Who Can Use Tirzepatide to Lose Weight?

 

Okay, let’s detail exactly who is eligible to use Tirzepatide for weight loss in the United States, according to the current FDA guidelines as of Monday, April 28, 2025. The specific brand name approved for this purpose is **Zepbound®**.

 

Eligibility is quite specific and primarily based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of weight-related health conditions. It’s crucial to understand that Zepbound® is intended for **chronic weight management** and must be used **in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.**

 

Here are the detailed criteria for adults who may be candidates for Zepbound®:

 

1. **Adults with Obesity:**

    * Individuals aged 18 years or older who have an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of **30 kg/m² or greater**. BMI is a measure calculated from height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is generally classified as obesity.

 

    * **OR**

 

2. **Adults Who Are Overweight with Weight-Related Health Conditions:**

    * Individuals aged 18 years or older who have an initial BMI of **27 kg/m² or greater** (classified as overweight) **AND**

    * Also have at least one **weight-related comorbid condition**. These are health problems often associated with or worsened by excess weight. Examples explicitly mentioned by the FDA include:

        * Hypertension (high blood pressure)

        * Dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fat levels, like high cholesterol or high triglycerides)

        * Type 2 diabetes mellitus

        * Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

        * Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)

 

**Additional Approved Use:**

 

* **Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):** Zepbound® is also FDA-approved to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults who also have obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).

 

**Important Considerations Regarding Eligibility:**

 

* **Not for Everyone:** Zepbound® is **not** indicated for individuals who do not meet these specific BMI and comorbidity criteria. It is **not** intended for people seeking to lose small amounts of weight or for cosmetic purposes.

* **Adult Use:** Current approvals are specifically for adults (typically considered 18 and older based on clinical trial populations). Its use in pediatric populations is generally still under investigation unless specific approvals exist.

* **Requires Lifestyle Changes:** Eligibility assumes a commitment to dietary changes and increased physical activity, as the medication is meant to supplement these efforts.

* **Must Be Prescribed:** You cannot simply decide you are eligible. A licensed healthcare provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) **must** evaluate you. They will calculate your BMI, assess your overall health, review your medical history (including weight-related conditions), discuss the significant risks and benefits, and determine if Zepbound® is an appropriate treatment *for you*.

 

**Who Absolutely Cannot Use Tirzepatide (Contraindications)?**

 

Regardless of BMI or weight-related conditions, Zepbound® (and Mounjaro®) should **NOT** be used by individuals with:

 

* A personal or family history of **Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)**.

* An endocrine system condition called **Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)**.

    *(This is due to the Boxed Warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors).*

* A known **serious allergy** to tirzepatide or any of the other ingredients in Zepbound®.

 

**Who Needs Special Consideration?**

 

Your doctor will also need to carefully consider prescribing Tirzepatide if you have a history of:

 

* Pancreatitis

* Severe gastrointestinal disease (like gastroparesis)

* Kidney problems

* Diabetic retinopathy

* If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding (effects are unknown).

 

**In Summary:**

 

Eligibility for using Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) for weight loss in the US is specifically defined by the FDA for adults with diagnosed obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or those who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one significant weight-related health problem. It must always be part of a broader plan that includes diet and exercise and requires a prescription following a thorough medical evaluation by a healthcare provider to ensure the benefits outweigh the potential risks for that individual.

Who Can Use Tirzepatide to Lose Weight?