BMI thresholds used in Ozempic/Wegovy eligibility — how to calculate your BMI, what the 27/30 cutoffs mean, which other factors doctors weigh, and what to bring to assessment.
Short answer: For weight management, international prescribing criteria typically use BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with at least one weight-related condition (prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, PCOS). For type 2 diabetes, eligibility is based on glucose control needs, not BMI. Final eligibility is a doctor's decision after lab tests and history.
Calculate your BMI
BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ (height in metres × height in metres). Example: 82 kg at 1.65 m → 82 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = BMI 30.1.
| Height | BMI 27 at | BMI 30 at |
|---|
| 1.50 m (4'11") | ~61 kg | ~67 kg |
| 1.55 m (5'1") | ~65 kg | ~72 kg |
| 1.60 m (5'3") | ~69 kg | ~77 kg |
| 1.65 m (5'5") | ~73 kg | ~82 kg |
| 1.70 m (5'7") | ~78 kg | ~87 kg |
| 1.75 m (5'9") | ~83 kg | ~92 kg |
| 1.80 m (5'11") | ~87 kg | ~97 kg |
The thresholds used internationally
- Weight management indication (e.g., Wegovy in approved markets): BMI ≥30 alone, or ≥27 plus a weight-related comorbidity
- Type 2 diabetes indication (Ozempic): driven by glycemic need — any BMI, used alongside metformin or other agents
- Below BMI 27 without comorbidity — weight-management medication is generally not indicated; lifestyle-first discussion instead
What counts as a weight-related comorbidity
- Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Abnormal cholesterol (dyslipidemia)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- PCOS with weight-related features
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
BMI is a screen, not the decision
Doctors also weigh medical history, current medications, gallbladder and pancreatic history, thyroid cancer family history (MTC/MEN2 contraindication), kidney function, and pregnancy plans. BMI gets you to the assessment; the clinician decides from there.
If you're below the threshold
If BMI is under 27 without comorbidities, structured nutrition and activity support is the safer first line — our patient guides and dietitian-linked care pathways cover this without medication.
You meet the international BMI ≥27 + comorbidity screen used for weight-management indications. Final eligibility still requires a doctor's assessment of your labs and history.
For weight management, generally no — the studied population was BMI ≥27 with comorbidity or ≥30. For type 2 diabetes control, BMI is not the deciding factor; glucose need is.
Increasingly yes — South Asian populations carry metabolic risk at lower BMI. Some clinicians apply lower action thresholds for South Asian patients; discuss at consultation.
FDA Wegovy/Ozempic prescribing information; NICE NG246 obesity management; WHO BMI classification.