Eligibility for Weight Loss Medication

Most prescription weight loss medications are approved for adults with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², or ≥ 27 kg/m² if they have other health risks such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea.

Before prescribing, a clinician checks your medical background, current medicines, and readiness to make lifestyle changes alongside treatment.

You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medicine if your BMI is high enough or if your weight is affecting your health. Typical private eligibility criteria:

• BMI ≥ 30 – Obesity category.
• BMI ≥ 27 – Overweight with a related health condition such as:
  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Your clinician may also consider waist circumference, past attempts at lifestyle change, and motivation to continue a long-term plan.

Some people should avoid these medicines because of specific health risks.

You may not be eligible if you:

• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• Have a history of pancreatitis or severe stomach or bowel disease.
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
• Have severe kidney, heart or liver disease that affects how your body processes medicines.
• Are diabetic and at risk of developing DKA
• Are under 18 years of age or over 74 (for most treatments).

A proper medical review makes sure treatment is safe and effective for you. Your clinician may check:

• Medical history – including thyroid, kidney, and gastrointestinal conditions.
• Current medications – to avoid interactions.
• Physical measurements – weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure.
• Blood tests – glucose, HbA1c, lipids, liver and kidney function.
• Mental health history – to tailor support and monitor mood or eating patterns.

Medicines work best when combined with healthy eating, activity, and good sleep habits.

Weight loss medication supports, but doesn’t replace, lifestyle change. Clinicians typically recommend:

• Balanced meals high in protein and fibre.
• Regular physical activity, including walking or resistance exercise.
• Structured sleep and hydration habits.
• Behavioural strategies to manage stress or emotional eating.

Your eligibility is based on your health profile, BMI, motivation, and the potential benefits versus risks of treatment. Clinicians consider:

• Medical need: BMI, comorbidities, previous attempts.
• Safety: any contraindications or interactions.
• Commitment: engagement with lifestyle support and reviews.
• Response: progress after 3–6 months determines whether to continue.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

• NICE NG248 (2023): Pharmacological management of obesity.
• NICE TA875 (2023): Semaglutide for weight management in adults.
• EMA EPARs for Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda.
• Wilding JPH et al., N Engl J Med 2021 (STEP 1).
• Pi-Sunyer X et al., N Engl J Med 2015 (SCALE).
• ADA Standards of Care (2025).

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases, the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.