If you’ve been anywhere near a health and wellness conversation lately, you’ve probably heard about semaglutide—often branded as Wegovy or Ozempic—and its dramatic effects on weight loss. It’s been hailed as a “miracle” drug by some, and if you’ve watched the headlines or scrolled TikTok, you’ve likely seen jaw-dropping before-and-afters or glowing testimonials.
Naturally, this buzz leaves many people wondering: Do I qualify for semaglutide? How much do I need to weigh to get it? Is it hard to get approved?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria to the step-by-step process of getting a prescription. We’ll also touch on what to do if you don’t qualify and what your options are. Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or looking for something that finally works, consider this your starting point.
Let’s get into it.
Semaglutide is a medication that was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. One of its pleasant side effects? It helps people feel full longer and reduces cravings—making it significantly easier to eat less.
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost, on average, around 15% of their body weight. That’s a huge deal—especially when you consider that most weight loss medications in the past haven’t come close to that level of effectiveness.
While Ozempic is approved for diabetes, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. Both contain semaglutide, just at different doses.
But here’s the thing—it’s not available to just anyone who wants to drop a few pounds. There are specific qualifications you need to meet, and understanding those is key.
Semaglutide isn’t a “quick fix” or cosmetic solution—it’s intended for people with medical reasons to lose weight. Here’s the general criteria used by most healthcare providers:
To qualify for semaglutide for weight loss (Wegovy or similar programs), you generally need to meet one of these:
You typically need to be at least 18 years old to be prescribed semaglutide for weight loss.
Semaglutide isn’t recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so these are common exclusion factors.
Some providers may look at your overall medical history to make sure semaglutide is safe for you—especially if you’ve had a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal issues.
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as a specific number on the scale. What matters is your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated based on your height and weight.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Height | Weight (approx.) for BMI ≥ 30 |
| 5’2″ | 165 lbs |
| 5’5″ | 180 lbs |
| 5’7″ | 190 lbs |
| 5’10” | 210 lbs |
| 6’0″ | 220 lbs |
If your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, you may still qualify if you have a related health condition.
The point? You don’t need to be hundreds of pounds overweight to be eligible. Semaglutide is intended for people with health concerns, not just those chasing a smaller jeans size.
It’s not necessarily hard, but it’s also not as simple as saying, “Hey, I want it!” The approval process depends on a few factors:
If you’re going the insurance route, you’ll need to meet medical necessity criteria, and coverage can be hit or miss. Some insurers are very picky, while others are more flexible. Documentation helps—a lot.
Some providers are more conservative and stick rigidly to insurance requirements. Others, especially in dedicated weight loss clinics or telehealth platforms, may offer cash-pay options that streamline access without jumping through as many hoops.
You may need to undergo a brief health assessment (and sometimes basic labs) to confirm that you’re a good candidate. The exact procedure varies depending on the clinic or provider.
The bottom line? If you meet the BMI and health condition criteria and work with a provider who specializes in weight loss, your odds are good.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
The first step is meeting with a healthcare provider, whether in person or via telehealth. This is where Best Weight Loss Medication comes in—we make the process easy, supportive, and judgment-free.
During your consultation, your provider will:
If you meet the criteria, you’ll receive a prescription for semaglutide (or a similar GLP-1 medication).
You’ll begin at a low dose, gradually increasing over time to minimize side effects. Your provider will check in regularly to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.
At Best Weight Loss Medication, we tailor everything to you—from dosing to dietary support—because cookie-cutter just doesn’t cut it.
Don’t be discouraged—seriously. Semaglutide is just one tool in a larger toolbox, and not qualifying today doesn’t mean you can’t make amazing progress.
And remember: your health journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Qualifying for semaglutide isn’t about vanity—it’s about addressing serious health risks and improving your quality of life. You deserve support if your weight affects your physical, emotional, or metabolic health. Whether you meet the criteria today or just gather information, talking to a professional is a smart and empowering step.
At Best Weight Loss Medication, we specialize in helping people like you figure out what’s right for their bodies. We take the guesswork out of qualifying, offer accessible options (even if insurance isn’t on board), and ensure you never navigate this process alone.Ready to see if semaglutide is right for you? Schedule your consultation with Best Weight Loss Medication today—and let’s take the next step toward your healthiest self.
At Best Weight Loss Medication we are committed to providing you with the best medical care as well as weight loss medication for a fraction of the price!
Copyright © 2025 Weight Loss Clinic Los Angles | All Rights Reserved.
