GLP-1 Eligibility: Who’s a Good Candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Written by Olivera Weight Loss, Medically Reviewed by Jessica Ringwood, NP.
If you want to lose weight and are asking yourself, “Am I a candidate for GLP-1?” you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll learn what providers consider when someone is interested in trying GLP-1 for weight loss.
Is a GLP-1 Right for You? Let’s Find Out
GLP-1 eligibility isn’t simply a matter of personal desire to lose weight, but it is an essential starting point. Your provider will need to review your health history, current health and other factors. When you come in for a consultation at Olivera Weight Loss, we want you to be informed, not anxious, about your choice; eligibility is a clinical decision. During the consultation, you and your provider will review the details so you have the answers you need about your eligibility.
Who Typically Qualifies
Many people qualify for GLP-1 medication, but specific criteria apply. Typically most overweight and obese people qualify.
Your provider first checks the GLP-1 BMI requirements, but other qualifying conditions also apply. These include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. If you’re researching GLP-1 with diabetes or GLP-1 with PCOS, those conditions may affect your eligibility. Your provider will still consider your complete health history before recommending treatment.
Who May Not Be a Candidate
Remember, eligibility is a clinical decision. Even if you have conditions that might make you ineligible, don’t rule yourself out without consulting a provider at Olivera Weight Loss.
Certain health conditions can make GLP-1 medications inappropriate or require additional evaluation. Pregnancy is one example. A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is another. MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2) is also a contraindication for semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Severe gastrointestinal problems and a history of pancreatitis should be disclosed to and discussed with your provider.
If you are not a candidate for GLP-1, you may find support for your weight loss goals with alternative treatments, such as phentermine.
How Olivera Weight Loss Determines Eligibility
Your evaluation at Olivera Weight Loss begins with your provider reviewing your medical history and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. If you’ve previously attempted to lose weight, we’ll want to know all about it, too.
We can review recent lab results if you have them. If additional testing is needed, we can order lab work as part of the evaluation.
You’ll discuss your weight loss goals and health history in depth with your provider. Olivera Weight Loss consultations are available from our bilingual care team in both English and Spanish. We’ll discuss any GLP-1 contraindications directly. After the provider answers your questions, they will recommend an appropriate medication if you are deemed an eligible candidate. This personalized approach is one way Olivera Weight Loss stands out.
What to Bring to Your First Consult
A current list of medications and supplements helps your provider know what you’re taking before recommending a GLP-1 medication. Bring any recent lab results if available, but you don’t need to complete lab work before scheduling. Olivera Weight Loss can order it if necessary.
Olivera Weight Loss operates on a cash-pay basis, so there’s no need to bring an insurance card. New patients pay a $99 deposit when scheduling their first GLP-1 consultation. This deposit is applied to the cost of the office visit.
If you’re considering phentermine instead, the consultation deposit is $25, and it is also applied to the cost of the office visit.
Can I Take GLP-1s If…
Most thyroid conditions don’t automatically prevent you from taking a GLP-1 medication. However, a personal or family history of MTC is different and needs to be discussed with your provider.
Many people take other medications while on GLP-1 treatment. Your provider will review your complete medication list to identify potential interactions or other concerns.
You may still be a candidate after bariatric surgery. The type of procedure, when you had it, your current health and your previous weight loss treatment all factor into the decision.
These conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from treatment. Your provider can review your current medications and discuss any concerns before recommending treatment.
GLP-1 treatment is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. You should also inform your provider if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Your Eligibility, Confirmed by a Provider
The only way to accurately determine whether you can take semaglutide or another GLP-1 is to consult with a licensed provider, such as Olivera Weight Loss. The eligibility assessment we conduct is a conversation with a provider who reviews your whole health history. It’s not just a form that you fill out online.
Scheduling a consultation lets you explain your situation, ask questions and find out whether semaglutide, tirzepatide or another treatment is an option for you and your provider to consider.
Schedule a consultation to find out if you qualify.
No pressure, just answers.