GLP-1 eligibility calculator: could you qualify?

Our free GLP-1 eligibility calculator uses your BMI and a short comorbidity checklist to estimate whether you may meet the clinical criteria for GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) in the UK. Answer a few quick questions below to receive an instant, personalised eligibility estimate — no account or personal details required. Results are for informational purposes only and do not replace a clinical assessment.

How the GLP-1 eligibility calculator works

The GLP-1 eligibility calculator cross-references two key data points: your body mass index (BMI) and the presence of weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. These are the same criteria used by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and most UK prescribers when assessing suitability for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres (kg/m²). For most GLP-1 treatments approved in the UK, the threshold is a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above if at least one weight-related health condition is present. The calculator applies these thresholds automatically and flags which criteria you appear to meet, giving you a clear starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.

GLP-1 treatment eligibility criteria explained

UK prescribing guidelines for GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are based on evidence reviewed by NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Understanding these criteria can help you interpret your GLP-1 eligibility calculator result more confidently.

• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²: qualifies as obesity under NHS classification and is the standard minimum threshold for most GLP-1 prescriptions without requiring an additional comorbidity.
• BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one comorbidity: weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnoea can lower the BMI threshold required for eligibility.
• Type 2 diabetes: semaglutide (Ozempic) is licensed specifically for blood glucose management in adults with type 2 diabetes; Mounjaro also carries a type 2 diabetes licence in addition to its weight management indication.
• Cardiovascular risk: some GLP-1 medications have demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in clinical trials, making them particularly relevant for patients with established heart disease or high cardiovascular risk.
• Specialist or NHS pathway: Wegovy is available via some NHS specialist weight management services; eligibility criteria may be stricter than for private prescriptions, and waiting lists currently apply in many areas.
• Exclusions: GLP-1 medications are not suitable for everyone — contraindications include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, pregnancy, or certain gastrointestinal conditions. A prescriber will always review your full medical history.

What to do after using the GLP-1 eligibility calculator

Receiving a positive estimate from the GLP-1 eligibility calculator is an encouraging first step, but it is not a prescription or a clinical decision. The next stage is to speak with a qualified prescriber — either your GP, an NHS specialist weight management service, or a GPhC-registered online pharmacy such as Cured — who can conduct a full medical assessment, review your medication history, and confirm whether a GLP-1 treatment is appropriate for you.

If your result suggests you may not currently qualify

A result that falls below the standard eligibility thresholds does not mean weight management support is unavailable to you. Behavioural interventions, dietary programmes, and other licensed medications may still be suitable options depending on your individual circumstances. Your GP or a registered dietitian can help you explore the full range of evidence-based approaches.

It is also worth noting that BMI alone is an imperfect measure of health risk — it does not account for muscle mass, fat distribution, ethnicity-related risk differences, or metabolic health markers. If you feel your result does not reflect your clinical picture, discuss this with a healthcare professional who can take a more holistic view.

The science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone produced naturally in the gut in response to food intake. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and — crucially for weight management — acts on appetite-regulating centres in the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic and amplify these effects, helping people eat less without relying solely on willpower.

Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated meaningful weight loss outcomes with GLP-1 therapies. The SURMOUNT-1 trial of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) reported average weight reductions of up to 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks, while the STEP 1 trial of semaglutide (Wegovy) showed average reductions of approximately 14.9% over 68 weeks — both significantly greater than placebo. These findings underpinned regulatory approvals in the UK and informed the NICE guidance that our GLP-1 eligibility calculator is based upon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) — NICE technology appraisal guidance TA875 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) [accessed 26 August 2026]
2. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — NICE technology appraisal guidance TA1026 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) [accessed 26 August 2026]
3. Obesity: identification, assessment and management — NICE clinical guideline CG189 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) [accessed 26 August 2026]
4. Weight loss surgery, medicines and other treatments — NHS NHS [accessed 26 August 2026]
5. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial The Lancet [accessed 26 August 2026]
6. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1 trial) New England Journal of Medicine / PubMed [accessed 26 August 2026]
7. GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity: role as a promising approach PubMed / Frontiers in Endocrinology [accessed 26 August 2026]
8. Body mass index (BMI) healthy weight calculator NHS [accessed 26 August 2026]
9. Cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists — overview PubMed / Circulation [accessed 26 August 2026]
10. Obesity statistics — House of Commons Library briefing UK Parliament / House of Commons Library [accessed 26 August 2026]

This calculator provides an estimate for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or starting any weight loss treatment.