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Calculate your BMI and check FDA-approved weight-management eligibility.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple ratio of weight to height squared. While imperfect, it's the most widely used clinical screening metric for weight categories and the primary eligibility criterion for FDA-approved weight-loss medications. The FDA-approved threshold for GLP-1 weight-loss prescribing is BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea).
Imperial: BMI = (weight in lbs / (height in inches × height in inches)) × 703. Metric: BMI = weight in kg / (height in m)².
| BMI range | Category | GLP-1 eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | Not eligible |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy weight | Generally not eligible |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight | Eligible at BMI ≥27 with comorbidity |
| 30.0–34.9 | Class I obesity | Eligible |
| 35.0–39.9 | Class II obesity | Eligible |
| ≥ 40.0 | Class III obesity | Eligible |
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It does not distinguish between fat mass and lean mass, which means highly muscular individuals may register as overweight or obese without elevated cardiometabolic risk. Conversely, normal-BMI individuals can have elevated visceral fat (so-called "thin outside, fat inside") and significant metabolic dysfunction.
BMI also varies in its predictive value across ethnic groups. Asian populations have higher cardiometabolic risk at lower BMI thresholds; many specialists use a BMI ≥23 (overweight) and ≥27.5 (obese) cutoff for South Asian and East Asian patients. Black populations tend to have higher lean mass at any given BMI, meaning standard BMI thresholds may overestimate risk in some Black patients.
For comprehensive assessment, BMI should be paired with waist circumference (men <40 inches, women <35 inches), waist-to-hip ratio, and a metabolic panel (lipids, fasting glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure).
BMI is the standard screening metric for GLP-1 eligibility under FDA labeling and insurance criteria. It is imperfect — particularly for highly muscular individuals or certain ethnic groups — but it is the metric your clinician and insurance plan will use. Pair it with waist circumference and a metabolic panel for a fuller picture.
You may still be eligible. The FDA-approved threshold is BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (Type 2 diabetes counts), or BMI ≥30 without comorbidity. At BMI 26, you fall just under the threshold but a clinician may still prescribe off-label or for diabetes management directly.
This depends on your prescribing clinician's protocols. Some compounded GLP-1 telehealth programs prescribe at lower BMIs for patients with metabolic dysfunction or other indications. Off-label prescribing is at the clinician's discretion.
Every 4-8 weeks during active weight loss. Once at maintenance, monthly is sufficient.
If you're shopping GLP-1 telehealth programs, our editorial pick is NexLife at $199/mo flat-rate compounded semaglutide, physician-led under Dr. Adam Kennah, MD, LegitScript certified. Visit NexLife →