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 Florence, 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 Florence, 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.
Florence County, SC (December 04, 2024) – A fatal crash in the Quinby area of Florence County early Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The incident occurred at approximately 12:23 a.m. on TV Rd near Black Creek Rd.Emergency responders from Florence County arrived on the scene promptly after receiving reports of the collision. They provided care to the pedestrian, who was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2017 Jee...
Florence County, SC (December 04, 2024) – A fatal crash in the Quinby area of Florence County early Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The incident occurred at approximately 12:23 a.m. on TV Rd near Black Creek Rd.
Emergency responders from Florence County arrived on the scene promptly after receiving reports of the collision. They provided care to the pedestrian, who was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2017 Jeep Compass traveling south on TV Rd changed lanes from the right lane to the left in an attempt to pass another vehicle. In doing so, the Jeep struck the pedestrian.
The driver of the Jeep, a 2017 Compass, was unharmed in the incident. At this time, the Florence County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the identity of the deceased individual.
An investigation is underway, and authorities are working to gather further details regarding the incident. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
Pedestrian accidents have become a growing concern in many parts of South Carolina, especially in areas with high traffic flow, like Florence County. The Quinby area, located just outside the city of Florence, has seen a number of collisions in recent years. While many of these incidents involve vehicles striking pedestrians, each case is unique and highlights the importance of driving cautiously, particularly at night when visibility may be reduced.
In this tragic incident, the driver of the 2017 Jeep Compass was reportedly not injured, but it is still unclear whether alcohol or speeding played a role in the crash. Traffic investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to piece together evidence, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and potential witness accounts.
It is essential for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially when crossing or traveling along busy roadways like TV Rd and Black Creek Rd. Pedestrians should utilize crosswalks where available, and drivers should always be aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents. Even minor distractions can lead to devastating consequences.
Local law enforcement continues to investigate this case. Those with any information about the incident are urged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, it is crucial to reach out to a trusted legal professional to explore your options. Local Accident Reports offers valuable resources for those seeking guidance after a traffic accident. Stay safe and aware on the roads to help prevent further tragedies.
Friday night playoff scores from high school football action around Columbia and South Carolina, and next week’s Upper State and Lower State championship game schedule.——Class 5A Division I——Upper StateDutch Fork 52, River Bluff 14Spartanburg 35, JL Mann 9Lower StateSummerville 49, Ridge View 20Sumter 31, James Island 14Dec. 6 scheduleUpper State finals: Spartanburg at Dutch ForkLower State finals: Sumter at Summerv...
Friday night playoff scores from high school football action around Columbia and South Carolina, and next week’s Upper State and Lower State championship game schedule.
——Class 5A Division I——
Upper State
Dutch Fork 52, River Bluff 14
Spartanburg 35, JL Mann 9
Lower State
Summerville 49, Ridge View 20
Sumter 31, James Island 14
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Spartanburg at Dutch Fork
Lower State finals: Sumter at Summerville
——Class 5A Division II——
Upper State
Northwestern 35, Greenwood 6
Gaffney 21, TL Hanna 7
Lower State
Irmo 56, West Florence 7
White Knoll 23, Berkeley 3
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Gaffney at Northwestern
Lower State finals: White Knoll at Irmo
——Class 4A——
Upper State
Westside 49, Camden 7
South Pointe 49, Daniel 35
Lower State
South Florence 49, Hartsville 21
North Augusta 63, Gilbert 16
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: South Pointe at Westside
Lower State finals: South Florence at North Augusta
——Class 3A——
Upper State
Mountain View Prep 30, Crescent 14
Belton-Honea Path 35, Powdersville 14
Lower State
Loris 30, Keenan 14
Oceanside Collegiate 28, Dillon 21
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Belton-Honea Path at Mountain View Prep
Lower State finals: Oceanside Collegiate at Loris
——Class 2A——
Upper State
Clinton 31, Batesburg-Leesville 14
Fairfield Central 48, Central 28
Lower State
Barnwell 28, Cheraw 27
Manning 34, Philip Simmons 21
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Fairfield Central at Clinton
Lower State finals: Barnwell at Manning
——Class A——
Upper State
Abbeville 48, Lamar 38
Lewisville 31, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 6
Lower State
Cross 12, Hannah-Pamplico 7
Lake View 42, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 32
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Lewisville at Abbeville
Lower State finals: Cross at Lake View
This story was originally published November 29, 2024, 6:47 PM.
A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm with offices in Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL, has completed design and commenced construction on its fourth major project for Cheney Brothers, Inc. (CBI). The 386,047-sf refrigerator/freezer distribution facility in Florence, SC will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date.A M King, Cheney Brothers, Inc...
A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm with offices in Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL, has completed design and commenced construction on its fourth major project for Cheney Brothers, Inc. (CBI). The 386,047-sf refrigerator/freezer distribution facility in Florence, SC will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date.
A M King, Cheney Brothers, Inc. and Florence County Economic Development Partnership hosted an official groundbreaking event on December 4, 2024. The day’s festivities included a shovel ceremony, a visit from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and site tours.
“This new distribution center in Florence will allow Cheney Brothers to enhance our customer service and obtain a higher level of customer satisfaction,” said Byron Russell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cheney Brothers. “The support we have received from the State of South Carolina and the local communities has been tremendous.”
A M King Business Unit Leader David Sawicki noted, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cheney Brothers to develop a facility of this magnitude and complexity. Our history of successful projects for CBI, along with our depth and breadth of food industry expertise, makes this an ideal venture.”
A M King’s scope of work includes 100,963 sf of dry storage and a 36,098-sf dry dock; a 90,095-sf freezer; 60,683 sf of cooler with separate rooms and temperatures for dairy/meat, flour and produce, and a 31,533-sf cooler dock; 30,424 sf of office spaces; a 7,142-sf Cheney Express; and a 3,364-sf test kitchen.
Cheney Brothers’ Florence Facility
Cheney Brothers, Inc., based in Riviera Beach, FL, was founded in 1925. In 2016, the company purchased Pate Dawson Co., thereby acquiring distribution and processing facilities in Statesville, NC and Greensboro, NC. The Florence facility, located on nearly 50 acres in the Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park — across I-95 from Buc-ee’s — will be the company’s first in South Carolina. The new distribution center will provide means for the broadline distributor to significantly expand its reach in the region.
Warren Newell, CBI’s Director of Development, said, “I have worked with dozens of Design-Build and construction firms over the years, and I can honestly say that A M King is one of the finest. There is no doubt they will design and construct a first-class distribution center for us in Florence, which will strengthen our ability to serve Southeast Atlantic coastal customers.”
A M King’s History Serving Cheney Brothers
A M King has completed two major expansions at Cheney Brothers’ Statesville facility, bringing the total square footage to 342,126. The projects included additional cold storage and dry warehouse space, a 2,000-sf commercial culinary center, cutting-edge penthouse refrigeration system, 37 new dock positions and a new receiving office. The complexity of these projects was heightened by the fact that all work was performed in an operational distribution center.
Our Design-Build team also transformed a vacant shell building in Greensboro into a state-of-the-art food processing facility for CBI affiliate Southern Foods. A M King won five prestigious industry awards for the Statesville facility and Southern Foods facility projects from organizations including ABC Carolinas, Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) and Engineering News-Record.
About A M King
A M King is an integrated Design-Build firm based in Charlotte, NC with offices in Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. An employee-owned company, A M King consistently and successfully delivers quality projects throughout the United States. With an experienced team committed to protecting clients’ assets, the firm provides property consulting, design, construction, and facility services in key market sectors including food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing, and corporate properties.
About Cheney Brothers, Inc.
Cheney Brothers, Inc. is a broadline food distributor that delivers more than 16,000 different products throughout the Southeast region of United States and in more than 100 countries. Cheney Brothers employs more than 3,800 individuals and reports annual revenues exceeding $3.2 billion.
About Florence County Economic Development Partnership
Florence County Economic Development Partnership serves as the public-private entity that works to recruit new business and industry to Florence County, South Carolina, while also helping existing industries grow and expand.
“We’re thrilled to witness Cheney Brothers break ground on their state-of-the-art distribution center, strategically sited to serve the Carolinas market,” said Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chair Joe W.” Rocky” Pearce. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the realization of their $66+ million investment.”
“We are immensely grateful for Cheney Brothers’ trust and investment in Florence County,” added Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield. “We are confident that their presence will reflect the success of the thriving companies already here, creating jobs and making a lasting impact on our community. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in our journey toward growth and prosperity.”
FLORENCE – A holiday tradition for some Florence families will come to an end this year.Lights 4 Paws, an annual fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society and one of Florence’s best-known holiday light shows, announced that 2024 would be its last y...
FLORENCE – A holiday tradition for some Florence families will come to an end this year.
Lights 4 Paws, an annual fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society and one of Florence’s best-known holiday light shows, announced that 2024 would be its last year.
The 5-acre, 300,000-light walking trail gained national recognition when it was featured on ABC’s reality TV show, "The Great Christmas Light Fight," in 2023.
In Florence, the display has become a part of many people’s Christmas seasons.
It's the work of a single family: Ross Shotts, his wife, Darlene, and her sister, Denise Pate. The family is moving out of town and has decided this will be its last year, Florence Area Humane Society President Jayne Boswell said.
"I just really can't even imagine Christmas without that event," Boswell said.
"It's something that they've had a real heart for animals to do, and also just a real love for Christmas and an opportunity to see the sparkle in kids' eyes."
Hundreds of people shared or commented on Lights 4 Paws Facebook post announcing the end of the event. They shared favorite memories, expressed sadness to see it end and thanked the Shotts for their work bringing the lights to life each year.
The Shotts have operated the display as Lights 4 Paws since 2016. It’s the Humane Society’s second-largest fundraiser, Liz Parrish, a Humane Society board member, said. Thousands of people visit each year, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The wooded trail winds around the Shotts home. In addition to classic Christmas decorations, there are numerous decorations you can't find elsewhere.
Last year, there was Santa in construction equipment, Santa in a rocket, Santa in a camper, Santa in an outhouse. There were Christmas cactuses, porcupines and cowboys. There was an entire section devoted to outer space: little green men next to spaceships and Star Wars characters.
Underneath these lights, many families make their holiday memories. Eyes sparkling, mouths slightly agape, children sit on their parents’ shoulders, couples hold hands and teenage friends tease each other.
The Shotts were not immediately available for comment, but they previously told The Post and Courier that the display is a labor of love.
They spend six months turning their home into something from a Christmas fairytale. Come December, they spend hours each night shepherding visitors through the display.
In 2023, the family was featured on "The Great Christmas Light Fight," a reality television show that pits holiday displays from across the country against each other. The Shotts fell short of the top prize.
That year, Ross Shotts said the family knew they were nearing the end. As much as they love the annual display, they were worn out.
"I just think everybody deserves some time for retirement, and they've worked hard all their lives. So heck yeah, I'm happy for them," Boswell said.
Lights 4 Paws, 3251 Mears Drive, will be open Nov. 29 to Dec. 26. Nightly hours will be 6 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. A monetary donation is required for admission.
"We hope that everybody's gonna' pack each night full. We want a huge crowd to send it on its way," Boswell said.
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