPORTANT – These markers are intended to help you understand what may be considered during an eligibility assessment. They do not determine eligibility on their own.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
Quick Eligibility Markers
These factors may support consideration of GLP-1 treatment. A healthcare professional must still evaluate your individual circumstances and the requirements of the specific medication.
Obesity
A diagnosis of obesity may meet the weight-related criteria for certain medications approved for chronic weight management.
Overweight + Related Health Condition
Some weight-management medications may be appropriate for people who are overweight and have a qualifying weight-related health condition.
Type 2 Diabetes, Where Applicable
Certain GLP-1 medications are approved to help manage blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.
Weight-Related Health Condition
Conditions associated with excess weight, such as hypertension or dyslipidemia, may be relevant when assessing treatment options.
Age Meets Criteria
Eligibility may depend on the medication's approved age range and the specific condition being treated.
Treatment Goal Matches the Indication
Your reason for seeking treatment should align with an approved indication for the specific medication being considered.
Previous Weight-Management Efforts
Your healthcare professional may consider previous efforts involving nutrition, physical activity, behavior changes, or other weight-management approaches.
No Relevant Contraindications
You should not have a contraindication listed for the specific medication being considered.
No Serious Medication Allergy
A known serious hypersensitivity to the medication or its ingredients may prevent use of that specific treatment.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
Clinical Review Markers
These factors do not necessarily mean that you cannot use a GLP-1 medication. Instead, they may require additional evaluation, monitoring, or treatment adjustments.
Current Medications
Your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements should be reviewed before treatment.
Other GLP-1 Medications
Your healthcare professional may need to confirm whether you are already taking another GLP-1 or related incretin-based medication.
Kidney Health
Kidney function and your risk of dehydration may be considered, particularly if treatment could cause significant vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake.
Gastrointestinal Health
Existing gastrointestinal conditions may require additional assessment because GLP-1 medications can affect gastrointestinal function and cause digestive side effects.
Pancreatitis History
A current or previous history of pancreatitis should be discussed with your healthcare professional before treatment is considered.
Gallbladder History
A history of gallstones, gallbladder disease, or related symptoms may require additional clinical evaluation.
Diabetes Medications
If you use insulin or certain other diabetes medications, your healthcare professional may assess your risk of low blood sugar and determine whether adjustments are needed.
Pregnancy or Pregnancy Plans
Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, and reproductive status should be discussed because some medications are not appropriate for weight management during pregnancy.
Cardiovascular History
Your cardiovascular history may be relevant when determining whether a specific medication is appropriate for your health profile and treatment goals.
Ability to Follow Treatment and Monitoring
Your healthcare professional may consider whether you can follow the prescribed dosing schedule, monitoring requirements, lifestyle recommendations, and follow-up plan.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
Eligibility Is Individual
Meeting several quick eligibility markers does not automatically mean that a GLP-1 medication is right for you. Likewise, having a clinical review marker does not necessarily mean that you cannot receive treatment.
Your healthcare professional may consider the complete picture, including:
Your health historyYour current medicationsYour treatment goalsYour BMI and weight-related health factorsPotential contraindications and safety concernsThe specific medication being consideredThe potential benefits and risks of treatment
The final decision should be based on an individualized clinical assessment and the current prescribing information for the specific medication.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
What Happens During an Eligibility Assessment?
Meeting several quick eligibility markers does not automatically mean that a GLP-1 medication is right for you. Likewise, having a clinical review marker does not necessarily mean that you cannot receive treatment.
Review your health history
Discuss current and previous medical conditions, relevant family history, and previous treatments.
Review your medications
Check prescription medications, OTC products, supplements, and other GLP-1 or related treatments.
Assess your weight and health factors
Review BMI, weight history, and conditions that may be relevant to treatment.
Discuss your treatment goals
Determine whether your goals align with an approved indication for the medication.
Evaluate potential risks
Identify contraindications, warnings, precautions, and factors that may require additional monitoring.
Discuss your treatment plan
If treatment is appropriate, your healthcare professional can explain dosing, follow-up, lifestyle recommendations, and what to expect during treatment.
GLP-1 Eligibility Markers
Check Your Eligibility
If you are considering a GLP-1 medication, a healthcare professional can review your health history, medications, treatment goals, and relevant safety factors to determine whether a specific treatment may be appropriate for you.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – This page provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. Eligibility requirements, approved uses, contraindications, warnings, and precautions can differ between medications and may change as prescribing information is updated. Always review the current prescribing information for the specific medication and speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing treatment.