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 Bluffton, 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 Bluffton, 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.
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the m...
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.
Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.
Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.
Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the menu), chocolate bourbon pies and chicken dishes, Pour Richard’s has been a go-to spot for Bluffton families and friends to gather, unwind and enjoy a meal together for years.
Pour Richard’s is closing because another restaurant buyer bought the establishment, said Allyson Rogers, one of the owners of Pour Richard’s..
This new spot will bring a whole new array of dishes and drinks. There are also plans to entirely renovate the space and to open at the beginning of March, though details of the new concept are still under wraps. More information about the incoming location will be released soon.
The restaurant announced its closing on Jan. 20 through a post on Facebook, with frequent guests and community locals flooding the comments with heartfelt messages to say goodbye.
But above the food, the service is what made Pour Richard’s feel like home for so many. Over 200 guests reminisced in the comments that from birthdays, anniversaries, family dinners and even first dates, Pour Richard’s greeted every customer with a smile, served food that warmed you up from the inside out and made every customer feel like family.
Owners Richard Canestrari and Rogers have spent every day for the past 15 years waking up early and opening up the restaurant. Now their worlds are about to flip upside down.
“It all feels a little surreal and it’s all starting to sink in this week,” said Allyson Rogers, pastry chef.
But as all good things must come to an end, so many visitors of Pour Richard’s are anxious to know what’s next. Right now, Rogers and Canestrari aren’t entirely sure, but they are leaving the door open to reflect and recharge.
“For now, I think we are going to take a break and figure things out. Richard has always been involved with the food businesses, so I think sometime soon we may look into opening a new spot … maybe something with more drinks on the menu,” Rogers said.
As a final hurrah, you can still visit Pour Richard’s until the end of the month and even join them at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 for a toast where they plan to celebrate until there’s nothing left to pour.
“I’m ready to get back to the things I often missed out on or forgot to do, like sleeping in, getting out on the boat or fixing my lawn, but it’s exciting to see what we’ll do next … something totally different,” Rogers said.
Pour Richard’s is located at 4376 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. They are open 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Friday isn't just Valentine's Day, it's also your last chance to win a million-dollar prize.The HGTV Dream Home 2025 contest is underway for...
Friday isn't just Valentine's Day, it's also your last chance to win a million-dollar prize.
The HGTV Dream Home 2025 contest is underway for a few more days. It's a $2.2 million package including a new home in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head Island just outside Savannah as well as a new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, $100,000 from Viva, and a 5-year supply of Viva paper towels.
The sweepstakes will run through 5 p.m. Feb. 14. It's open to all legal residents of the U.S. and its territories who are age 21 or older. The odds of winning depend on the number of entries received.
To enter, go to hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home/sweepstakes. You will have to provide your name, home address, email address, date of birth, and how you watch TV. You can enter twice daily on hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home/sweepstakes and foodnetwork.com.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Food recall:Canned tuna recalled from Georgia stores due to potentially fatal poisoning. Here's where
The inspiration for the new HGTV Dream Home was to create an enchanting, low country retreat with a party-ready pool.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email atmlegoas@gannett.com.
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even mor...
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even more true: It's the richness of the town that wins the day, and in this case, the hearts of its 40,000 locals.
Let's not dismiss Hilton Head's superb beach bona fides, however. Tucked snugly against the water-riven coast of South Carolina, the foot-shaped island exposes 12 miles of broad, tawny sands to the Atlantic Ocean's rolling swells.
Outside of its beach appeal, the sparkling eco-community (with a serious nod to golf)—that real estate developer Charles Fraser carved out amid the island's dense pine stands in 1956—has matured with time.
Today, it stands as a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants.
Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
This regional art center does it all. Located in the heart of Hilton Head, the center produces its own theater series, in addition to welcoming musicians, performers, vocalists, and comics from across the country.
You can stop in to see a play, and fans of the visual arts can also check out the center's Walter Greer Gallery, which is operated in partnership with the Art League of Hilton Head and features the work of more than 150 local artists.
artshhi.com; 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3945
Hilton Head is home to one of the great American cultures, Gullah, which evolved from the beliefs and practices of Africans enslaved on (and later liberated from) Hilton Head's indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations.
In fact, the island is home to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, site of the first self-governing village of liberated enslaved people—then called "freedmen"—in the nation. Set beneath arching oaks on Port Royal Sound, Mitchelville is now a center for touring and education and is emblematic of a welcome surge in Gullah-focused tours, festivals, and cuisine, as well as an increased awareness for the 2.67 million visitors who cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island every year.
exploremitchelville.org; 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-255-7301
For a town of only 40,000 to boast its own symphony is no small feat. With about four decades of performances under its belt, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concerts are a must for music lovers.
Series performances are held on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, but you can catch more casual performances by going to a free Symphony Under the Stars show at Colony Park when the weather is fair.
hhso.org; 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-2055
Hilton Head is home to one of the coolest jazz clubs on the East Coast. For an elegant evening out and a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations for The Jazz Corner. This jazz club has been swaying to the rhythm since 1999 and still hosts two shows a night, seven days a week—all without missing a beat.
thejazzcorner.com; 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-8620
All 12 miles of Hilton Head Island are public beaches that feel both expansive and inclusive (several access points include mats for wheelchairs). And with an average air and water temperature of around 70 degrees, that's about as pitch perfect as beach life gets.
In town and along the beach, there are enough outdoor activities on offer to keep you staying and playing all day long and into the night. They'll certainly tempt you to put off turning in until way past sunset.
Stroll the sidewalks to catch glimpses of blue skies and bluer waters, but the better way to see it all is by biking along the sands to see the sights. There are several outfitters where you can snag a set of wheels in town, but few have the longevity and service of Hilton Head Bicycle Company, which has been in business for more than 30 years.
hiltonheadbicycle.com; 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-6888
The fishing enthusiasts in your party can cast a line from the beach or book a chartered boat to take the fun to the deep blue. Popular shoreside spots include Jarvis Creek Park, the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, and lagoons at Palmetto Dunes or The Sea Pines Resort.
When you're ready to delve into deeper waters, book a fishing charter to from companies like Drifter Excursions or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, which will ferry you to the best spots to catch everything from king mackerel to giant tarpon.
hiltonheadboattours.com; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-363-2900
sheltercovehiltonhead.com; 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-548-0532
With more than 26 championship courses sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is a golfer's paradise. You can play a course designed by some of the greats, including Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye. What's truly special about golfing on Hilton Head Island are the gorgeous landscapes to be admired everywhere you turn. Just a ride on a golf cart is a real treat for the senses.
For the most adventurous vacationers in the bunch, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water. Take your pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Lowcountry Watersports offers dolphin and kayak tours as well as boat rentals. At H20 Sports, rent jet skis or book a parasailing trip for amazing island views. The world—or should we say the island—is your oyster.
lowcountrywatersports.com, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
h2osports.com, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
First-time visitors are sure to fall in love with Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, founded by Andrew Carmines. The waterfront spot overlooking the Port Royal Sound serves fresh catch daily, and they've been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. You can't go wrong if you order the day's special—it was likely plucked from the ocean that very morning.
hudsonsonthedocks.com; 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772
Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well.
Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.
chezgeorgeshhi.com; 37 New Orleans Road, Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-3200
Find the best croissants this side of the Atlantic at transplanted Philippe Feret's Hilton Head Social Bakery. In addition to classic French pastries like Kouign-Amann, mango peach turnovers, and almond brioche, the cozy cafe also offers about 20 varieties of tarts, plus more specialty desserts.
You'll also find a savory menu featuring dishes like quiche and jambon-beurre, a traditional French ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette. With a new second location on the island, it's easier than ever to get your fix.
hiltonheadsocialbakery.com; 17 Harborside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349
This lively cafe near Coligny Beach will put you on island time in a matter of minutes. All you need is one of their signature daiquiris, a basket of fried shrimp, and a shady spot under a tiki umbrella listening to live music.
frostyfrog.com; 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3764
The red-and-white striped landmark has become the calling card for this very special island since it was erected more than five decades ago. Located on the Yacht Basin in Harbour Town, $7 will earn you admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse and to see the attached museum, where you can find out more about the lighthouse and Hilton Head's history.
harbourtownlighthouse.com; 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 866-305-9814
After you've climbed to the top of the lighthouse, spend some time strolling through the town below to peruse the 20 locally owned shops, boutiques, and specialty stores located in Harbour Town. From Hilton Head souvenirs to handmade gifts and sweet treats, there's something for everyone in this charming corner of the island.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
