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Am I a candidate for medical obesity treatment?

TrueWeight Medical Team · Updated: August 2026 · Reading: 6 min

One of the most common questions is whether someone meets the criteria for medical obesity treatment. The answer does not depend only on weight: your BMI, your comorbidities and your complete clinical profile all matter.

Here we explain the general criteria of the EASO 2025 European guidelines and how to confirm them.

1. General eligibility criteria

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BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² — obesity by standard European criteria.

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BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with comorbidities — hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease.

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BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² with waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5 — EASO 2025 update on central adiposity.

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Not applicable with pregnancy, breastfeeding, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, or chronic malabsorption.

2. What is BMI and why does it matter?

Body mass index relates weight and height. It is a first approximation, but it does not tell the whole story: two people with the same BMI can have very different risks depending on fat distribution (central adiposity) and comorbidities.

You can calculate your BMI for free with our calculator.

3. Beyond BMI: the ABCD and EOSS approach

The EASO 2025 guidelines recommend a comprehensive assessment:

A — Anthropometrics: BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio.
B — Biomarkers and comorbidities: labs (glucose, HbA1c, lipids, renal and liver function, TSH), diabetes, hypertension, etc.
C — Clinical complications: sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease.
D — Determinants: genetic, psychological and social factors.

In addition, the EOSS (Edmonton Obesity Staging System) classifies obesity into stages based on its health impact, which guides treatment intensity.

4. What if you don't meet the criteria?

If your BMI is lower and you have no comorbidities, medication may not be indicated. That does not mean there are no options: lifestyle changes, nutritional support or follow-up may be enough. A doctor will guide you.

5. Final eligibility is always medical

Important: the criteria above are guidance only. Final eligibility is confirmed by a doctor after reviewing your questionnaire, your labs and your individual benefit-risk balance. Do not self-diagnose or use medications without supervision.

Want to confirm if you are a candidate?

Complete the free medical assessment (10 minutes). A doctor will review your case and give you a personalised answer, with no obligation.

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Medical disclaimer: this article is for information only and does not replace professional advice. Obesity should be assessed and treated by qualified medical staff.