Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Hilton Head Island, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Hilton Head Island, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
An astronomical phenomenon called a “king tide” will bring unusually high tides and possible minor flooding to the Beaufort County area this weekend. Peak water levels are expected Saturday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Known by scientists as a “...
An astronomical phenomenon called a “king tide” will bring unusually high tides and possible minor flooding to the Beaufort County area this weekend. Peak water levels are expected Saturday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Known by scientists as a “perigean spring tide,” a king tide occurs when a new or full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee — a point around its monthlong orbit when it’s closest to the Earth. The combined gravitational pull of these events causes oceans to swell higher than usual in coastal areas.
High tides around Hilton Head Island typically fall between six and eight feet. With a full moon occurring Friday, those highs will reach up to a foot higher, according to NOAA forecasts:
High tides will dip back below 8 feet beginning Tuesday. The highest predicted tide next month is 8.34 feet during the Dec. 15 full moon.
Downtown Beaufort was already experiencing slight flooding Thursday morning, as pictures showed large pools of water in the parking lot of Safe Harbor.
“It’s King Tide week for Beaufort!” the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department posted alongside the photos. Chief Ross Vezin reminded residents not to drive through flooded roadways.
Rainfall Thursday afternoon and evening could contribute to the elevated water levels, but the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office predicts the rain will amount to less than a tenth of an inch.
Thursday afternoon: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Friday night: Clear, with a low around 49. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
This story was originally published November 15, 2024, 7:54 AM.
Hurricane season can bring Lowcountry creatures to the surface, from alligators walking through busy streets to odd pink blobs washing up in the surf. Better known as Sea Pork, these unusual creatures are actually a distant relative to humans.Jerry Staub, one of the directors for Shore Beach Services on Hilton Head, said that the creatures often wash up on shore on the north and south ends of the island after rough weathe...
Hurricane season can bring Lowcountry creatures to the surface, from alligators walking through busy streets to odd pink blobs washing up in the surf. Better known as Sea Pork, these unusual creatures are actually a distant relative to humans.
Jerry Staub, one of the directors for Shore Beach Services on Hilton Head, said that the creatures often wash up on shore on the north and south ends of the island after rough weather and high surf.
After Hurricane Helene’s path across the Lowcountry at the end of September, locals posted evidence of the strange looking creatures on social media. Staub said that he came across just a few pieces while covering a three-mile area on the north end of the island after the storm.
Dr. Kim Ritchie, a University of South Carolina-Beaufort professor in the department of natural sciences, said that sea pork, like sponges or coral, are usually attached to hard surfaces, like the rock jetties near Hunting Island, but they can get dislodged during storms and end up on the beach.
According to Dr. Joseph Staton, a professor of Biology and Marine Sciences at USCB, once they end up on the beaches, like Portuguese man’o war and cannonball jellyfish, the sea pork will likely not survive.
Sea Pork can be found all along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico, Staton said. The pink blob turns pale gray as it dies, resembling pork, but it is also called sea squirt (since it tends to spray water when it is removed its wet home), and is a member of the tunicate family (since their squishy interiors are protected by a thick exterior, known as a tunic.)
Whatever you call it, sea pork is actually a distant relative to humans. During their larvae stage, sea pork share several similar characteristics to human embryos in the womb, Staton said.
Like barnacles, sea pork are sessiles, which means once they pick a spot, they do not move. Like oysters, sea pork are filter feeders. According to Staton, compounds from creatures within the sea pork family have been extracted to treat some cancers and HIV because of their ability to fight off fungi and bacteria.
Despite their strange appearance, sea pork are harmless to touch, but according to Staub, can get smelly as they dry up on the beaches.
The Gamecocks are headed to Orlando, Florida.Following a 9-3 season that included wins over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson, No. 15 South Carolina will play in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 against No. 20 Illinois (9-3).It will be the first time the Gamecocks have played in the Citrus Bowl since 2014. The game airs at 3 p.m. on ESPN on New Year’s Eve.“This was the best-possible outcome, in our opinion, of where we could be playing,” coach Shane Beamer said Sunday on a teleconference. “What a stat...
The Gamecocks are headed to Orlando, Florida.
Following a 9-3 season that included wins over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson, No. 15 South Carolina will play in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 against No. 20 Illinois (9-3).
It will be the first time the Gamecocks have played in the Citrus Bowl since 2014. The game airs at 3 p.m. on ESPN on New Year’s Eve.
“This was the best-possible outcome, in our opinion, of where we could be playing,” coach Shane Beamer said Sunday on a teleconference. “What a statement. Obviously, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl had a choice on who they wanted us. And they chose us.”
Earlier Sunday, it was expected that Alabama — which missed out on the College Football Playoff — would get invited to the Citrus Bowl, which has its pick of any non-playoff squad. Instead, it’ll be the Gamecocks playing in one of the premier SEC-affiliated bowl games.
When Alabama missed the playoff, Beamer texted with a number of veteran leaders about bowl possibilities. The best case, of course, was still the Citrus Bowl, but the Gator Bowl and other options were very much in play.
Then Beamer was greeted in his office by a visitor. Athletic director Ray Tanner, like he just won the Super Bowl MVP, delivered some joy.
“Get ready for Disney World,” Tanner said.
“I gave him a bear hug. I can’t lie,” Beamer said. “There was a lot of excitement, for sure. And the text messages that I started getting from our players — they feel the same way.”
The news is perhaps bittersweet for some South Carolina fans. The Gamecocks finished the season on a six-game win streak and put an exclamation point on their College Football Playoff case with a victory at No. 12 Clemson.
But, citing head-to-head losses against Alabama and Ole Miss, the selection committee slotted South Carolina at No. 14 in the rankings and essentially said there was no scenario that would vault the Gamecocks into the 12-team playoff.
The next day, a clearly-frustrated Shane Beamer railed against the committee’s reasoning but also assured fans that his team still deeply cared about winning the bowl game.
“The players on this team are extremely motivated to try and go get a 10th win,” Beamer said “That’s really important to a lot of guys.”
This will be the third bowl game in Beamer’s four seasons in Columbia. In his first season, the Gamecocks beat North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and the head coach was doused with the condiment. The next year, though, South Carolina fell to Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl.
The South Carolina head coach was clear to point out the history at stake. Sure, the playoff disappointment will sting, Beamer noted, but this 2024 Gamecocks team has a chance to do what just four others have done in the 117 years the University of South Carolina has been playing football: Win double-digit games.
“We’re gonna handle it the right way,” Beamer said. “There were some examples last season of teams that dealt with disappointment and handled it the right way and handled it the wrong way. We talked about being the team that handles it the right way.”
Beamer is likely referring to the 2023 Florida State team, which didn’t earn a spot in the playoff despite an undefeated season. Over a dozen key pieces for Seminoles either hit the transfer portal or opted out of the game and Florida State went on to lose to Georgia by 60 in the Orange Bowl.
As of last week, Beamer said no players had told him they will be opting out. Still, for likely NFL Draft picks such as defensive tackle TJ Sanders and edge Kyle Kennard, there’s definitely a decision to make.
Bowls listed by season
This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 2:41 PM.
Cinemark Theatres has brought back its Holiday Movie Clubhouse program for 2024, showing classic holiday films on the big screen at discounted prices from now through Dec. 18.Here’s what to know so you can watch your favorite movies on the big screen.Through the Holiday Movie Clubhouse program, moviegoers can watch classic holiday films on the big screen for $5 a ti...
Cinemark Theatres has brought back its Holiday Movie Clubhouse program for 2024, showing classic holiday films on the big screen at discounted prices from now through Dec. 18.
Here’s what to know so you can watch your favorite movies on the big screen.
Through the Holiday Movie Clubhouse program, moviegoers can watch classic holiday films on the big screen for $5 a ticket, according to a Cinemark news release. Ticket holders can get $1 off all kids’ snack packs and popcorn-and-drink combos of any size.
Holiday Movie Clubhouse showings began on Nov. 30, with screenings scheduled for the following Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
The Holiday Movie Clubhouse will end on Wednesday, Dec. 18, the release said.
No sign-up is necessary. Simply purchase tickets for select screenings online at Cinemark.com/hmc or on the Cinemark app. You can also purchase discount tickets in person at more than 250 participating locations.
No. Films being shown as part of the Holiday Movie Clubhouse have show times every Wednesday and Saturday through Dec. 18. Movie times can be selected when making a ticket purchase.
These are the South Carolina locations participating in the Holiday Movie Clubhouse. A full list of all participating locations can be found online.
Bluffton
Cinemark Bluffton, 106 Buckwalter Parkway
Myrtle Beach
Cinemark Myrtle Beach, 2100 Coastal Grand Circle
Summerville
Cinemark Summerville, 4488 Ladson Road
Cinemark Holdings, Inc., was founded in 1984 and now operates a total of 499 theaters with 5,680 screens throughout the United States and 13 Latin American countries.
Cinemark theaters have been go-to spots for family outings, dates and solo excursions.
According to Cinemark’s website, the chain has ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in box office revenues in 80% of its top 25 markets. Cinemark owns brands including Century Theatres, Rave Cinemas and Gamescape, a family arcade-entertainment center.
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