How BMI is used for GLP-1 treatment
Body mass index (BMI) compares your weight to your height. The FDA labels for GLP-1 weight-management medicines use it as the starting point for who may be treated:
| BMI | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 30 or more | Within the usual range for GLP-1 treatment |
| 27 to 29.9 | May qualify with a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea |
| Under 27 | GLP-1 medication usually isn’t prescribed for weight loss |
BMI isn’t the whole story
BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly and can over- or under-estimate risk, for example in very muscular people or in some ethnic groups. Your clinician looks at your full health history, waist size, other conditions and medications before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
Formula: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)².