Who can take GLP-1 weight loss injections — and who should not.
GLP-1 medicines are for specific medical situations, not for losing a few kilos before an event. Eligibility is a clinical decision made by a doctor after a proper assessment.
BMI of 27 or above together with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver or sleep apnoea.
Waist measurement and body composition, because health risk in Indian adults often rises at a lower BMI.
What you have already tried, and for how long.
These are starting points, not a self-test. Two people with the same BMI can receive different advice. You can check your own number with the LIFE BMI calculator before your consultation.
Who should not take them
Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome.
People who have had a serious allergic reaction to the medicine.
People at a healthy weight looking for a quick cosmetic change.
Children and teenagers, unless a specialist is treating them.
Who needs individual advice first
People who have had pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
People with kidney disease, or serious stomach and gut conditions.
People with diabetic eye disease.
People taking insulin, sulfonylureas or several long-term medicines.
People with a history of an eating disorder.
What a LIFE eligibility assessment covers
Weight, BMI and waist measurement.
Health history, family history and current medicines.
Review of relevant blood reports — only the ones the clinician actually needs.
A conversation about benefits, risks, alternatives and likely cost.
A clear answer: medicine, a non-medicine programme, or further medical evaluation.
If you are not eligible
Not being suitable for a GLP-1 medicine is not the end of the road. LIFE’s 360° weight-loss programme, clinical diet plans and clinic-based body treatments are assessed and planned the same way, and many people are better served by them.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Short, honest answers. Your own situation is always decided with the doctor at consultation.
Doctors usually consider these medicines at a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health condition. The final decision depends on your full assessment, not on BMI alone.
Can I take GLP-1 injections if I only want to lose 5 to 10 kg?+
These medicines are meant for obesity and weight-related health conditions, not small cosmetic changes. A doctor will usually recommend a non-medicine plan in that situation.
Can people with PCOS or thyroid problems take them?+
It depends on the individual. Many people with PCOS or treated hypothyroidism can be assessed in the usual way, but your doctor reviews your history and reports before deciding.
Do I need blood tests first?+
The clinician decides which reports are relevant after hearing your history. Recent reports you already have are often useful. A fixed package of tests is not required for everyone.
Is an online eligibility consultation possible?+
Dietician and progress support can be online. The doctor decides whether your medical assessment and prescribing can be done online or need a clinic visit.
MORE GLP-1 GUIDES
Keep reading, then talk to a doctor.
Each guide answers one question about GLP-1 medicines in plain language.
Select your nearest LIFE branch. Our team will call, understand your health goals and arrange a doctor-led assessment.
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This page provides general education and does not advertise or guarantee access to a specific prescription product. Brand names are the property of their respective owners. GLP-1 and related medicines are not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects, including uncommon serious risks. Eligibility, medicine selection, dose, monitoring and duration must be decided by a qualified medical professional. Do not change medicines without the prescriber. Individual outcomes vary.
