Is Ozempic the Answer? 137 Million Americans Could Benefit

Over 50% of U.S. Adults Now Qualify for Ozempic: What It Means for You

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a leading medication for weight management, renowned for its effectiveness in helping people shed pounds. Now, a new study reveals that over half of U.S. adults may qualify for this treatment. But what does this mean for you? Let’s explore the details and how holistic approaches like acupressure can play a role in your wellness journey.

What the Study Found About Ozempic Eligibility

A recent study analyzed national health data and uncovered a striking reality:

  • 137 million adults, or over 50% of the U.S. adult population, now meet the eligibility criteria for semaglutide treatment.
  • This surpasses the number of adults eligible for statins, medications used for cholesterol management.

The drug is approved for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher coupled with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. As obesity rates rise, this treatment has taken center stage in addressing weight-related health challenges.

Key Implications of These Findings

  1. Healthcare Impact: A growing number of prescriptions may strain healthcare budgets and insurance coverage.
  2. Access Concerns: The increased demand for semaglutide could lead to supply shortages or cost increases.
  3. Informed Choices: With eligibility expanding, more people may consider semaglutide as part of their weight-loss strategy.

Study Methodology: How the Numbers Were Determined

Researchers used data from national health surveys to evaluate the eligibility of U.S. adults for semaglutide. Here’s how the study was conducted:

  • Eligibility Criteria: BMI thresholds and associated comorbidities were the primary factors.
  • Comprehensive Sampling: The data represented a broad cross-section of the population, including different age groups, races, and socioeconomic statuses.
  • Healthcare Projections: The study offered insights into potential prescription trends and the broader impact on healthcare systems.

TCM Tips: Acupressure Points for Weight Management

For those considering a holistic approach, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers powerful tools. Acupressure is a non-invasive technique that can aid weight management by improving energy flow, digestion, and hormonal balance.

Top Acupressure Points to Support Weight Loss

  1. Yongquan (KI-1):
Acupoint: KI-1 (Other Names: Kidney-1/Yong Quan/Gushing Spring)
Acupoint: KI-1 (Other Names: Kidney-1/Yong Quan/Gushing Spring)
    • Location: Found on the sole of the foot, in the depression just below the ball of the foot.
    • Benefits: Stimulating KI-1 can help reduce stress, improve energy levels, and enhance kidney function, which supports detoxification and water metabolism.
  1. Zhongwan (Ren-12):
Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)
Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)
    • Location: Located on the midline of the abdomen, about four finger widths above the navel.
    • Benefits: Ren-12 is known to aid digestion, relieve bloating, and enhance the body’s ability to process nutrients, which can help curb overeating.
  1. Shenshu (BL-23):
Acupoint: Bl-23 Or Ub-23(Other Names: Urinary Bladder-23/Shen Shu/Kidney Transporter)
Acupoint: Bl-23 Or Ub-23(Other Names: Urinary Bladder-23/Shen Shu/Kidney Transporter)
    • Location: Found on the lower back, about two finger widths away from the spine at the level of the second lumbar vertebra.
    • Benefits: This point supports kidney health, helps balance hormones, and reduces fatigue, promoting overall well-being and weight regulation.

How to Practice Acupressure

  • Duration: Apply gentle pressure to each point for 2–3 minutes using your thumb or forefinger.
  • Frequency: Perform acupressure daily or during moments of stress or cravings.
  • Comfort: Ensure you are in a relaxed position to maximize the benefits of each session.

For more detailed guidance on acupressure, check out our article on acupressure for weight loss during high-stress work periods. This resource dives deeper into acupressure techniques that help manage weight effectively, especially when you’re under stress.

Conclusion

The new study highlights the growing significance of Ozempic as a treatment option for weight management, with more than half of U.S. adults now eligible. While semaglutide can be life-changing for many, holistic practices like acupressure offer complementary benefits that can enhance your journey to better health.

Before starting any new treatment or therapy, consult with a healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you. Whether you choose medication, acupressure, or a combination of both, taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can yield lasting results.

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Author: P. Sze

P. Sze P. Sze is the founder of TCM Tips and Dragon Acupuncture®. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a first-class honor in Civil Engineering. S he also holds a master’s degree in Engineering and is the brain behind the innovative TCM products of Dragon Acupuncture®. She is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Auricular Therapy: Application of Ear Seeds (ISBN 978-1520451398) and Facial Gua Sha - Fight the Signs of Aging Naturally and Inexpensively (ISBN 978-1980678922). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the complex theories behind oriental medicine and the seemingly dangerous techniques that involve needles and fire do not scare you from trying oriental medicine. This is why she writes endlessly about acupressure and its countless health and wellness benefits.

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