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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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.
The notices, sent out last Friday, have left residents confused and worried.COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments have reported receiving alarming eviction notices for failure to pay rent, with amounts ranging from $200 to $10,000. Many tenants claim they have consistently paid their rent on time.Brittany Eady, a resident who has lived at the complex for 5 years, expressed her frustration. “I los...
The notices, sent out last Friday, have left residents confused and worried.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents of Columbia Gardens Apartments have reported receiving alarming eviction notices for failure to pay rent, with amounts ranging from $200 to $10,000. Many tenants claim they have consistently paid their rent on time.
Brittany Eady, a resident who has lived at the complex for 5 years, expressed her frustration. “I lost my kids' father, and staying here is helpful for me, because I lost that help from, you know, him being gone,” she said.
Despite paying $500 in rent each month, Eady received an eviction notice on October 26, stating she owed $2,100. “I pay my rent on time. I don't know why. How does this balance even get to $2,100?” she asked.
The notices, sent out last Friday, have left residents confused and worried. Eady is not alone; other tenants have reported receiving similar eviction letters, sparking concern throughout the community.
According to the South Carolina Housing website, Columbia Gardens is both a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property and part of the Project-Based Contract Administration (PBCA/HUD) program.
However, confusion arose when the South Carolina Housing Authority stated that the complex had distributed incorrect eviction notices. “The correct letters will be distributed October 29th and will provide residents with 30 days to pay charges,” a statement from a representative said.
Despite this assurance, residents on Tuesday reported that they had not yet received the corrected letters.
To understand the situation better, News19 reached out to the Beacon Property Group, which owns the complex, but did not receive a response to our questions asking for clarification.
Adam Partheroe, a litigation lawyer with SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center, raised questions about the sudden influx of eviction notices. “With a large majority of the tenants in the apartment complex all of a sudden getting an eviction notice, my question is, ‘Okay, what changed?’ Because it seems clear to me something did, and it may be accurate, but there are a lot of ways it could not be to which would give me some concern,” he stated.
On Monday, News19 attempted to speak with management at Columbia Gardens Apartments, but an employee asked the team to leave the property. The complex and Beacon Property Group have not yet responded to further inquiries.
As residents await clarity, the situation remains unsolved, with many questioning the legitimacy of the eviction notices they received.
A congratulations are in order for two of Columbia's lovebirds.After more than a decade of trying to birth a Toco toucan, the bird team at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden welcomed its newest inhabitant this summer.Parents Ramsay and Dora have been at the zoo since 2018 and 2019, respectively, and were introduced six months after Dora's arrival. For the past five...
A congratulations are in order for two of Columbia's lovebirds.
After more than a decade of trying to birth a Toco toucan, the bird team at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden welcomed its newest inhabitant this summer.
Parents Ramsay and Dora have been at the zoo since 2018 and 2019, respectively, and were introduced six months after Dora's arrival. For the past five years, Riverbanks' zookeepers have been hoping for a third toucan to join the flock.
“I always hoped this day would come, but honestly didn’t think it would," bird keeper Amy Gooding said. "I screamed for joy when I found out we had a fertile egg, and now to see this little guy hopping around … it’s why I got into this field.”
Riverbanks, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo, has been nationally recognized for its efforts to protect and rear toucans and other birds since 1978, according to the zoo.
According to a 2006 article, toucans have difficulty breeding in captivity. Riverbanks has not had a hatchling toucan birth in a decade, according to the zoo.
The yet-to-be-named hatchling is learning to fly and eat at the zoo's Bird Conservation Center, and its gender will soon be identified through a feather test. The hatchling will be on view for guests in the springtime.
Parents Ramsay and Dora are in a "backstage habitat" where zookeepers are hoping their success will continue with another birth. Staff have even "added more private nesting areas to create an atmosphere to spark more breeding opportunities," the zoo reported.
Keepers are also replicating the nesting habitat of Ramses and Dora for the zoo's other pair of adult toucans to try and recreate the magic.
As part of its mission, the 50-year-old Riverbanks Zoo has a core mission to conservation. In addition to its decades-long toucan breeding program, Riverbanks has been recognized for its efforts to breed Golden lion tamarins and black howler monkey's in captivity.
There’s a new place to grab a sandwich — and perhaps sprinkle it with a bit of hot sauce — in northeast Columbia.Firehouse Subs, which has locations across the Midlands and nationwide, opened a new sandwich shop Monday, Oct. 28 at 10136 Two Notch Road. The sandwich shop is located in the Sparkleberry Square shopping center, and is just a couple doors down from a Kroger grocery store.The new Firehouse Subs was opened by uncle-and-nephew duo Larry Chandler and Jody Chandler, who operate nearly 40 Firehouse locat...
There’s a new place to grab a sandwich — and perhaps sprinkle it with a bit of hot sauce — in northeast Columbia.
Firehouse Subs, which has locations across the Midlands and nationwide, opened a new sandwich shop Monday, Oct. 28 at 10136 Two Notch Road. The sandwich shop is located in the Sparkleberry Square shopping center, and is just a couple doors down from a Kroger grocery store.
The new Firehouse Subs was opened by uncle-and-nephew duo Larry Chandler and Jody Chandler, who operate nearly 40 Firehouse locations across the Carolinas.
“We are thrilled to be bring our hearty and flavorful subs and community commitment to a new area of Columbia,” Larry Chandler said in a statement. “We can’t wait to welcome new and loyal guests, while supporting local first responders through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.”
There are dozens of Firehouse Subs locations across South Carolina, including several in the Columbia and Lexington areas. The company is known for its hot sandwiches with names that are a nod to firefighting, such as the signature Hook and Ladder, which comes with smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, melted Monterey Jack cheese, mayo, deli mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a kosher dill pickle on the side.
The company also recently rekindled its popular hot sauce bar, offering customers a host of spicy sauces they can add to their sandwiches when they are in the restaurant.
The Sparkleberry Square Firehouse Subs is in the midst of a busy commercial area in northeast Columbia. Nearby businesses include Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kroger, Publix, Ross, Kohl’s, Chick-fil-A and more. About 32,400 cars per day travel down that section of Two Notch Road, per state Department of Transportation statistics.
The new Firehouse location is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of numerous South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
A fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park in Cayce damaged its headquarters, sparking a multi-agency investigation as the small BBQ restaurant chain plans its recovery.CAYCE, S.C. — The West Columbia Fire Department continues investigating the cause of the fire at the Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ headquarters in Cayce."Shock. I mean absolute...
A fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park in Cayce damaged its headquarters, sparking a multi-agency investigation as the small BBQ restaurant chain plans its recovery.
CAYCE, S.C. — The West Columbia Fire Department continues investigating the cause of the fire at the Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ headquarters in Cayce.
"Shock. I mean absolute shock, and then you know sadness, because anybody who has grown up in this area, everybody recognizes the piggy park and the pig sign," Lisa Harmon said.
That's how Harmon said she felt when she saw flames coming from the buildings on the property on Saturday night.
“From our vantage point last night and how big the fire was, it was really difficult to tell whether or not the restaurant was also involved so just the general reaction was just shock,” she said.
Authorities later said the restaurant on the property was not damaged.
RELATED: West Columbia fire chief provides update on fire at Maurice's Piggy Park offices, cooking facilities
Around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, the West Columbia Fire Department responded to the area of Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard in Cayce. Fire Chief Marquis Solomon said it took multiple agencies to extinguish this fire.
“We had large amount of resources on-scene; we had agencies from five different jurisdictions working on this incident, so it was very intense," he said. "And manpower, we were in the neighborhood of about 50 to 60 firefighters on-scene at the height of the incident.”
According to Solomon, the fire took four hours to put out, and crews were still on the scene Sunday morning checking for small hot spots.
“The restaurant was not affected. However, the administrative offices, the cook house were all contained inside that building that was that was damaged by fire last night,” Solomon said.
The restaurant shared additional news in a Facebook post on Sunday morning.
“We plan for all our restaurants to be closed Monday until further notice," the statement said. "We will be taking it day by day as we work to reopen and rebuild. For anyone who knows our family knows we won’t give up and will work endlessly to do what we need to do to continue the BBQ legacy and support our 150 employees and community we love dearly.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
"We do have a multiple-agency investigation being conducted that's through the city of West Columbia, also SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division], state fire and the ATF," Solomon said. "This is a common practice with large dollar loss incidents.”
The fire department asked anyone in the area to stay away from the actual fire scene as the fire is still under investigation.
The University of South Carolina’s ambitious health district in downtown Columbia will soon include its own standalone hospital.The specialized, $350 million facility, the first of its kind in the state, would concentrate on treating brain diseases and the nervous system. It would offer advanced neurological and neurosurgery treatments, and neurological rehabilitation for conditions like trauma, stroke and cancer. It could open as early as 2028.USC is coordinating plans for the hospital with the state Department of Health...
The University of South Carolina’s ambitious health district in downtown Columbia will soon include its own standalone hospital.
The specialized, $350 million facility, the first of its kind in the state, would concentrate on treating brain diseases and the nervous system. It would offer advanced neurological and neurosurgery treatments, and neurological rehabilitation for conditions like trauma, stroke and cancer. It could open as early as 2028.
USC is coordinating plans for the hospital with the state Department of Health and Human Services, and will receive $10 million in funding for preliminary architecture and engineering work. The university will also request $150 million from the state legislature to help fund the project.
The hospital will have about 115 beds that provide care for patients. It will also come complete with clinical research spaces, laboratories and provide additional clinical training sites for USC students studying medicine, physical and speech therapy, nursing, pharmacy and more.
“As USC expands its efforts to provide the highest quality medical education to South Carolina students and serve the state’s health care needs, building a single location for neurological treatment and rehabilitation is a vital next step,” President Michael D. Amiridis said in a news release. “This is a tremendous opportunity to address a critical gap in health care for brain-related conditions, not only for our state, but for the entire Southeast.”
It will fill a badly-needed gap in South Carolina health care, university spokesman Jeff Stensland said. Neurological care is limited, and many travel to seek care in Georgia or North Carolina. The new hospital would provide more localized treatment and reduce patient costs.
Stroke is the sixth-highest cause of death in South Carolina, according to the state Department of Public Health, and the state has the fourth highest rate of traumatic brain injury deaths.
“This would be the most impactful project in the history of the university, particularly for the quality of life of South Carolinians,” USC Board of Trustees Chairman Thad Westbook said in a news release. “Our citizens would be able to get the best quality of care in their backyard. This is all part of our mission in serving the people of South Carolina.”
The hospital will be part of USC’s sprawling, 16-acre health campus near the heart of the city, right next to the new School of Medicine, and would be an extension of the university’s network of brain health care and research. Officials have said that the university expects to break ground on the 308,000-square-foot, $300 million medical school there in 2025. It’s expected to be completed in 2027.
The university will maintain its ongoing partnership with Prisma Health including the statewide Brain Health Network it runs in conjunction with the Greenville-based hospital system. It’s unclear how much Prisma, which has several hospitals locally, will be involved with the new health campus in Columbia.
The State
Alexa Jurado reports on the University of South Carolina for The State. She is from the Chicago suburbs and recently graduated from Marquette University. Alexa previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin.
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