FDA eligibility criteria
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are approved for adults who meet one of two criteria:
| BMI | Additional conditions | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| BMI ≥ 30 | None required | Yes — obesity class |
| BMI 27–29.9 | At least 1 weight-related condition | Yes — overweight + comorbidity |
| BMI 25–26.9 | Any conditions | No — below threshold |
| BMI < 25 | Any conditions | No — normal weight range |
Wegovy for CVD: In 2024, Wegovy received an additional FDA approval to reduce cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese adults with established cardiovascular disease — even if weight loss is not the primary goal. This opened Medicare coverage for this indication.
Qualifying health conditions
Any of the following diagnoses, when combined with a BMI of 27+, typically qualifies a patient for a GLP-1 prescription:
- Type 2 diabetes: Also opens eligibility for Ozempic and Mounjaro (the diabetes-approved formulations)
- Prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%): Commonly accepted as a qualifying condition
- Hypertension: Diagnosed high blood pressure, even if managed with medication
- Dyslipidemia: High LDL, low HDL, or high triglycerides
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Diagnosed OSA — Zepbound received additional FDA approval for OSA in 2024
- Established cardiovascular disease: History of heart attack, stroke, or coronary artery disease
Frequently asked questions
Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI 27+ with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
Yes, if you have at least one qualifying health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). Many providers will prescribe GLP-1 medications for BMI 27+ with comorbidities.
Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management (BMI 30+, or 27+ with a condition). Ozempic is FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes management but is commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss. Both contain semaglutide — Wegovy at a higher maintenance dose (2.4mg) vs Ozempic (up to 2.0mg for diabetes).