The gut hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), oxyntomodulin (OXM), and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) are elevated following gastric bypass surgery
CAT-1 classification also technically means selling these peptides is not illegal, but that any materials advertising positive health benefits or suggesting their use in humans would be
For Continuing Therapy If you are already on Zepbound: A renewal PA is required at 29 weeks After that, PAs are required every 12 months You must generally demonstrate a 5% reduction in weight from your baseline Important Clarification for Members Switching from Another GLP-1 If you are continuing therapy on a GLP-1 weight loss medication other than Zepbound, such as Wegovy: even if your BMI is now below 30, if you have lost 5% or more of your baseline weight, you may still meet prior authorization criteria for Zepbound under continuation-of-therapy guidelines
By April 2026, they took it out of Category 2 because its nominators withdrew their nominationsbut that doesn't mean it's now clear to use
And with increasing awareness around metabolic health, more people are learning about what GLP-1 medications are and how they could support long-term wellness
Consider your timeline, budget, and primary health concerns when making your decision