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.
Download imageThis year, a group of students from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business attended the SC Innovates competition, the only statewide pitch competition for college students in South Carolina. Hosted at the University of South Carolina, out of 72 applicants, eight Clemson teams made it to the semi-finals, four mad...
This year, a group of students from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business attended the SC Innovates competition, the only statewide pitch competition for college students in South Carolina. Hosted at the University of South Carolina, out of 72 applicants, eight Clemson teams made it to the semi-finals, four made it to the finals, and two of the four finalist winners were from Clemson. The competition is sponsored by the SC Dept of Commerce and SCRA. This past year’s competition had over 10 schools across the state competing.
Lori Trudell, assistant professor at the Powers College of Business and co-chair of the competition, says, “This competition, newly renamed The Palmetto Pitch Competition, is invaluable to our students as it exposes them to other students around the state representing their schools and competing to be the best in the state. Our students rank in the top each year, which is why we are excited to host this competition here at the Powers College of Business at Clemson for the first time in Fall 2025.”
SC Innovates finalists:
1st Place ($1700 cash prize & Start-Up boot camp with Revyrie) – “Bluuzone Bottles” by Julia Babun from North Greenville University.
2nd Place ($800 cash prize & 3 coaching sessions with mentors) – “HemoFlow” by Adam Neil from Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University
3rd Place ($500 cash prize) – “ClimaPot” by Jackson Williams, Helina Brown and Max Kudlov from College of Charleston
Fan Favorite Vote ($200 case prize) – “Flex Flow” by Ella Hause, Jessica Kicza, Sydney Lundeen and Lauren Murphy from Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
HemoFlow, Adam Neil
In second place was sophomore pre-business student Adam Neil. He pitched his company HemoFlow. HemoFlow was designed to help people with hemophilia, a rare, chronic bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly.
Neil explains, “People with hemophilia experience joint bleeds, which are often asymptomatic, so they don’t even feel them. We’re developing a way for hemophiliacs to detect these joint bleeds early, potentially using ultrasound technology.”
He is excited to have placed second in the SC Innovates competition and says he’s grateful for the help he’s had along the way. “I’m so thankful for the support from my family and that I’ve found at Clemson. Without them, none of this would have been possible.”
The Powers College of Business Department of Management and the Brook T. Smith Launchpad are planning on hosting the 2025 SC Innovates competition next year, renamed the Palmetto Pitch. Details are forthcoming and are expected to be available next spring.
To learn more about entrepreneurial resources at Clemson, visit the Brook T. Smith Launchpad.
In our Inside Look stories, The State's journalists take you inside places around South Carolina that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? statenews@thestate.com.Many people love a good cup of coffee, or perhaps a scoop of ice cream. And there are many folks who like to hang out with cats.Now there’s a place in Columbia w...
In our Inside Look stories, The State's journalists take you inside places around South Carolina that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? statenews@thestate.com.
Many people love a good cup of coffee, or perhaps a scoop of ice cream. And there are many folks who like to hang out with cats.
Now there’s a place in Columbia where they can engage in both of those activities.
Cat Daddy Cafe opened its doors Thursday afternoon at 2533 Main St., just north of downtown Columbia. The new spot is owned by Mohammad Saadeddin and his wife Melissa Peterson, who also own Noma Bistro about a block away on Main.
The new cafe offers a number of treats, including muffins, coffee, ice cream, hot tea, tiramisu, cake and much more. But the real stars of the show are the roughly dozen cats that call the cafe home. The general idea for those that visit Cat Daddy is that they can grab a snack and then spend time with the felines.
“The idea was to find a way to have a service for the cats and for the neighborhood,” Saadeddin said on Thursday. “These cats we have, I raised myself. ... We try to have a safe area where people can come in and play with them, spend time with them, and so forth.”
While the in-house cats at Cat Daddy Cafe are not up for adoption, Saadeddin said that the cafe plans to host adoption events twice per month with outside animal services agencies.
“We are going to reach out to other agencies and help them do the best for the animals,” Saadeddin said.
The cafe also has a gift shop offering cat-related plush toys, key chains, coloring books and more.
Columbia City Councilwoman Aditi Bussells was among those in attendance for Cat Daddy Cafe’s Thursday opening. She lives in the neighborhood not far from the cafe, and said it will be a unique service for the area.
“This is personal for me, because Mohammad has been like our neighborhood uncle, and a champion for growth in this area for a long time,” Bussells said. “When he started pitching the idea of this new concept, I was definitely curious and excited, and I wanted it to have an impact on the community.”
Bussells said the city’s animal services division will plan to partner with Cat Daddy Cafe for adoption events, and possibly have occasional mobile clinic services at the cafe.
Saadeddin said the idea for a cat cafe came to him from his friend Lucy McCravy, a longtime patron at Noma Bistro. McCravy said she would often notice that Saadeddin had a big heart for stray cats that would come around the bistro, often feeding the older cats and the babies.
“I would say, ‘You need a cat cafe,’” McCravy said. “He understood the cafe part, for sure, and he went right after it.”
A longtime restaurateur, Saadeddin said he has long been a fan of cats and all their ways.
“I love cats,” he said. “Cats, to us, are a very precious thing. I feel a special connection to them. ... Cats bring out the very best in all of us.”
This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
COLUMBIA — ESPN announced Thursday that "College GameDay" will be in Columbia for South Carolina women's basketball's game against LSU on Jan. 23.This will be the second consecutive year that the game between the No. 2 Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC) and the No. 4 Tigers (19-0, 4-0) will be featured on the show. Last year, the "Co...
COLUMBIA — ESPN announced Thursday that "College GameDay" will be in Columbia for South Carolina women's basketball's game against LSU on Jan. 23.
This will be the second consecutive year that the game between the No. 2 Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC) and the No. 4 Tigers (19-0, 4-0) will be featured on the show. Last year, the "College GameDay" crew went to Baton Rouge on Jan. 25 where South Carolina won 76-70.
It will be the first of five on-campus visits for the women’s college basketball edition of the pregame show with Elle Duncan, Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter. The one-hour program will air at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with tipoff at 8 p.m. in Colonial Life Arena.
This will be the third time the Gamecocks have hosted "College GameDay" which is the most of any school and their fifth appearance on the show.
LSU leads the all time series 22-20 but South Carolina holds the two most recent wins. The Gamecocks picked up a regular season win in 2023-24 and in the SEC Tournament championship game on March 10. South Carolina and LSU got into a noteworthy scuffle in the final two minutes of the game but the Gamecocks ultimately won 79-72.
The Tigers are one of the few remaining undefeated teams in college basketball this season. They take on Florida on the road on Sunday before traveling to Columbia.
A NEW CHAPTER:Why South Carolina's Dawn Staley said she invested in Unrivaled, a new women's basketball league
The Gamecocks face No. 19 Alabama on Thursday (7 p.m., SEC Network+) and host No. 13 Oklahoma on Sunday (3 p.m., ESPN).
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin
COLUMBIA — Martin Luther King Jr. Day will kick off at the Statehouse with the 25th annual King Day the Dome.Celebrations will start bright and early on Jan. 20 with an 8 a.m. prayer service at Zion Baptist Church in downtown Columbia, followed by a march to the Statehouse at 10 a.m.Jamie Harrison, current National Democratic Committee chair and ...
COLUMBIA — Martin Luther King Jr. Day will kick off at the Statehouse with the 25th annual King Day the Dome.
Celebrations will start bright and early on Jan. 20 with an 8 a.m. prayer service at Zion Baptist Church in downtown Columbia, followed by a march to the Statehouse at 10 a.m.
Jamie Harrison, current National Democratic Committee chair and former Lindsey Graham challenger, is slated to deliver this year’s keynote speech.
The state Department of Public Safety is enforcing a “clear bag policy” for the event: visitors will be directed through a security checkpoint and will only be allowed one approved clear bag during the event. Approved bags are listed as clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags or backpacks of any size, or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary bags, but additional screening will be required.
The event is hosted by the South Carolina Conference of the NAACP and started in 2000 as a rally to bring down the Confederate flag flying on top of the Statehouse. The flag came down from it's perch atop the Statehouse in 2015 in the wake of the Emanuel AME Church mass shooting by a white supremacist, but the rally lives on as a way to commemorate the lives and legacies of Civil Rights heroes.
The event regularly counts national figures in attendance. Last year, speakers included Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The theme of this year’s rally is “There is no winning in giving up.”
Columbia’s own annual tradition, the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration service, is scheduled for Jan. 25.
Prior to the service, a wreath laying ceremony is scheduled for 3:06 p.m. at the corner of Harden and Green streets.
The service starts at 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Green St. John H. Dozier, president of Columbia College and former chief diversity officer at the University of South Carolina, will serve as the keynote speaker.
The city is providing a shuttle service for event-goers: it will run from the parking deck at 2221 Devine St., accessible from Lee Street.
Location, location, location.They say it can make or break a restaurant. For Villa Tronco, location has been as much a part of the story as its iconic dishes. The Italian staple has been at the same location for all 85 years of its existence and been in the family all that time.South ...
Location, location, location.
They say it can make or break a restaurant. For Villa Tronco, location has been as much a part of the story as its iconic dishes. The Italian staple has been at the same location for all 85 years of its existence and been in the family all that time.
South Carolina's oldest operating restaurant did not start off serving the Italian dishes that now draw regulars in. Villa Tronco began as a fruit stand; a way for Sadie and James Tronco to make a living for their family after moving from Philadelphia to Columbia.
They were no strangers to the business, or the city. Sadie's parents moved here in the early 20th century, opening a fruit stand on Gervais Street. When James was sent to then-Camp Jackson from Philadelphia during World War I, he met Sadie.
Iodine Fruit Store, as Sadie and James called their place, also served food with a short-order kitchen. Their location turned out to be almost perfect, as a Greyhound bus station was built right across the street.
The influx of Northeastern soldiers during World War II, and their longing for a homecooked Italian meal, is what brought the cuisine to Columbia.
"There were very few Italian families here in Columbia, when ... those northern soldiers found out that she was Italian, then naturally just navigated over here to the restaurant," said Owner Carmella Roche, granddaughter of Sadie.
Sadie made Italian classics like spaghetti and meatballs for those stationed here who had gotten to know the Tronco family. Before long, pizza was in the oven, though it had to be given away at first since such a novelty was new to Columbia locals.
When the fruit stand transitioned to a full restaurant, it opened under the name of Tony's Spaghetti House. Tony was Sadie's brother. He would go on to serve in World War II.
Looking back over the last eight decades, Carmella, who runs the restaurant with her husband, Joe Roche, said Villa Tronco is a cornerstone of Columbia.
"I feel like we are part of the history of downtown Columbia," she said.
For Carmella, it was always natural that she be involved in the restaurant. She spent her childhood coming in with her parents to work.
"I grew up here as a little girl," she said. "I worked here as a waitress and hostess."
Over time, the restaurant's menu has evolved. For many years, Sadie, or "Mama Tronco," was at the helm and running the kitchen. Through the years, other chefs have left their mark.
"We've added to the menu as chef's have come and gone," said Tripp Roche, Carmella's grandson and the fifth generation of the Tronco family to work in the restaurant. "We've tried to keep the signature dishes and our traditional dishes the same recipes, like the pizza."
Regulars can expect specials that change nightly, allowing Villa Tronco's kitchen staff to showcase their creativity.
While the food draws customers in, Villa Tronco has become a symbol of gathering for families. Carmella cited one couple who celebrated all 64 of their wedding anniversaries at the restaurant.
Villa Tronco also features a "hideaway booth" that allows privacy for special moments.
"Many, many engagements have happened in that booth," Carmella said.
Despite decades of running the restaurant, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that presented one of Villa Tronco's greatest challenges.
"That was such a scary time for all of us," Carmella said. "We had to close for a short period of time. And the uncertainty of what was going to happen, the economy."
There was a moment when she wondered if Villa Tronco would make it through the pandemic. But she believes the restaurant has come back better, and credits some of that to Columbia's growing Main Street District.
"We did come back stronger than ever," Carmella said. "And downtown has flourished and that has helped us so much with all these new folks moving in."
As Villa Tronco enters its 85th year, some things are still the same. The restaurant continues in its original location. Mama Tronco's square pizza is still on the menu. But a few things are changing.
Tripp said the restaurant is exploring opportunities in Name Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, with a "Carolina Room" at Villa Tronco. Gamecock memorabilia line the walls, including newspaper clippings and images of Heny Martin, the first Gamecock men's basketball player to score 1,000 points, who also worked at the restaurant for years and married into the family.
Working with 1801 Media, Tripp said, "We want to help USC with keeping their athletes home."
Tripp and his brother, Donavan Roche, plan to continue the family business and are working as owners in training. Tripp is drawn to the marketing and public facing side of the work. Really, it has always been part of his plan.
"I’ve always wanted to get involved since I was a young kid," he said.
Just like his grandmother.
As she likes to put it, "It's in our blood."
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