What BMI do I need to qualify for semaglutide?

FDA-approved prescribing guidelines for weight loss typically require a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Individual providers may apply additional criteria.

What health conditions disqualify you from semaglutide?

Contraindications include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, active pancreatitis, and certain kidney conditions. Pregnancy is also a contraindication. Your provider will review your full health history.

What if I was denied by one provider?

Criteria vary slightly between platforms. If one provider declines your application, another may evaluate your profile differently. Be honest with your health history — providers make decisions based on your actual risk profile.

Do I need to have tried other weight loss methods first?

Some providers ask about prior weight loss attempts, but it is typically not a hard requirement for compounded semaglutide via telehealth. The key factor is meeting the BMI threshold with or without a qualifying condition.

How long does the intake process take?

The intake form itself takes 15–20 minutes. Provider review typically happens within 24–48 hours on most platforms. If approved, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy and medication ships shortly after.

Home / Guides / How to Qualify for Semaglutide

Last updated March 2026 · How we research

How to qualify for semaglutide online

The main criteria are straightforward: a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a related health condition. Here's what telehealth providers actually look at and what to expect from the intake process.

The gist

Typical eligibility: BMI 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
You complete an online intake; a licensed provider reviews it and prescribes if you qualify.
No referral or in-person visit is required for most telehealth programs.

Check your eligibility now

Core eligibility criteria

BMI ≥ 30: This is the primary threshold. BMI of 30 or above qualifies as obesity under standard clinical guidelines, which is the primary indication for GLP-1 weight loss treatment.
BMI ≥ 27 + a qualifying condition: If your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, you may still qualify with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), or obstructive sleep apnea.
No contraindications: You cannot have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome. Active pancreatitis or severe kidney disease may also disqualify you. Your provider reviews your intake responses.
18+ years old: All major online programs require you to be at least 18. Wegovy is FDA-approved for adolescents 12+ in some clinical contexts, but online telehealth programs typically serve adults only.

What the intake process looks like

1
Fill out the health questionnaire
Takes 15–20 minutes. Covers current weight, height, health history, medications, and any contraindications. Honest answers are important — providers are making clinical decisions based on your inputs.
2
Provider reviews your profile
A licensed prescriber (typically a physician or NP) reviews your intake. This usually takes 24–48 hours. They may ask follow-up questions via the platform's messaging system.
3
Prescription issued if approved
If you meet the criteria, your provider writes a prescription for your starting dose of semaglutide or tirzepatide.
4
Medication ships to your door
Your first month's supply is dispensed by a compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you. Subsequent refills are typically automatic or require a quick monthly check-in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information — Indications and Usage (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition). U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Related: What semaglutide costs online

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptides and GLP-1 medications require a prescription and should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results vary. Always consult a doctor before starting any new medication or compound.