The rise of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide has created a surge of interest among those looking to improve their health and manage their weight. However, these are clinical prescriptions that require a thorough evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy.
At Kenilworth Primary Care, Bhavani Jeereddy, MD, uses her expertise in internal medicine to determine which patients will benefit most from these therapies. Identifying whether you are a candidate involves assessing your BMI, medical history, and long-term health goals.
The FDA has established specific criteria for the use of GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management. Generally, candidates include adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is classified as obesity. However, individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher may also qualify if they have at least one weight-related medical condition.
According to Healthline, these weight-related conditions (comorbidities) include:
During a consultation at our office, Dr. Jeereddy performs a deep dive into your clinical history. GLP-1s are not suitable for everyone. For instance, they’re generally contraindicated for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Mayo Clinic also emphasizes that patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease must be evaluated carefully. Because these medications affect digestion and insulin, we ensure that your current medications and health status will not interact negatively with the treatment.
The most successful candidates for GLP-1 therapy are those who view the medication as a tool rather than a standalone solution. Often, the most dramatic and sustainable results occur when the medication is paired with a high-protein diet and regular physical activity, particularly resistance training to maintain muscle mass.
Being a candidate also means being ready for the "maintenance" phase of weight loss. As a clinical lipidologist, Dr. Jeereddy focuses on how these medications improve your overall lipid profile and heart health.
If you meet the BMI criteria and are looking for a medically supervised way to take control of your metabolic health, we encourage you to call Kenilworth Primary Care or visit our website to schedule an appointment through our online booking tool.
