GLP-1 Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Weight-Loss Drugs Like Wegovy and Ozempic

When we talk about GLP-1 eligibility, the set of medical and insurance criteria that determine who can safely use drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss. Also known as GLP-1 agonists, these medications work by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and helping your body use insulin better. They’re not magic pills — they’re tools for people with specific health profiles, and in India, the rules are getting stricter as demand rises.

Most doctors here look at three things first: your BMI, body mass index, a number calculated from height and weight used to classify obesity, your type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, often linked to excess weight, and whether you’ve tried other weight-loss methods. If your BMI is 30 or higher — or 27 with a weight-related condition like high blood pressure or sleep apnea — you’re likely in the running. But here’s the catch: many Indian insurance plans still don’t cover these drugs unless you have diabetes. Even then, pre-authorization can take weeks, and some pharmacies won’t stock them at all.

It’s not just about the numbers. Doctors also check for a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or severe gut issues — all things that could make GLP-1 drugs risky. And while these drugs are often marketed as weight-loss solutions, their real power lies in managing metabolic health. People who’ve struggled with yo-yo dieting, insulin resistance, or stubborn belly fat often see the best results. But if you’re just looking to lose 5 kilos for a wedding, these aren’t the right fit. The goal isn’t quick fixes — it’s long-term health.

What you’ll find below are real stories and facts from people who’ve walked this path. Some got approved after months of paperwork. Others switched to cheaper alternatives. A few found out they didn’t qualify at all — and learned how to manage their weight without drugs. These aren’t theoretical guides. They’re grounded in what actually happens in clinics across Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. Whether you’re wondering if you’re a candidate, fighting an insurance denial, or just trying to understand why your friend got the script and you didn’t — the posts here cut through the noise.