Diet

Michigan insurers seek premium hikes as demand for diet drugs soars

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Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to treat people with type 2 diabetes who are at risk of serious health consequences without medication. In recent months, there has been a spike in demand for Ozempic, or semaglutide, due to its weight-loss benefits, which has led to shortages. Some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity.

Michigan health insurers are looking to raise premiums again next year, with rising demand for expensive diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy contributing to what they see as needed rate hikes. A report from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which reviews and approves insurer rates, shows health insurance companies are … Read more

Levels of food processing affect blood pressure variability, new study reveals

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Study: Food Consumption by Degree of Processing is Associated with Night Diving and Blood Pressure Variability: The ELSA-Brasil Study. Image Credit: Gorloff-KV/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in Nutrition, metabolism and cardiovascular diseases Journal, the researchers used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to evaluate the relationship between the degree of processed foods consumed and blood pressure variability. Their findings indicate that a high proportion of processed foods in the diet correlates positively with greater blood pressure variability and … Read more