Who qualifies for a GLP-1, and what a real intake asks

What the services themselves say

Every provider in this research gates access behind some form of clinical review, but the depth varies enormously. Teladoc is the most explicit that you might not qualify: “eligibility is based on clinical guidelines and your individual health history, so not everyone will qualify.” Lemonaid states “a U.S. licensed medical provider will determine whether you are eligible for treatment.” WeightWatchers runs an online quiz first and then a telehealth consultation with a board-certified clinician.

On the compounded side the description is thinner. Brello says “a healthcare provider will review your information to determine if the plan is appropriate for you.” Ivím says its provider “will evaluate your eligibility based on your medical questionnaire.” Both are real review steps; neither describes what specifically is screened for.

What a thorough intake covers

• ◆Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2.
• ◆History of pancreatitis.
• ◆Gallbladder disease.
• ◆Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to conceive.
• ◆Current medications, including insulin or sulfonylureas, where hypoglycaemia risk changes.
• ◆History of an eating disorder.
• ◆Kidney function, particularly given the dehydration risk from vomiting.
• ◆Diabetic retinopathy status, for semaglutide specifically.

The thresholds two providers actually publish

Of the seventy-seven services in this research, two publish BMI criteria against specific medications. Both are British. Every US service we checked leaves it to the intake form.

State availability is also eligibility

Clinical fit is not the only gate. Alloy states it is “not available in AL, AR, CA, NV, LA, MS & DC.” Walgreens restricts its programme to adults “ages 18-64 who plan to self-pay.” Nurx states its providers “do not prescribe any controlled medications including phentermine, Adipex or Qsymia.” Teladoc requires that “your insurance provider, employer or plan sponsor must offer access to a program.” None of those are clinical judgements about you, and all of them can stop you.

If you are turned down

A refusal is information, not an obstacle to route around. Services that decline to prescribe when the history does not support it are doing the job. The response is to ask why and to take that answer to a clinician who knows your record — not to try a service with a shorter intake form.