Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss)
Brand names: Zepbound|Last verified: 2026-09-12
FAA Pathway: Acceptable for weight loss when FAA certification criteria are met
As of the FAA's August 26, 2026 weight loss medication update, tirzepatide (Zepbound) is acceptable for weight loss when certification criteria are met: an A1C of 6.4% or less, no diagnosis of diabetes, and no history of hypoglycemia requiring intervention. Do not fly for one week after starting, or for 48 hours after any dose increase or formulation change. If you have prediabetes, your AME can issue using the CACI Prediabetes Worksheet. If you take tirzepatide for diabetes (Mounjaro), the diabetes Special Issuance pathway applies instead.
Pilot Tip
Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.
Certification Details
Sources
- FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: Weight Loss (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Weight_loss_pharm.pdf)
- FAA CACI Prediabetes Worksheet (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/CACI-Pre-Diabetes_Worksheet.pdf)
Last verified: 2026-09-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss) allowed for pilots?
The FAA considers Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss) (Zepbound) to be "Generally Approved" for medical certification purposes. As of the FAA's August 26, 2026 weight loss medication update, tirzepatide (Zepbound) is acceptable for weight loss when certification criteria are met: an A1C of 6.4% or less, no diagnosis of diabetes, and no history of hypoglycemia requiring intervention. Do not fly for one week after starting, or for 48 hours after any dose increase or formulation change. If you have prediabetes, your AME can issue using the CACI Prediabetes Worksheet. If you take tirzepatide for diabetes (Mounjaro), the diabetes Special Issuance pathway applies instead.
What is the FAA status of Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss)?
Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss) has a status of "Generally Approved" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: Acceptable for weight loss when FAA certification criteria are met.
Can I fly while taking Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss)?
Tirzepatide (for Weight Loss) is generally compatible with flying. However, you must report it on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8) and ensure you are not experiencing side effects that could impair flight safety. Always consult your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Important Notice
The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.
The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.