Video visits for patients who are in Arizona at the time of the visit. Read the full guide: Holiday Eating on a GLP-1: Tips for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
For general educational purposes only, not a substitute for specific medical advice. Consult with a licensed provider before implementing any adjustments to your treatment regimen.
Weight, diabetes and nutrition in Phoenix and Maricopa County
- Adult obesity prevalence in the City of Phoenix (crude, model-based estimate; 95% CI 28.9-36.0%): 32.3% (BRFSS 2023 data, CDC PLACES 2025 release) [1]
- Diagnosed diabetes among adults in the City of Phoenix (crude, model-based estimate; 95% CI 9.8-11.8%): 10.8% (BRFSS 2023 data, CDC PLACES 2025 release) [1]
- Adults in the City of Phoenix reporting food insecurity in the past 12 months (crude, model-based estimate; 95% CI 19.8-23.1%). An estimated 15.8% of Phoenix adults received SNAP benefits in the past 12 months: 21.4% food insecure; 15.8% received SNAP (BRFSS 2023 data, CDC PLACES 2025 release) [1]
- Binge drinking among adults in Maricopa County (county-level, crude, model-based estimate; 95% CI 14.2-17.8%). Relevant to the article's holiday alcohol guidance: 16.0% (BRFSS 2023 data, CDC PLACES 2025 release) [2]
- Adult obesity in Maricopa County versus Arizona overall (county-level), and diagnosed diabetes (10.4% county vs 11.3% state): 32.7% Maricopa County vs 33.5% Arizona (County Health Rankings 2025 release) [3]
- Maricopa County's 2024-2026 Community Health Improvement Plan lists five priorities: Mental Health, Access to Health Care, Access to Healthy Food (sub-topics: availability and affordability, transportation), Substance Use, and Housing/Homelessness: Access to Healthy Food is 1 of 5 county priorities (2024-2026 CHIP) [4]
- The Maricopa County Department of Public Health Office of Nutrition & Active Living concluded delivery of SNAP-Ed nutrition education services, after federal SNAP-Ed funding ended (county page cites end of federal funding as of October 1, 2025). The county's food resources page still links WIC, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension and other food access resources: SNAP-Ed services ended August 31, 2025 (2025) [5]
Where to get help in and around Phoenix
These local and state programs are free or low-cost places to start. Details can change, so check the program’s site before you go.
- St. Mary's Food Bank: Phoenix-based food bank. Its Get Help page links to a pantry locator (azfoodhelp.org) and offers home food delivery for Maricopa, Yavapai and Pinal County residents who cannot travel (apply online). Phone: (602) 242-3663. Website [6]
- 2-1-1 Arizona: Free statewide information and referral line with a searchable directory of local food assistance and other community resources; a live person answers calls. Phone: Dial 2-1-1 within Arizona, or 877-211-8661 from anywhere. Website [7]
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Diabetes Prevention Program (CDC National DPP): 12-month group lifestyle-change program for adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes or diagnosed with prediabetes; in-person classes in Maricopa County (and six other counties) and statewide over Zoom, in English or Spanish. Class search at preventdiabetesaz.org/find-a-class. Phone: 520-626-5161 (Program Coordinator). Website [8]
- Area Agency on Aging, Region One - 24-Hour Senior HELP LINE: Help line for older adults and caregivers in the Phoenix area; programs listed include a Benefits Assistance Program, Health Promotion, In-Home Services and Family Caregiver Support. Phone: 602-264-HELP (4357); toll free (888)-783-7500. Website [9]
Rules and coverage worth knowing
- Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) lists 'Medications used for weight loss treatment' among its pharmacy benefit exclusions (AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual 310-V, current revision effective 10/09/26). Coverage of a GLP-1 for another indication, such as type 2 diabetes, is a separate question for the member's plan. [10]
How a video visit with Charles Wade, FNP-BC can help
A video visit is a good place to review how meals are going, talk through side effects and plan for holiday travel or refills. Charles Wade, FNP-BC can look at diabetes medicines if you take them, order lab work at a facility near you and decide whether any change to your plan makes sense.
A visit does not guarantee a specific medication or dose change. Please don’t stop or change your medication on your own; talk with your clinician or pharmacist first. Telehealth can’t examine your abdomen, give IV fluids or do imaging, so severe or worsening symptoms need in-person care.
Lab work and imaging are ordered at a facility near you, and prescriptions go to the Phoenix-area pharmacy you choose. See labs, imaging and pharmacies near Phoenix. Insurance accepted in Arizona: BCBS / Anthem PPO, UnitedHealthcare PPO, UMR (PPO), Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, Humana PPO, Ambetter PPO, TRICARE. Self-pay visits are also available.
When to get care right away
For severe or persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, severe stomach pain or other emergencies, call 911 or go to an emergency department such as Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, or Valleywise Health Medical Center.
Keep reading
- Holiday Eating on a GLP-1: Tips for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: the full patient guide.
- Telehealth care in Phoenix: local labs, imaging, pharmacies and visit planning.
- Medical Weight Management at Wade’s Care First
- Telehealth care across Arizona
Sources
- CDC PLACES
- CDC PLACES
- County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2025 analytic data
- Maricopa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
- Maricopa County, Food Resources (Office of Nutrition and Active Living)
- stmarysfoodbank.org
- 211arizona.org
- extension.arizona.edu
- aaaphx.org
- azahcccs.gov
Local figures are the most recent published by the listed agencies as of November 12, 2026. This page does not replace advice from your own clinician.
