How to Qualify for Medical Weight Loss Treatment

Medical weight loss treatment in Singapore focuses on clinical methods, including GLP-1 medications, tailored plans, and lifestyle changes, to address weight-related health issues.

To qualify:

BMI thresholds: 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Health conditions: Conditions such as sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, or PCOS can lower BMI eligibility to 25–27 kg/m².
Exclusions: Pregnant women, individuals under 18, or those with certain medical contraindications are not eligible.

Trimly offers a telehealth service for assessments, medication prescriptions, and follow-ups, starting at S$350/month.

Understanding prescription weight loss medication: How can my doctor help me lose weight?

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Weight Loss in Singapore

In Singapore, weight loss guidelines are tailored to Asian-specific standards. This approach acknowledges that Asians tend to face obesity-related health risks at lower BMIs due to having a 3–5% higher body fat percentage compared to other populations.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Requirements

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is calculated using the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²). Singapore applies Asian-specific BMI thresholds, as obesity-related complications often arise at lower BMI levels in this demographic.

A BMI of 23–27.4 kg/m² is categorised as overweight.
A BMI of 27.5 kg/m² or higher is classified as obesity.

To qualify for weight loss medication, individuals typically need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. However, if you have medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, the threshold lowers to 27 kg/m².

Obesity rates in Singapore have been rising. Between 2013 and 2017–2020, the percentage of individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher increased from 8.6% to 10.5%. By 2019–2020, 20.7% of residents were in the high-risk category with a BMI of 27.5 kg/m² or more.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions related to obesity can lower the BMI eligibility for medical weight loss treatment. These include:

Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Cardiovascular disease
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Degenerative joint disease

If you have any of these conditions, you may qualify for treatment with a BMI as low as 25–27 kg/m². These conditions signal that your weight is already affecting your health, making medical intervention a more appropriate and necessary step.

Who May Not Qualify for Treatment

Certain groups of people are not eligible for medical weight loss programmes:

Individuals under 18 years old: Paediatric specialists are better suited to address weight concerns in children and teens.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Pregnancy is a direct contraindication for treatment. If you're expecting, planning to conceive, or nursing, you won’t qualify for GLP-1 medications.
Specific health conditions: Contraindications vary by medication but may include uncontrolled hypertension, severe kidney disease, seizure disorders, eating disorders, or a personal or family history of certain cancers.
Healthy-weight individuals: If you're at a healthy weight and seeking weight loss purely for aesthetic reasons, medical weight loss programmes are not suitable. These treatments are designed to address clinically significant weight issues impacting health.

Meeting these criteria is the first step before undergoing a telehealth assessment with Trimly.

The Telehealth Assessment Process with Trimly

Trimly

Trimly's telehealth service is designed to replicate the thoroughness of in-person consultations, but with the added convenience of being at home. As a clinic approved by Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), Trimly ensures that all assessments are conducted by licensed doctors and adhere to both local and international clinical standards.

Before Your Online Consultation

Before your video consultation begins, you'll need to fill out a medical intake form. This form gathers essential details about your symptoms, medications, allergies, recent treatments, and medical history. Make sure to have your accurate height and current weight handy, as these will be used to calculate your BMI. Additionally, you'll be required to verify your identity using photo ID (such as your NRIC, Employment Pass, or Work Permit) or through SingPass verification. For accuracy, the doctor may ask you to weigh yourself on a scale during the consultation. Sharing your current location is also necessary for emergency safety purposes.

Once this form is completed, the consultation moves into a more detailed evaluation phase.

Medical Evaluation and Tests

During the video consultation, Trimly’s licensed doctors will review your medical history, assess your current health, and discuss your weight loss goals to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for treatment. It’s worth noting that more than 40% of individuals may not qualify for treatment due to safety concerns.

If you are deemed eligible, your doctor might recommend baseline metabolic lab tests, including blood work, to assess your hormones, metabolism, and overall health. These tests are crucial for identifying any underlying factors contributing to weight gain and for ensuring that GLP-1 medications are safe for you. All medications prescribed through Trimly have been approved by both the US FDA and Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

After this evaluation, your doctor will guide you through the available medication options.

Choosing Between Oral and Injectable GLP-1 Medications

Your doctor will help you decide between oral and injectable GLP-1 medications based on your individual needs and safety profile. Prices begin at S$350 per month, with costs varying depending on the dosage and brand. Oral GLP-1 medications offer the convenience of a daily tablet, while injectable options are administered weekly using a pre-filled pen.

The choice will depend on several factors, such as your medical history, lifestyle, tolerance for injections, and how your body responds to the treatment. Your doctor will create a personalised plan that integrates medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise. To ensure you’re supported throughout your journey, Trimly provides free unlimited follow-up consultations. These sessions allow your doctor to monitor your progress, adjust dosages if needed, and address any side effects you may experience.

How to Check If You Qualify with Trimly

5-Step Process to Qualify for Medical Weight Loss Treatment in Singapore

Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out if you’re eligible for Trimly’s services.

Step 1: Assess Your BMI and Medical History

Start by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) using your height and weight. Check if your BMI meets the required thresholds. Next, review your medical history for weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

It’s also essential to identify any contraindications - factors that might make treatment unsuitable for you. These include pregnancy, a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), hypersensitivity to GLP-1 receptor agonists, or severe kidney issues (CKD stage 4 or higher). Don’t forget to make a list of any long-term medications you’re currently taking.

Step 2: Complete the Online Medical Form

Next, fill out Trimly’s online medical intake form. Provide details like your BMI, medical history, medications, allergies, and any recent treatments. Being thorough here helps the doctor get a clear picture of your health and determine if GLP-1 medication is a safe option.

If you have recent lab results or health screening reports, upload them as well. The more detailed your submission, the smoother the process will be.

Step 3: Join a Video Consultation

During the video consultation, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your weight loss goals, and assess your current health and medications. They’ll also go over treatment options, including oral or injectable GLP-1 medications, and confirm if you qualify.

Treatment costs start at S$350 per month and vary depending on dosage and brand. If you don’t qualify, the doctor will explain why and suggest other options that may suit your needs.

Step 4: Receive Your Treatment Plan and Medication

Once approved, you’ll get a personalised treatment plan that includes your GLP-1 medication, dietary advice, and exercise recommendations. The medication will be delivered straight to your doorstep.

All medicines prescribed through Trimly are approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), so you can be confident in their safety and effectiveness.

Step 5: Attend Follow-Up Consultations

Trimly offers free follow-up consultations to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. Your doctor will track your weight loss, assess how you’re responding to the treatment, and address any side effects.

These follow-ups are key to ensuring long-term success. Based on your progress, your doctor might adjust your dosage, recommend additional lab tests, or reassess your treatment plan to keep it safe and effective throughout your journey.

What Affects Your Approval and Treatment Success

Medical and Safety Requirements

Getting approved for GLP-1 treatment depends on several factors, including your BMI, any related health conditions, and the absence of contraindications. BMI thresholds are adjusted for certain health complications, as outlined earlier (refer to Eligibility Criteria above for details).

There are specific contraindications that could disqualify you from receiving this treatment. These include pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, breastfeeding, a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), hypersensitivity to GLP-1 medications, and severe kidney impairment (CKD stage 4 or higher). Your doctor will also assess your current medications to ensure there are no drug interactions that might compromise your safety.

While meeting these medical requirements is essential, achieving long-term success with the treatment also requires significant personal effort.

Patient Commitment and Lifestyle Changes

Approval is just the first step - lasting results depend largely on your commitment to making meaningful lifestyle changes. Combining medication with a proper diet and regular exercise is crucial for sustainable weight loss. Many patients in Singapore who have undergone telemedicine care report feeling fuller, snacking less, and sticking more consistently to healthier routines - key factors that contribute to long-term success.

Your willingness to embrace these changes early on is critical. Treatment plans are designed to include dietary advice and exercise recommendations because effective weight management isn’t just about medication - it’s about balancing hormonal health, medical guidance, and consistent habits. Without these lifestyle adjustments, weight regain is a strong possibility.

If You Don't Qualify: What Happens Next

If you’re not eligible for the treatment, your doctor will explain the reasons and suggest alternative strategies. These may include customised dietary plans and exercise routines to help you work towards meeting the eligibility criteria in the future. You'll also receive advice on addressing any health issues that currently stand in the way of approval. Even if medication isn’t suitable for you right now, Trimly is dedicated to supporting your weight loss journey with other effective options.

Conclusion

To sum up, qualifying for medical weight loss treatment in Singapore involves meeting specific BMI requirements and demonstrating a medical need, such as conditions linked to excess weight. This guide has detailed the eligibility criteria and the steps involved.

Trimly's telehealth assessment is designed to be simple and efficient. It includes verifying your BMI and medical history, filling out an online form, attending a video consultation with a licensed doctor, and receiving a personalised treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this plan may include oral or injectable GLP-1 medications. Plus, free follow-ups ensure you receive ongoing support throughout your journey.

As highlighted, the approval process blends meeting medical requirements with a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. Dr Bosty Chan, Medical Director at SIRE, puts it best:

"We're moving from 'willpower' to 'biology'. Medically guided weight loss using Semaglutide allows patients to work with their body instead of against it".

Achieving the 10–15% average weight loss over 12 months requires combining the prescribed medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you don't qualify right away, Trimly's doctors will help identify alternative strategies to work towards eligibility.

Trimly is dedicated to safe, evidence-based weight loss solutions. Every prescription follows strict medical guidelines to ensure treatments are effective and appropriate for those who genuinely need them. This streamlined approach provides a safe and reliable path to better health.

Curious to see if you qualify? Trimly's MOH-approved telehealth service makes it easy to begin your personalised, doctor-led weight loss journey - all from the comfort of your home.

FAQs

What lifestyle habits support long-term success in medical weight loss treatment?

Achieving success with medical weight loss treatment over the long term hinges on building habits that are both practical and sustainable. Start with a well-balanced diet that prioritises nutrient-dense foods, keeps portion sizes moderate, and follows a regular meal schedule. Skipping meals - especially breakfast - isn't ideal, and it's wise to limit foods high in refined sugars.

Aim for at least 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Adding resistance training to your routine can also help maintain a healthy metabolism. It's important to set realistic goals, keep track of your progress, and stay consistent. Remember, steady, manageable changes often lead to the most lasting results.

How does Trimly ensure GLP-1 medications are safe and effective for patients?

Trimly puts your safety and well-being first by performing detailed medical assessments before prescribing GLP-1 medications. Every treatment plan is carefully customised to suit your specific health needs, guided by licensed doctors who adhere to strict clinical standards.

Through telehealth consultations, Trimly offers continuous monitoring and support to ensure the medication is both effective and safe. This allows you to work towards your health goals while reducing risks - all without leaving the comfort of your home.

What is the process for Trimly’s telehealth assessment for weight loss treatment?

Trimly makes its telehealth assessment process straightforward and hassle-free. It starts with a medical questionnaire, where you’ll share details about your health history and weight loss goals. A doctor will review your responses, and if necessary, they may arrange at-home assessments, like blood tests, to better understand your metabolic health.

After that, you’ll have a virtual consultation with a doctor to go over your results and discuss whether you qualify for treatment. If approved, the doctor may prescribe suitable medication, such as GLP-1 drugs. Trimly ensures you’re supported throughout the journey with follow-up teleconsultations, medication refills, and regular progress monitoring to keep your treatment both safe and effective.