GLP-1 Eligibility & Contraindications (Compounded Semaglutide), ShyftMD

✓You are likely a fit if

A provider is more likely to consider GLP-1 treatment if the following apply. Meeting these points does not guarantee a prescription.

Adult, age 18+, with a BMI ≥ 30, or a BMI ≥ 27 plus a weight-related condition (such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea).
You have a stable medical history and can take a weekly injection at home consistently.
You're willing to start at a low dose and increase slowly, as your provider directs.
You're ready to pair medication with nutrition and activity changes. GLP-1 medication works alongside diet and exercise, not instead of them.

×Contraindications: GLP-1 medication is usually not an option

If any of these apply, semaglutide is generally not appropriate. Tell your provider about all of them during your online visit.

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), including a single first-degree relative.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
History of acute or chronic pancreatitis, including alcohol-related pancreatitis.
Active gallbladder disease requiring intervention, or symptomatic gallstones not yet treated.
Severe gastroparesis or other significant gastric motility disorder.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy in the next 2 months, or active breastfeeding.
Active eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or active restrictive pattern).
Type 1 diabetes.
Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any ingredient in the formulation.

!Conditions that require extra care

These don't automatically rule you out, but your provider may discuss risk, monitor more closely, adjust the plan, or decide GLP-1 treatment isn't right for you.

Diabetic retinopathy, rapid blood-sugar improvement can temporarily worsen retinopathy. Keep your eye doctor involved.
Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30), not absolutely contraindicated but requires extra hydration and slower titration.
BMI < 22, usually a sign GLP-1 medication isn't the right tool.
History of bariatric surgery, possible but requires nutrition planning to avoid muscle loss.
Significant GERD, can worsen on GLP-1; manageable with timing and dose.
On insulin or sulfonylureas, risk of hypoglycemia; doses of those medications often need to come down.
Older adult (70+) with low muscle mass, protein intake, resistance training, and slower weight-loss targets matter more.

Lab work your provider may ask about

Depending on your history, your provider may ask for recent lab results before deciding on treatment. These are the tests commonly reviewed before starting a GLP-1.

Lab	Why
HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin	Baseline glycemic state and insulin resistance.
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)	Renal and liver baseline.
Lipid panel (incl. apoB if available)	Cardiometabolic baseline.
TSH	Thyroid screen before any weight-loss intervention.
Lipase	Pancreatic baseline before GLP-1 initiation.
CBC	General health baseline.

What to disclose at intake

Honest disclosure shortens the path. Hidden facts always surface eventually and they slow down or end care.

Every prescription medication and over-the-counter you take, including dose.
Any GLP-1 you've taken before, brand, dose, duration, why you stopped.
Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2.
Any episode of severe abdominal pain, hospitalization, or pancreatitis, even decades ago.
Your alcohol intake, honestly.
Pregnancy plans within the next year.
If you've ever had an eating disorder, even in remission.

Weight-loss medication disclaimer

ShyftMD offers compounded semaglutide, prescribed by independent, U.S.-licensed providers through Wasef Health, PC, and prepared by licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies. Eligibility is determined by a licensed provider. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. ShyftMD is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the manufacturers of FDA-approved branded weight-loss medications, and does not sell or supply those branded products. Anyone interested in an FDA-approved branded medication should consult a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist. Individual results vary; no specific result is promised, and weight management requires ongoing medical guidance.

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Who can, and can't, start a GLP-1.

✓You are likely a fit if

×Contraindications: GLP-1 medication is usually not an option

!Conditions that require extra care

Lab work your provider may ask about

What to disclose at intake

Start with the screening, not the prescription.