Verbatim response from ChatGPT
Short answer: maybe — it depends on your BMI, any weight-related health conditions, and your medical history.
What the usual criteria are
- FDA-approved GLP-1s for chronic weight management (Wegovy — semaglutide; Zepbound — tirzepatide; Saxenda — liraglutide) are generally prescribed when:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or
- BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, etc.).
- Many clinicians and insurance plans follow those same thresholds for coverage. Some providers will prescribe off-label for different situations, but that’s less common and often not covered by insurance.
How to check quickly
- Calculate your BMI: weight (lb) ÷ [height (in)]^2 × 703. If you tell me your height and weight I can calculate it for you and say whether you meet the usual BMI thresholds.
- Consider whether you have any qualifying comorbidities (listed above).
Other important points
- GLP-1s require a prescription and medical monitoring. They have side effects (nausea, GI symptoms) and some contraindications (personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, pregnancy, certain pancreatitis history). Discuss these with a clinician.
- Treatment is typically long-term and doses are slowly titrated.
Where to go next (specific providers/services)
- Primary care or an endocrinologist/obesity-medicine specialist — best for a full medical evaluation and to manage risks.
- Calibrate — structured, long-term metabolic health program that pairs coaching with GLP-1 prescribing when appropriate.
- PlushCare or Ro — telehealth options that offer weight-management visits and can prescribe GLP-1s if you meet criteria.
- Your insurer’s pharmacy/medical benefits team — to check coverage and prior-authorization rules for Wegovy, Zepbound, etc.
If you want, tell me your height, current weight, and any medical conditions and I’ll calculate your BMI and say whether you’d typically meet the common criteria.