This was a report published by JAMA Cardiology November 2024, “Semaglutide Eligibility Across All Current Indications for US Adults.”
We at Biohackr Health do a lot of semaglutide and tirzepatide. If you are overweight, the published science is incredible for the health benefits of semaglutide. See blogs on semaglutide showing improvements in lower dementia, heart disease, diabetes, knee arthritis, sleep apnea, and more. We take a holistic approach, with InBody scans, vital signs, labs, and supportive measures like NAD+, continuous glucose monitors, probiotics which help with glucose and digestion also in our clinic.
This study was looking at figuring out who is eligible to try to guide future policies. They looked at the NHANES Survey from 2015-2020 for adults over the age of 18 who would be eligible. Those who have had weight loss surgery or end stage kidney disease were excluded. Who is considered eligible? Three main groups are eligible for semaglutide:
- Diabetics. HbA1c over 7 or preexisting use of diabetic medications.
- BMI over 30, or BMI over 27 with a medical issue like high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, or history of heart attack or stroke
- Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (age over 45, BMI 27 or higher, and history of heart attack or stroke).
What did they find?
Using this criteria, they looked at 25,531 participants. Of those 8504 were eligible for semaglutide. Average age 50.7 yo, 49% were women. This, when expanded to the US population, estimates 136.8 million US adults would qualify. 35 million adults for diabetes management. 8.9 million for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
In their discussion, they state, “A total of nearly 137 million adults, representing more than half of all US adults, are eligible for semaglutide therapy. This exceeds the number of adults eligible for statins, which is hte most prescribed pharmaceutical among US adults.”
Our thoughts?
We at Biohackr Health offer Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in our monitored medical weight loss program. We hear the results of this study- that millions of Americans should be on a GLP 1 medication. But insurance for many does not cover the medication. Don’t take lack of insurance coverage to mean it isn’t a health benefit. For the criteria listed above, we agree it is great.
