GLP-1 Eligibility for Weight Loss
Physician-Led GLP-1 Treatment Through Telehealth in Texas and Utah
Eligibility for GLP-1 treatment is determined by a physician during an initial telemedicine visit, in line with current FDA guidance. The sections below outline what GLP-1 medications are, who is eligible, who should not take them, and how care is delivered at TOM.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 medications are a class of prescription weight loss treatments that mimic a hormone the body produces naturally to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion.
Understanding GLP-1 medications
GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone the body produces naturally to help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. GLP-1 medications — formally known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists — are prescription weight loss medications that mimic the action of this hormone. They slow gastric emptying, support a longer feeling of fullness after meals, and reduce appetite.
Two GLP-1 medications are currently FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults: semaglutide and tirzepatide.
GLP-1 medications are typically administered as a once-weekly weight loss injection using a prefilled pen. A higher-dose oral form of semaglutide — sometimes referred to as a weight loss pill — is also available for daily use.
How GLP-1 supports weight loss
- Mimics a hormone the body already produces
- Helps reduce appetite and support fullness after meals
- Slows gastric emptying for steadier digestion
- Two FDA-approved options: semaglutide and tirzepatide
- Most often given as a once-weekly injection via a prefilled pen
- Higher-dose oral semaglutide is also available as a daily option
Who Is Eligible for GLP-1 Treatment?
Per FDA guidance, GLP-1 weight loss medication is approved for adults who meet specific clinical criteria. Eligibility is not based on BMI alone — your physician reviews your full health profile during the initial telemedicine visit.
FDA eligibility criteria
GLP-1 medications are approved for adults who meet either of the following criteria:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related medical condition.
Qualifying weight-related conditions include
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cardiovascular disease, including a history of heart attack or stroke
- Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
What your physician reviews beyond BMI
During each patient's initial telemedicine visit, the physician also reviews:
- Overall health, including conditions such as thyroid disease that may affect weight or treatment response.
- Current medications, particularly insulin or other diabetes treatments where combinations require close clinical management.
- Weight history, including previous experience with lifestyle change or other weight reduction medicine.
- Treatment goals and readiness for long-term care, since obesity is treated as a chronic disease.
Which GLP-1 Is Best for Weight Loss?
Both FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are clinically supported for chronic weight management. There is no single option that is right for every patient.
Both medications are clinically supported
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for chronic weight management, and current clinical evidence supports meaningful weight reduction with both.
There is no single GLP-1 medication that is the right choice for every patient.
How the right medication is chosen
The appropriate medication for an individual patient depends on medical history, coexisting conditions, tolerance to side effects, insurance considerations, and the prescribing physician's clinical judgment.
At TOM, this decision is made during the initial telemedicine visit, after a complete review of the patient's health profile.
Who Should Not Take GLP-1 Medications?
Per current FDA guidance, GLP-1 medications are not recommended for everyone. Each patient's medical history is reviewed in full during the initial telemedicine visit.
GLP-1 may not be appropriate if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to limited safety data and the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy.
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), a rare inherited condition.
- Have a history of pancreatitis, due to the risk of pancreatic inflammation.
- Have certain serious gastrointestinal conditions that may be aggravated by slowed digestion.
If GLP-1 isn't right for you
Each patient's medical history is reviewed in full during the initial telemedicine visit. If a GLP-1 medication is not clinically appropriate, the physician will discuss alternative options.
Because obesity is treated as a chronic disease, the goal is always to find a care plan that fits your full health profile — not to push you toward any single medication.
The GLP-1 Treatment Process at TOM Weight Loss
TOM Weight Loss provides physician-led GLP-1 treatment to eligible patients in Texas and Utah. Eligibility is determined during the initial telemedicine visit — not by an online questionnaire alone.
Online intake
A secure intake form covering health history, current medications, and weight history.
Initial telemedicine visit
A one-on-one video visit with a board certified obesity medicine physician.
Eligibility & care plan
Your physician determines whether GLP-1 treatment is clinically appropriate and outlines a personalized plan.
Medication delivery
Prescribed medications are shipped directly to your home address in Texas or Utah.
Ongoing care
Regular follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust dosing, and provide continued support.
Patients located outside Texas and Utah are not eligible for care at TOM at this time. For current state coverage, visit our Areas We Serve page.
Telehealth GLP-1 Care for Texas and Utah
TOM Weight Loss is a physician-led telehealth practice serving eligible patients across Texas and Utah. Care is delivered through secure telemedicine, with prescribed medications shipped directly to your home.
Begin Your GLP-1 Evaluation Today
Meet with a board-certified obesity medicine physician through secure telemedicine to determine whether GLP-1 treatment is right for you. We’ll review your health history, discuss your goals, and outline a personalized treatment plan before you begin.
Transparent pricing is available upfront so you know exactly what to expect before scheduling..
