The BMI lines in the two labels
Both labels name the groups, and both labels’ weight-loss trials put numbers on them. Adults only; the Wegovy label also covers ages 12 and up with obesity, judged on growth charts.
| Group the label names | BMI the trials enrolled | Also needed | Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults with obesity | 30 or higher | Nothing else | Wegovy, Zepbound |
| Adults with overweight | 27 to 29.9 | At least one weight-related condition | Wegovy, Zepbound |
| Moderate to severe sleep apnea, with obesity | 30 or higher | A sleep apnea diagnosis | Zepbound |
The weight-related conditions the trials name, as examples: high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol or triglycerides (dyslipidemia), obstructive sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea), heart or blood vessel disease (CV disease). People with type 2 diabetes were studied in separate trials at a BMI of 27 or higher.
What this check cannot tell you
Whether a GLP-1 is right for you, and which dose, is a prescriber’s decision. Your insurer may use a stricter rule and ask for prior authorization: our coverage pages quote each insurer’s own criteria. Paying cash, the cheapest programs still need a clinician to review you, and they use the same label groups. If you are on Medicare, read does Medicare cover GLP-1s.
Where these facts come from
We track prices. Every clinical and manufacturer claim about Wegovy and Zepbound eligibility on this page is quoted here in its source’s own words, with the date we read it. We do not write medical guidance and we do not tell anyone what dose to take.
5 sources · read Oct 3
- 01read Oct 3
To reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in: ... Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity. (1) Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. (1)
Wegovy prescribing information, Indications and Usage - 02read Oct 3
Study 2 was a 68-week trial that enrolled 1,961 patients with obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2) or with overweight (BMI 27 to 29.9 kg/m2) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded.
Wegovy prescribing information, Clinical Studies (weight reduction, Study 2) - 03read Oct 3
to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. (1) to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. (1)
Zepbound prescribing information, Indications and Usage - 04read Oct 3
Study 1 (NCT04184622) was a 72-week trial that enrolled 2,539 adult patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), or with overweight (BMI 27 to <30 kg/m²) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, or CV disease; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded.
Zepbound prescribing information, Clinical Studies (Study 1) - 05read Oct 3
In a trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and BMI ≥27 kg/m² (Study 2), hypoglycemia (plasma glucose <54 mg/dL) was reported in 4.2% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients versus 1.3% of placebo-treated patients.
Zepbound prescribing information, Warnings (hypoglycemia, Study 2)
Questions
- What BMI do you need for Wegovy?
- The Wegovy label covers adults with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Its weight-loss trial enrolled a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 to 29.9 with a condition such as treated or untreated high cholesterol or high blood pressure. A prescriber decides; insurers often add their own criteria.
- What BMI qualifies for Zepbound?
- The Zepbound label covers adults with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Its main trial enrolled a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 to under 30 with a condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea or heart disease. Zepbound is also labelled to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
- What counts as a weight-related condition?
- The labels give examples, not a closed list: their trials name high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease, and separate trials studied people with type 2 diabetes. Whether your condition counts is your prescriber's call.
- Can I get a GLP-1 with a BMI under 27?
- A BMI under 27 is below what either label's weight-loss trials enrolled. We do not advise on prescribing; a licensed prescriber can tell you what applies to you.
- Does insurance use the same BMI rule?
- Not necessarily. Each insurer publishes its own criteria, often with prior authorization. Our coverage pages quote what each insurer publishes, with the source and date.