Is GLP-1 treatment right for me?
A SengMed eligibility guide, reviewed by our clinical team
GLP-1 medication helps many people lose weight, but it isn’t right for everyone. This guide explains who it tends to suit, the basics of BMI and eligibility, and who should be cautious, so you know what a doctor will consider.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Only an MOH-licensed doctor can decide whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate for you, after reviewing your full health history.
Who GLP-1 treatment tends to suit
GLP-1 medication is generally considered for adults who:
- Have a higher body weight and want medical support to lose weight.
- Have struggled to lose weight, or to keep it off, through diet and exercise alone.
- Are ready to pair medication with healthier habits and ongoing care.
- Are willing to have their treatment guided and reviewed by a doctor.
Understanding BMI
Doctors often start with Body Mass Index (BMI), your weight relative to your height. In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board uses Asian BMI cut-offs:
- Below 18.5 — underweight
- 18.5 to 22.9 — healthy range
- 23.0 to 27.4 — moderate health risk
- 27.5 and above — higher health risk
Medical weight loss treatment is typically considered at higher BMI levels, or at a moderate BMI when weight-related health conditions are also present. BMI is only a starting point, not the whole picture.
What else a doctor considers
BMI alone doesn’t decide eligibility. A doctor also looks at:
- Weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
- Your medical history and any current medications.
- Past experiences with weight loss.
- Your goals and readiness for treatment.
Who should be cautious or avoid it
GLP-1 medication is generally not suitable if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
- Have had pancreatitis, or certain other specific conditions.
Several other conditions call for extra caution. This is exactly what the health screening in a proper assessment is designed to catch, which is why honest answers matter.
When to speak to a doctor
If you’re considering medical weight loss, the clearest next step is a structured assessment with a licensed doctor. With SengMed, you can complete this online: an MOH-licensed doctor reviews your BMI, health history, and goals, and tells you whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate, or recommends an alternative.