For adult weight-management indications, product information commonly refers to BMI of at least 30, or at least 27 with one or more weight-related health problems. Exact indications differ by medicine and patient group, and national access or reimbursement rules may be narrower.
What to know
Waist circumference and metabolic risk can add context that BMI misses.
A muscular body, pregnancy, age and ethnicity can affect interpretation.
The authorised indication is not the same as an automatic right to a prescription or reimbursement.
What a doctor assesses
A medicine is selected only after an individual medical assessment. BMI is one part of the decision, not the decision itself.
- BMI, waist circumference and weight history
- Related conditions and recent test results
- Current medicines, allergies and contraindications
- Previous treatment, goals and ability to attend follow-up
Safety and responsible access
Prescription weight-management medicines can cause adverse effects and are not suitable for everyone. The exact risks, dose escalation and monitoring differ by product. Read the current package leaflet and contact a doctor or pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Questions about this topic
Does BMI 30 guarantee a prescription?+
No. A threshold can form part of an authorised indication, but the doctor must still assess risks, contraindications, previous care and whether the expected benefit is reasonable.
Can I decide from this page whether the treatment is suitable for me?+
No. This page is educational. A licensed doctor must consider your history, other medicines, contraindications and local product information.
Official sources
Sources reviewed 12 August 2026.