Affinia Healthcare is working to help patients not only achieve their health goals but maintain their goals with the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), a medication to help manage blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes and treat obesity. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 for long-term use to manage obesity and potentially help reduce the risk of other associated harmful diseases.  

“GLP-1s can be used for DM2 management and also weight management for those with obesity,” said Affinia Healthcare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Melissa Tepe. “There is potential for reduction in cardiovascular risk, hypertension, and kidney disease as well.” 

The WHO acknowledges medication alone won’t solve obesity problems, but other therapies paired with GLP-1 will help with improving quality of life and making lifestyle changes. Affinia Healthcare has many tools to help patients make the necessary lifestyle changes in conjunction with the use of GLP-1 to jump start their weight-loss goals and support long-term health and well-being.  

“In addition to the GLP-1, patients have access to our Walking Club, healthy food sources and cooking class events and much more,” Tepe added. 

Barriers such as accessibility and race have unfortunately hindered patients in Black and Brown communities from utilizing this medication. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, there have been racial and ethnic disparities in the use of obesity-management medications.  

“At Affinia Healthcare it’s important we continue to be a resource for everyone in our community, especially for the African American and Hispanic populations, who are known to have higher obesity rates versus their counterparts,” said Affinia Healthcare Director of Pharmacy Kenyatta Johnson. “Ensuring they have access to medications and other resources to help further their life span is important to the work we do daily.”  

Affinia Healthcare has three pharmacy locations available for prescriptions to be filled: 1717 Biddle Street, 2220 Lemp Avenue and one in Ferguson at 3396 Pershall Road. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 314-814-8700.