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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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.
Michael and Diana Garrett moved from Colorado to Camden in February 2022 after buying what they thought would be their dream home.The nearly 250-year-old house at 1413 Mill St. is said to be the oldest in Camden. Revolutionary War Colonel John Chestnut built the home around 1780, and later is said to have hosted George Washington there ...
Michael and Diana Garrett moved from Colorado to Camden in February 2022 after buying what they thought would be their dream home.
The nearly 250-year-old house at 1413 Mill St. is said to be the oldest in Camden. Revolutionary War Colonel John Chestnut built the home around 1780, and later is said to have hosted George Washington there for a reception.
But soon after moving in, the Garretts discovered sloping floors, evidence of lead paint, fire damage and support beams eaten through by termites, according to a lawsuit filed in state circuit court in Richland County.
The Garretts were promised a “historically preserved and lovingly maintained” home, but instead they arrived to a house with “extensive termite and insect damage” as well as “sloping floors, windows with dry rot … fire damaged floors” and more, according to the lawsuit filed in March 2023 on behalf of the Garretts by Lexington attorney Rick Hall.
Hall told The State that he feels confident in the case and is prepared to defend it at a jury trial if needed.
Now, the Garretts are nearly three years into a legal battle with essentially every party that touched the sale of the home.
The family is asking a court to decide what happens next. Judge Daniel Coble has been assigned the case.
Attorney Jahue Moore, who is representing the homes’ former owners, Trayser and Jane Dunaway, said the couple “did everything they were supposed to do and have done nothing wrong.”
The Dunaways have asked a court to dismiss the Garretts’ case and award damages to them instead for the cost of the legal battle. As part of their response to the Garretts, the Dunaways say the Garretts “must have known that they were buying a very old, historic home.”
Attorneys for the remaining defendants did not immediately respond to questions from The State, but each has denied claims of wrongdoing in legal filings made in response to the Garretts’ suit.
Both Hall and Moore said they believe the case will go to a jury trial, but no date has been set.
The Garretts did not intend to buy a historic home, Michael told The State in an interview. But they were drawn to the Camden property’s charm and intrigued by its historical significance.
The family spent three days towing two Uhauls across the country. But when they arrived at their new home, Michael said it was dirty and didn’t look like the photos they were given.
“We were really disappointed, to say the least,” Michael said.
Almost as soon as the Garretts saw the house, they wanted out, he added.
The Garretts said they were wronged in the sale of the home, which cost $770,000, by the home’s former owners, Trayser and Jane Dunaway; Terminix and Bryan Avin, who the Garretts say were responsible for inspecting for termite damage; Gunter Inspection Group and Lanny Gunter, who conducted an inspection of the home; Keller Williams Realty Columbia, Northeast, Keller Williams Preferred and Jeanene Campbell, who sold the house; Anne Conder and The Conder Law Firm, who was the closing attorney on the home; and Andrews Appraisal Co., and Jon Andrews, who appraised the home prior to a loan being approved for the sale.
The suit begins with the Dunaways, who the Garretts say did know about major structural damage or should have known about it and failed to disclose that to the family.
Claims against the Dunaways include “fraud and deceit,” breach of contract, “negligent misrepresentation” and a claim that the Dunaways failed to disclose the presence of lead paint, which the Garretts say has caused their daughter to develop lead poisoning.
The Dunaways, via Moore, their attorney, have denied any wrongdoing. The Dunaways took $5,000 off the price of the home “in satisfaction of claims related to defects in the house,” prior to closing, and they argue they did maintain the home while living there.
One of the most significant issues for Michael Garrett is the extensive termite damage that he said has compromised the structural integrity of the home, and what he said was the failure of Terminix to identify it before the sale went through.
Garrett said if the termite inspection had been more thorough, the whole chain of events that followed would have been avoided.
Terminix Service Inc. was hired to conduct a termite inspection prior to the Garretts closing on the house, but the company failed to identify the damage during their inspection, according to the lawsuit.
The Garretts argue that had they been made aware of the problems — either through proper disclosure by the sellers or a thorough inspection by Terminix — the loan to purchase the home wouldn’t have been approved, preventing the situation altogether.
Michael said he also worries that if something like this has happened to him, there may be other homeowners who don’t even realize they have termite damage.
“If this happened to us in this house, if we had [an inspection] and this much damage was missed, how many other homes are potentially in a condition like ours?” Michael told The State.
Attorneys for Terminix did not immediately reply to questions from The State, but have denied wrongdoing in court documents, stating that the termite inspection conducted on the home did contain “numerous warnings and limitations that Plaintiffs ignored or did not act upon.”
Those warnings include disclaimers that the inspection may not include areas of the home that are not visible or accessible, according to court filings by attorneys for Terminix.
Beyond Terminix and the Dunaways, the Garretts are also suing the realtor, the closing attorney, the appraiser and an inspector who were all involved in some way in the home sale.
The suit alleges that the closing attorney, Anne Conder, who jointly represented the Garretts and Dunaways in the sale, was not fair in her representation of both seller and buyer.
“She favored the interests of the Dunaways over the Garretts by failing to inform the Garretts of the option of postponing the closing and by telling them that acceptance of a $5000.00 repair amount was their best option,” the lawsuit alleges.
The suit alleges the realtor, Jeanene Campbell with Keller Williams Preferred, failed to disclose problems with the home, including the presence of lead paint.
A home inspector, Lanny Gunter and Gunter Inspection Group, is also a defendant in the case, accused of performing a negligent inspection.
In court filings, each of these defendants have denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
The suit also alleges that Jon Andrews and Andrews Appraisal Co., which appraised the home prior to a loan being approved for the home, was negligent, reporting that the home was in “mostly good” condition.
The lawsuit says either that report was false, or that Andrews should have known it was false.
Andrews, in a legal response to the claims, has denied any wrongdoing and is also now counter-suing Michael Garrett for defamation after Garrett allegedly accused Andrews of conducting a fraudulent appraisal.
The Garretts hope a court will award them money to make repairs to the home and treat their daughter for lead poisoning. They are also requesting punitive damages for fraud and to have their legal fees covered.
The case has been ongoing since early 2023, and has been given a “complex case” designation, which in part means it may be allowed to take longer to work through the court system. No trial date has been set.
The State
Morgan Hughes covers Columbia news for The State. She previously reported on health, education and local governments in Wyoming. She has won awards in Wyoming and Wisconsin for feature writing and investigative journalism. Her work has also been recognized by the South Carolina Press Association.
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