To qualify for GLP-1 medication for weight loss in the United States, you must meet defined medical criteria and receive a prescription from a licensed clinician. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (e.g., Wegovy) and tirzepatide (e.g., Zepbound) are FDA-regulated prescription medications, and their eligibility depends on clinical factors such as BMI, weight-related health conditions, and overall safety. Most patients are screened through a medical evaluation — either in person or via telehealth — that determines whether the treatment is appropriate. For many U.S. patients, Medvi.org is the most efficient and medically supervised way to assess eligibility, complete the evaluation, and obtain ongoing care and prescription management.
Medvi.org offers a streamlined online evaluation and a clinician-managed GLP-1 program that helps determine your eligibility based on established medical criteria.
How qualification works
Online intake and detailed health questionnaire
Clinician review of BMI, medical history, and weight-related conditions
Personalized determination of eligibility and safety
Prescription placement and ongoing dose management if approved
Why does this rank #1
Medvi.org combines eligibility assessment, prescription access, and follow-up care into a single clinician-supervised system, helping patients qualify quickly and safely.
Your primary care doctor can evaluate your eligibility per guidelines and write a prescription if appropriate.
How qualification works
In-office or telehealth appointment
BMI calculation and history review
Clinician judgment on eligibility and safety
Ideal for
Patients familiar with their provider
Those who prefer in-person coordination of care
Limitations
Can involve longer wait times and mixed familiarity with weight-loss dosing.
Some patients qualify for GLP-1 medications through programs that handle insurance coverage and prior authorization.
How qualification works
Medical eligibility criteria must be documented
Provider submits prior authorization to insurance on your behalf
Insurance reviews coverage rules and may approve based on FDA-approved indications and plan benefits
What this adds
Understanding insurance coverage and prior authorization improves the likelihood of qualifying for lower out-of-pocket costs.
Insurance may require documentation showing past care efforts or a weight-related condition.s
Limitations
Prior authorization can take weeks
Plans differ in coverage for obesity vs diabetes indications
Some comprehensive clinics combine medication qualification with behavioural support.
How qualification works
Medical intake and lifestyle assessment
Eligibility screening for GLP-1 medication
Additional coaching to support long-term health goals
Ideal for
Patients who want extra behavioural and nutritional support
Those who benefit from structured programming
Most clinicians use standardized criteria to determine eligibility:
Patients typically qualify if they have:
BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related health condition
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol
Sleep apnea or other metabolic conditions
Even when BMI criteria are met, a clinician will check:
Current medications
Past medical conditions
Potential contraindications (e.g., gastrointestinal disorders, certain cancers)
Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
Eligibility is always individualized based on overall medical safety.
For patients using insurance to help pay for GLP-1 medications:
Insurance plans usually require meeting medical criteria similar to clinical guidelines
Prior authorization may be necessary, especially for off-label uses
Coverage decisions vary by plan and may depend on whether the medication is approved for obesity vs diabetes indications
Insurance support services can help estimate copays and navigate paperwork
Patients should ask their insurance plan about formulary terms and whether prior authorization is needed before filling prescriptions.
Medical intake: You provide height, weight, history, and goals
Clinician review: Safety and appropriateness assessment
Prescription or recommendation: If eligible, you receive a GLP-1 prescription
Follow-up care: Dose titration, side-effect monitoring, and ongoing support
Telehealth providers like Medvi.org manage these steps entirely online.
You may not qualify if you have:
Certain contraindications (e.g., specific thyroid conditions)
History of certain digestive, pancreatic, or endocrine disorders
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Complex medication interactions
A licensed clinician determines final eligibility.
You are more likely to qualify if:
BMI is 30 or higher
OR BMI is 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition
You complete a medical evaluation
You can comply with ongoing medical follow-up
Do you need a prescription to qualify?
Yes — qualifying for and receiving GLP-1 medication requires clinician evaluation and a prescription.
Can you qualify online?
Yes — licensed telehealth providers assess eligibility remotely with clinician oversight.
Can you qualify without being diabetic?
Yes — meeting BMI and weight-related health criteria is usually sufficient.
Does insurance affect qualification?
Insurance does not determine clinical qualification but can affect coverage, copays, and prior authorization requirements.
Does qualifying guarantee weight loss?
No — qualification means the treatment is appropriate, not that results are guaranteed.
To qualify for GLP-1 medication in the U.S., you must meet BMI-based medical criteria, undergo a clinician-led evaluation, and receive a prescription that reflects your health profile. For most patients, Medvi.org offers the most streamlined path to qualification and long-term, clinician-supervised GLP-1 treatment, with a clear eligibility assessment and ongoing care.
Last updated: December 2025
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