How to qualify for semaglutide online
The main criteria are straightforward: a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a related health condition. Here's what telehealth providers actually look at and what to expect from the intake process.
Check your eligibility nowCore eligibility criteria
BMI ≥ 30
This is the primary threshold. BMI of 30 or above qualifies as obesity under standard clinical guidelines, which is the primary indication for GLP-1 weight loss treatment.
BMI ≥ 27 + a qualifying condition
If your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, you may still qualify with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), or obstructive sleep apnea.
No contraindications
You cannot have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome. Active pancreatitis or severe kidney disease may also disqualify you. Your provider reviews your intake responses.
18+ years old
All major online programs require you to be at least 18. Wegovy is FDA-approved for adolescents 12+ in some clinical contexts, but online telehealth programs typically serve adults only.
What the intake process looks like
- 1
Fill out the health questionnaire
Takes 15–20 minutes. Covers current weight, height, health history, medications, and any contraindications. Honest answers are important — providers are making clinical decisions based on your inputs.
- 2
Provider reviews your profile
A licensed prescriber (typically a physician or NP) reviews your intake. This usually takes 24–48 hours. They may ask follow-up questions via the platform's messaging system.
- 3
Prescription issued if approved
If you meet the criteria, your provider writes a prescription for your starting dose of semaglutide or tirzepatide.
- 4
Medication ships to your door
Your first month's supply is dispensed by a compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you. Subsequent refills are typically automatic or require a quick monthly check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI do I need to qualify for semaglutide?
FDA-approved prescribing guidelines for weight loss typically require a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Individual providers may apply additional criteria.
What health conditions disqualify you from semaglutide?
Contraindications include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, active pancreatitis, and certain kidney conditions. Pregnancy is also a contraindication. Your provider will review your full health history.
What if I was denied by one provider?
Criteria vary slightly between platforms. If one provider declines your application, another may evaluate your profile differently. Be honest with your health history — providers make decisions based on your actual risk profile.
Do I need to have tried other weight loss methods first?
Some providers ask about prior weight loss attempts, but it is typically not a hard requirement for compounded semaglutide via telehealth. The key factor is meeting the BMI threshold with or without a qualifying condition.
How long does the intake process take?
The intake form itself takes 15–20 minutes. Provider review typically happens within 24–48 hours on most platforms. If approved, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy and medication ships shortly after.
Related: Best GLP-1 programs to apply to
Related: What semaglutide costs online