BMI Calculator: Check Your Weight Loss Medication Eligibility
Your body mass index is one quick way to see whether you may be a candidate for prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, or compounded semaglutide.
Enter your height and weight to see your BMI and what it means for weight loss treatment.
What BMI means — and what it doesn’t
Body mass index is a simple ratio of weight to height. It’s used by clinicians as a starting point because it’s fast and inexpensive, but it doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, or where your body stores fat. Two people with the same BMI can have very different metabolic health.
How clinicians actually use BMI
For weight loss prescriptions, most providers follow these general thresholds (per FDA labeling for GLP-1 medications):
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea
Your clinician will combine BMI with lab work, medical history, and lifestyle context before deciding whether semaglutide, tirzepatide, or another medication is appropriate.
Limitations to keep in mind
BMI tends to overestimate fat in muscular people and underestimate it in older adults who have lost muscle. Waist circumference, body composition scans, and metabolic labs paint a more complete picture.
BMI Calculator FAQs
What is a healthy BMI range?
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The widely used clinical range for healthy adult BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. Below 18.5 is considered underweight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is classified as obesity. These ranges do not apply directly to children, pregnant women, or highly athletic individuals.
What BMI qualifies me for semaglutide or tirzepatide?
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Most clinicians follow the FDA labeling for Wegovy and Zepbound, which is a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition. Your clinician makes the final call after reviewing your full health history.
Does insurance use BMI to approve GLP-1 medication?
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Many insurance plans use BMI thresholds as part of their prior-authorization criteria for medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Specific requirements vary by insurer and plan year.
What is a healthy BMI for adults?
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For adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 overweight, and 30 or higher obesity.
What BMI do you need for GLP-1 weight loss medication?
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FDA-approved weight loss medications are generally for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How is BMI calculated?
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BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. In imperial units, it's weight in pounds times 703, divided by height in inches squared.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
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No. BMI doesn't measure muscle, bone density or where fat is stored, so very muscular people can score high. Clinicians use it as a starting point alongside waist size and labs.
Can I use this BMI calculator for children?
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No. This calculator is for adults. Children and teens are assessed using BMI-for-age percentiles on growth charts.
My BMI qualifies for GLP-1 medication. What's next?
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Book a free consultation. A licensed clinician reviews your history, medications and goals and decides whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate.
What if my BMI is under 18.5?
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A BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight. Weight loss medication isn't appropriate, but a clinician can help look into causes and healthy options.
Is waist size more important than BMI?
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Both matter. A large waist can signal higher metabolic risk even at a normal BMI, which is why clinicians look at more than one measurement.
How often should I check my BMI?
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Checking every few months is plenty for most adults. During weight loss treatment, your clinician tracks your progress at follow-ups.
Can I calculate BMI in metric units?
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Yes. Switch to the metric tab in the BMI calculator and enter your height in centimeters and weight in kilograms.
Is my BMI calculator data saved?
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No. The BMI calculator runs in your browser and doesn't store the height or weight you enter.
Is the weight loss consultation free?
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Yes. The first consultation with a licensed clinician is free, with no insurance required and no obligation to start treatment.
Got your number? Let’s see what’s next.
Whether your BMI is borderline or clearly above the threshold, a licensed clinician can walk you through what’s realistic and what isn’t.