Discover if you're eligible for Wegovy. Learn about BMI thresholds, qualifying conditions, and more in our simple guide.
Wegovy can be a game-changer for people looking to manage their weight effectively. It's not just about losing pounds, but also improving overall health and reducing certain health risks.
Many people struggle to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone, making Wegovy an important option. It offers significant improvements for individuals dealing with obesity and related health issues.
Wegovy is part of a class of medications that help control appetite and are most effective with lifestyle changes (Wharton et al., 2025). Its approval criteria consider both body mass index (BMI) and weight-related comorbidities to ensure suitable candidates benefit from its use (Knop et al., 2023).
Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are eligible for Wegovy without needing any additional medical conditions. This includes individuals in the obesity range, classified as having Class I Obesity with a BMI from 30 to 34.9, Class II Obesity with a BMI from 35 to 39.9, and Severe Obesity with a BMI of 40 or more (Wharton et al., 2025).
Besides obesity criteria, adults with a BMI between 27 and 29.9 can qualify if they have at least one weight-related comorbidity such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd). This ensures that those with significant health risks beyond their weight have access to effective treatment.
Weight-related comorbidities are health conditions that are impacted by or influence body weight. Common examples include hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and obstructive sleep apnea (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd).
These conditions are important because they can heighten the health risks associated with being overweight or obese (Wharton et al., 2025). By managing weight effectively with Wegovy, people can often see improvements in these areas too.
Certain exclusions prevent Wegovy from being prescribed to some individuals. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 are excluded (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd).
Additionally, individuals with Type 1 diabetes, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone with a serious allergy to any part of Wegovy should not use this medication (Wharton et al., 2025). These guidelines help ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
In the United States, Wegovy is available for adolescents aged 12 and older who meet specific criteria. They must have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex and weigh more than 60 kg (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd).
If after 12 weeks the adolescent's BMI has not decreased by at least 5%, treatment is discontinued (Wharton et al., 2025). This highlights the emphasis on tailored treatment responses and ongoing assessment in patient care.
Eligibility for Wegovy ultimately depends on the judgment of a registered prescriber who considers each person's medical history. This safeguards against potential risks and ensures that those who will benefit most from Wegovy receive it (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd).
Medical oversight also involves ongoing support for lifestyle changes, which enhances the long-term success of weight management efforts. Maintaining a strong healthcare relationship is key for anyone considering or using Wegovy.
Health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem, can severely impact your overall well-being and quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about a specific health condition, remember that timely and expert advice is key. Navigating healthcare can be challenging, but finding the right primary care physician shouldn't be. Whether you're seeking medical advice, a prescription or care, immediate access to expert primary care is just a button away. Don't leave your health to chance - consult a Well Revolution primary care provider today for peace of mind and professional care.
1. Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393(11):1077-1087. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2500969.
2. Knop FK, Aroda VR, do Vale RD, et al. Oral Semaglutide 50 Mg Taken Once Per Day in Adults With Overweight or Obesity (OASIS 1): A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial. Lancet (London, England). 2023;402(10403):705-719. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01185-6.
3. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Wegovy (semaglutide) Injection Data Sheet.
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