Are You a Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?
GLP-1 medications have transformed weight loss — but they are not for everyone. Here is how to think about whether medical weight loss might be appropriate for you. This is written for people around Gilbert, AZ who are looking into GLP-1 injections and want the honest version rather than a sales page.
Who Is Typically a Candidate
FDA guidelines indicate GLP-1 medications for weight loss may be appropriate for adults with:
The short version
- Adults may be candidates with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
- Cautions listed include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, a history of pancreatitis, and pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
- Signs worth raising with a provider include multiple diets with limited or temporary results, constant food cravings or food noise, and weight affecting blood pressure, blood sugar, or joint pain.
- The article requires commitment to medical supervision and lifestyle changes alongside medication rather than expecting medication alone to do the work.
- It states that only a medical evaluation by a provider who reviews health history and goals can determine whether medical weight loss is appropriate.
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea
Who Should Be Cautious
GLP-1 medications may not be appropriate for individuals with:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- History of pancreatitis
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
Signs Medical Weight Loss Might Help
- You have tried multiple diets with limited or temporary results
- You experience constant food cravings or "food noise"
- Your weight is affecting your health (blood pressure, blood sugar, joint pain)
- You are committed to medical supervision and lifestyle changes alongside medication
The only way to know for sure is a medical evaluation. A Gilbert provider can review your health history, discuss your goals, and determine whether medical weight loss is appropriate for you.
