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 Hartsville, 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 Hartsville, 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.
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Following the regular-season finale loss to Hartsville, South Florence coach Drew Marlowe told his team the goal was to be back on that same field in a month’s time.His postgame speech following Friday’s 49-21 victory over the Red Foxes had a different goal in mind.“This is not the destination,” he said. “This is not where we were trying to go. We’ve got two more weeks. Two more weeks.“That was the mission.”The mission still has two wins to g...
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Following the regular-season finale loss to Hartsville, South Florence coach Drew Marlowe told his team the goal was to be back on that same field in a month’s time.
His postgame speech following Friday’s 49-21 victory over the Red Foxes had a different goal in mind.
“This is not the destination,” he said. “This is not where we were trying to go. We’ve got two more weeks. Two more weeks.
“That was the mission.”
The mission still has two wins to go as South (10-3) advances to the 4A lower state championship game for the third straight season. They’ll travel to North Augusta (12-1) next Friday at 7:30 p.m. looking to make it back to Orangeburg for the second straight year.
The victor faces either defending state champ Westside or South Pointe on Dec. 13 at Oliver Dawson Stadium for the title.
And Marlowe is likely hoping to see more of the same type of effort on both sides of the ball he saw Friday at Kelleytown Stadium.
Junior quarterback Messiah Jackson accounted for six touchdowns – four passing, two rushing – and the SFHS defense that was gashed against the Red Foxes (10-2-1) the first go-round seemed like a completely different unit.
“Total opposite from the last time,” Marlowe said. “Super-proud of the way they fought; super-proud of the way our coaches prepared them. It was a great win all the way around.”
The difference? Aggressiveness.
“When we went back and watched (the first game film), we said what we’re doing is good, we were just sitting back and we were timid and we were scared,” Marlowe said. “We got up on the line tonight and tried to be more aggressive and tried to force them into some turnovers, tried to force them into some holding calls…trying to just force the issue and not sit back.
“That’s not who we are. We don’t sit back, and I thought that was the biggest difference tonight was we attacked.”
That mentality helped the Bruins jump to a 20-0 lead after one quarter. Jackson found Lennix Valarie on the opening drive for a 57-yard strike, and then the ensuing kickoff was fumbled as South took advantage of the short field with a 4-yard run from Jackson to go up 13-0 just over four minutes into the contest.
“South Florence came out and played extremely well early and we were behind the eight-ball all night,” Hartsville coach Jeff Calabrese said. “It just didn’t work out in our favor tonight.”
The Red Foxes went backwards on their first offensive possession, and the ensuing SFHS drive was capped by a 36-yard TD from Jayden Sellers as the Bruins grabbed a three-score lead heading into the second quarter.
“That was a great feeling to be up (20) points and have them playing the catchup game,” Jackson said. “We were able to be in a good position and we were able to be comfortable.”
Jackson certainly looked comfortable leading the offense. He found Sellers for a 44-yard strike to open the scoring in the second quarter, then capped off a big first half with a 1-yard romp into the end zone. He finished the first half with 57 yards rushing and 117 passing to go along with the four scores.
“We knew we had to come out there and score almost every time,” Jackson said. “Defense did a great job getting stops. They set us up to score a bunch of times, and on special teams.
“We had three great days of practice. We did all that we were supposed to do, but the job’s not done.”
But Hartsville didn’t go away quietly. Hakeem Watters’ 13-yard run finally got the Red Foxes on the board in the second quarter, and quarterback EJ Smith found Tristian Spann for a pair of touchdowns passes – including one with 13 seconds left in the first half – to pull withing 35-21 at the break.
But the momentum failed to carry over into the third quarter. HHS got the ball first but was stopped on a fourth-down run at the South Florence 46.
That’s’ when the SFHS gorund game took over. The Bruins mounted a 12-play drive capped by Valarie’s second TD reception as South increased its advantage back to three scores.
Hartsville’s next drive resulted in an interception as the Red Foxes couldn’t find any rhythm offensively in the second half and didn’t have the ball for very long either as South controlled the time of possession.
“First possession we had a couple chances to break free, click it off a little bit and we didn’t,” Calabrese said. “We go for it on fourth down and we’re a yard-and-a-half short. You’ve got small opportunities to make these plays, and when you don’t make them, you don’t advance and that’s what happened.
“South Florence was by far the best team tonight. Doesn’t diminish our season and the things we were able to do, but it’s a little bittersweet right now.”
Hartsville was shut out in the fourth quarter as well, with Valarie’s third TD reception marking the final scoring drive of the game.
Jackson finished 5 for 8 for 172 yards, with 112 of those yards going to Valarie. Zion Gilbert had 128 yards rushing in the first half alone for the Bruins, who had 273 at the break and added another 91 prior to their final drive of the game.
SF 20 15 7 7 – 49
H 0 21 0 0 – 21
FIRST QUARTER
SF – Lennix Valarie 57 pass from Messiah Jackson (Evan Holland kick), 11:09
SF – Jackson 4 run (Holland kick blocked), 7:57.
SF – Jayden Sellers 36 run (Holland kick), 2:31.
SECOND QUARTER
SF – Sellers 44 pass from Jackson (Holland kick), 9:45.
H – Hakeem Watters 13 run (Gerardo Segura kick), 8:49.
H – Tristian Spann 27 pass from EJ Smith (Segura kick), 6:17.
SF – Jackson 1 run (Sellers run), 0:41.
H – Spann 25 pass from Smith (Segura kick), 0:13.
THIRD QUARTER
SF – Valarie 22 pass from Jackson (Holland kick), 2:47.
FOURTH QUARTER
SF – Valarie 33 pass from Jackson (Holland kick), 7:40.
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Both South Florence and Hartsville knew what kind of game they were in for come kickoff Friday evening at Kelleytown Stadium.That much was evident based on the aggressiveness of both coaches as neither punter was needed until after halftime.“Somebody had a saying….’Scared money doesn’t make money, right?’” Red Foxes coach Jeff Calabrese said. “South Florence (is) by no means and neither are we going to give up anything easy. And that’s the way I think bot...
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Both South Florence and Hartsville knew what kind of game they were in for come kickoff Friday evening at Kelleytown Stadium.
That much was evident based on the aggressiveness of both coaches as neither punter was needed until after halftime.
“Somebody had a saying….’Scared money doesn’t make money, right?’” Red Foxes coach Jeff Calabrese said. “South Florence (is) by no means and neither are we going to give up anything easy. And that’s the way I think both of our programs are designed – to battle and be aggressive and let the players play.”
In the end it was Hartsville’s players that did what few 4A squads have done in the last three seasons against the Bruins. Spurred by Da’Marion Coe and Hakeem Watters among others, the Red Fox offense was firing on all cylinders in a 54-35 victory as HHS captured the Region 5-4A title.
“It means a lot to us,” said Coe, the senior Shrine Bowl defensive back who had two huge touchdowns Friday. “Losing to South Florence for three years, them being a really great team, this just boosts our confidence going into the playoffs.”
It was a clash between two of the top-ranked 4A teams in the state and it lived up to the hype and then some. Here are five things that stood out:
1. STREAKS
AND OTHER STATSThe victory marked the first region championship for Hartsville football since the 2018 season and halted South from earning its third straight region crown.
“It’s been a minute,” Calabrese said of his squad’s rise back to the top of the standings. “I’m proud of the journey we’ve been on. I’m proud of the young men and their character and continuing to get better as people. And I think the score indicated our growth – our growth as men, our learning how to work every day.
“…. Super-excited for our kids, our town (and) just really happy.”
It also marked the first time since 2021 that South Florence lost a regular season game to a 4A foe. The last time that happened previously was at the hands of rival West Florence when they were both in the same region.
Since 2022, the Bruins have only suffered four losses – one against Westside in last year’s 4A state championship, two games earlier this season against 5A opponents and Friday’s loss to Hartsville.
It is the first win for HHS in the rivalry since 2020.
2. TURNING POINTThe game shifted in the Red Foxes’ favor during a key sequence in the second quarter.
The Bruins had just scored to knot the game at 14-14, but the ensuing kickoff saw an unscripted play by Hartsville’s Coe and Watters that turned into something special.
South booted the ball to Watters – keeping it out of Coe’s hands – but the Shrine Bowler called for the ball and Watters tossed it back to him.
Coe wound up racing 75 yards down the sideline for the score to put Hartsville back in the lead.
“No that wasn’t designed,” Calabrese said afterwards, able to smile about it. “I was about to pass out over there. But again, we trust our kids; our kids have to make decisions in a ball game. They made that one.
“Sometimes they don’t always work out, but they did tonight.”
The HHS defense then came up with the first stop of the game by either side – halting the South Florence drive at the Red Fox 18. Four plays later, Watters found a seam and went 64 yards to paydirt and a two-score lead.
“When they got up two scores, I knew we were in trouble,” Bruins coach Drew Marlowe said. “We had to match them score for score…. had to go for it quite a few times on fourth down tonight. We couldn’t stop them.”
3. THE NEXT PLAYIt was a tough night to be a defensive player in general, but Hartsville’s defense was able to make the stops when needed.
After the early on inside Red Fox territory in the second quarter, Calabrese’s squad opened the second half by stopping another drive – sacking SFHS quarterback Messiah Jackson at the Bruin 30 to turn the ball over on downs.
Quarterback EJ Smith didn’t waste time and took off for a 30-yard TD run as Hartsville regained its two-score lead.
After the Bruins scored again in the see-saw battle, HHS buckled down and forced a punt and two interceptions on three of South’s next four drives.
“Just playing it play by play and letting the last play go,” Coe said of the defense’s mindset throughout the game.
Coleman Radcliff had one pick, but it was Coe’s interception that sealed the victory. After grabbing the ball around the Hartsville 25, he danced and juked his way down the home sideline before crossing the field and winding up in the end zone.
“When I first caught it, I saw the (clock) had 1:10 left,” he said. “I was going to waste time, but then they left too many holes open for me, so I had to go take one.”
4. BRUINS CLICKING EARLYThe Hartsville run game wasn’t the only one clicking in the first half.
Zion Gilbert accounted for all three Bruins touchdowns in the first half as South Florence was able to find plenty of room in the early stages.
Tre Leonard added another rushing TD in the third quarter, but the Red Foxes were able to stop the bleeding after that and limit the amount of big runs the Bruins had.
SFHS was also fighting its way back from a two-score deficit late and had to turn to the passing game.
“I thought we were pretty dominant early and then we kind of fell off a little bit toward the end,” Marlowe said. “Got to go back to work, got to improve. It’s sudden death now.”
5. THE ROAD AHEADWith the SCHSL season extended, both teams will be on byes next week.
When play resumes, Hartsville (8-1-1, 6-0) will have one of the top three seeds from the lower state as region winner while South Florence (7-3, 5-1) will be in the group of fourth-sixth seeds after finishing second in region play.
The playoffs begin Nov. 15 with the state final set for Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at S.C. State in Orangeburg.
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DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Kasey Wolfe and Karlie Felkel said they couldn't help but think that something bad may have happened to their mother.Cassidy "Shamra" Felkel, 49, has been missing for the past 25 days now, and there appears to be no sign of her.Her daughters said they couldn't stop worrying about their mother."It's very frustrating, waking up. Just saying what now. I feel like it's just a circle that we keep running in. Nothing new. No updates. Not hearing anything," said Karlie ...
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Kasey Wolfe and Karlie Felkel said they couldn't help but think that something bad may have happened to their mother.
Cassidy "Shamra" Felkel, 49, has been missing for the past 25 days now, and there appears to be no sign of her.
Her daughters said they couldn't stop worrying about their mother.
"It's very frustrating, waking up. Just saying what now. I feel like it's just a circle that we keep running in. Nothing new. No updates. Not hearing anything," said Karlie Felkel.
The daughters said it's not like their mother to stay away this long without calling them. They've even searched for her on their own.
"Me and my sister both. We knocked on doors. Asked numerous questions. We’ve gotten information from people that may be leading to important things. That goes with her case. That needs to be taken seriously," said Wolfe.
The women have expressed their serious concerns about the investigation and whether the Darlington County Sheriff's Office is doing enough to find their mother.
"I’m feeling like they’re not prioritizing the case. As it should be it’s very serious. And in this situation, it’s life or death. Because it’s taking them so long to access the resources. Or, whatever they need to do to be able to help find my mom," said Wolfe.
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Officials with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office told ABC15 that the missing person's report for Felkel wasn't filed until two weeks after she went missing, but her family said it was filed eight days after she went missing.
They said a few investigators have been assigned to the case and are following up on every lead that comes in.
Deputies added they've interviewed people and plan to talk with some people Friday in Chesterfield County who have information about Felkel.
Wolfe and Felkel said they've put out flyers in the community announcing a reward for information about their mother's disappearance.
They said they couldn't and wouldn't rest until they knew what happened to their mother.
"I would see here every day. So, it's just eerie that knowing that when I do leave home, I'm not going to see her. And I haven't seen her. Much less spoke to her," said Felkel.
"I am just trying to remain calm and do everything that I can do to help my mama right now," said Wolfe.
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Cassidy "Shamra" Felkel, you're urged to call the Darlington County Sheriff's Office at 843-398-4501.
You do not have to give your name.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
