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.
Under the new law, drivers will not be able to have their phone on any part of their person, including their hands or lap.COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina drivers will soon be required to go hands-free behind the wheel, after the state passed a hands free driving act this session.Starting Sept. 1, a new law will prohibit drivers from holding their phones while drivin...
Under the new law, drivers will not be able to have their phone on any part of their person, including their hands or lap.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina drivers will soon be required to go hands-free behind the wheel, after the state passed a hands free driving act this session.
Starting Sept. 1, a new law will prohibit drivers from holding their phones while driving. That means no texting, talking, or holding your device in your hand or lap while on the road.
First-time offenders will face a $100 fine. A second offense will cost $200 and add points to the driver’s license. But there’s a six-month grace period. Law enforcement will only issue warnings until February 2026 to give drivers time to adjust.
“This is a good thing,” said Midlands driver Ricky Nelson. “We have a lot of bad drivers out there looking at their phones and carrying on.”
Others aren’t so sure the law will make a difference.
“There’s much more distractions on the road than just cell phones,” said Alex, a Columbia resident. “If you’re going to do that, you might as well tell people they can’t drink soda, eat food, or do anything behind the wheel.”
The law also requires the South Carolina Department of Transportation to install signs along highways notifying drivers of the change. Law enforcement agencies must also track data on enforcement and traffic outcomes once the law takes effect.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety declined to comment on how the law will be enforced until it officially goes into effect.
COLUMBIA — The BullStreet District's Gather COLA has reached a new milestone in construction and announced a number of new vendors as the multilevel dining hall nears its Fall 2025 opening date.The 32,000-square-foot dining hall is patterned after ...
COLUMBIA — The BullStreet District's Gather COLA has reached a new milestone in construction and announced a number of new vendors as the multilevel dining hall nears its Fall 2025 opening date.
The 32,000-square-foot dining hall is patterned after Gather GVL, a similar food hall concept in downtown Greenville, and will include space for food and pop-up retail vendors, two bars, offices, private events and live entertainment.
Gather COLA, the Columbia version of the food hall, has announced three vendors through its social media including sandwich shop Bull and Bread, acai bowl restaurant Coco Bowlz and Los Chicanos Jr. — a food truck known for its tacos and Mexican eats.
The food hall then added two more restaurants to its vendor list on July 10 during a "topping out" ceremony marking the placement of the final beam at the highest point of Gather Cola's building. Smoke it Up Express, a variation of Smoke it Up food truck, will serve Carolina barbeque and Southern classics, while Spicy Voo-Doo, which will also change its name for a new permanent location, plans to serve up seafood platters and Louisiana cuisine.
Smoke it Up owner Stanley Livingston said he first discovered Gather during a trip to Greenville. After seeing the open-air concept, it was "love at first sight" for the food truck operator.
“I thought this was a great fit, not a place for us just to have another business, but a place for us to call home," Livingston said. "A place for us to be able to bring our barbecue to the masses in the community, so that we could not just be in the community, but a part of the community.”
Livingston said Smoke it Up Express will have a slightly reworked menu focused on lighter lunch meals while maintaining the same staples and “delicious Southwestern flavors of barbeque." He also plans to keep the food truck and continue a weekly stop 10314 Farrow Road in Blythewood.
Mack Cross, who founded Four Oaks Property Group and Gather GVL with his father, said this point of construction is the beginning of the fun part of the project.
“The way we think about the Gather concept is how best to capture human energy," Cross said. "That's energy of the community and of people, just being with your people and away from screens and sharing meals and all that. And that starts with a lot of project energy and construction energy ... it's just really neat to be at this point.”
To stay up to date on the latest updates on the space, follow Gather COLA on Facebook or Instagram.
COLUMBIA — The S.C. Department of Education is seeking to take financial control of the Marlboro County School District amid fiscal instability in the Bennettsville-based system.The department's July 10 announcement of the planned takeover, which must be approved by the State Board of Education, came as the district — already under a state fiscal emergency designation — faces declining enrollment and reports of financial mismanagement."Our highest priority is ensuring students in Marlboro County have acce...
COLUMBIA — The S.C. Department of Education is seeking to take financial control of the Marlboro County School District amid fiscal instability in the Bennettsville-based system.
The department's July 10 announcement of the planned takeover, which must be approved by the State Board of Education, came as the district — already under a state fiscal emergency designation — faces declining enrollment and reports of financial mismanagement.
"Our highest priority is ensuring students in Marlboro County have access to a safe, stable, and effective educational environment,” State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the district’s fiscal condition leaves us no choice but to act.”
A financial takeover means the Education Department will have authority over the district's budget, spending and personnel financial decisions.
It's a step short of full state control, which the state currently exercises over the Allendale and Williamsburg county districts. But if conditions in the Marlboro County district continue to go downhill, the department could seek a total takeover, it said.
Despite technical assistance from the state following its February fiscal emergency designation, Marlboro's school board struggled this year to pass a balanced budget. It eventually voted during a tension-filled July 9 meeting to adopt a budget that would consolidate some schools and pull $1.4 million from its general fund balance, according to a report from WPDE.
But that plan was not well received by the state, which says there's an "urgent need" to reevaluate staffing levels and align them with the district's enrollment and financial capacity.
Weaver wrote in a July 10 letter to State Board of Education Chairwoman Rita Allison that "potentially rushed" school consolidations isn't a viable solution, and that its late budget "signals a lack of long-term financial planning and raises serious concerns about the District’s fiscal sustainability."
"It also demonstrates that without further intervention, the District may be unable to maintain essential services or restore financial stability," Weaver wrote of this year's budgeting process.
The 3,300-student district has spent more than three of the last five years under a fiscal watch, she said in her letter, which is the lowest of three designations of state financial concern. A fiscal emergency is the highest.
Marlboro school board chair Michael Coachman said the state's move is "welcomed."
"Any assistance to take over and help us get everything under control, make sure that we have safe schools and incredible education for our children is welcome to help," he told The Post and Courier.
Coachman is optimistic that the state's takeover will help turn around the district's precarious financial situation, which he attributed to previous administrations. The current superintendent, Helena Tillar, took over in 2023.
A spokeswoman for the district did not immediately respond to the newspaper's calls seeking comment.
The county's state legislative delegation backed the partial takeover, according to the department's statement.
“I have full confidence in the Department to navigate the Marlboro County School District during these difficult times," state Rep. Jackie Hayes, D-Dillon, said in the statement. "The students, teachers, and staff deserve the best and I am glad to partner with the Department to make this happen.”
Weaver has also requested that state Inspector General Brian Lamkin open an investigation into the district. She wrote in a letter to him that the department has "credible information" from current district leadership about potential "procurement irregularities" in the past.
About 89 percent of Marlboro's students live in poverty, according to state data, and their performance on state standardized tests falls well below state averages.
The State Board of Education's next scheduled meeting is Aug. 5. If it approves the takeover, the Education Department would immediately assume control.
COLUMBIA — South Main Street is now home to South Carolina's first sidewalk-separated bicycle track, a part of a $25 million pedestrian infrastructure and utility undergrounding upgrade.South Carolina Department of Transportation leaders and legislators gath...
COLUMBIA — South Main Street is now home to South Carolina's first sidewalk-separated bicycle track, a part of a $25 million pedestrian infrastructure and utility undergrounding upgrade.
South Carolina Department of Transportation leaders and legislators gathered in front of the Statehouse July 10 to celebrate the project's completion.
The South Main corridor is lined with businesses and runs through the University of South Carolina's campus. Its proximity from the Statehouse and core USC campus makes it a popular commercial district for legislators, state government workers and college students.
"This is a busy corridor for folks working and visiting the Statehouse and for thousands of university students that cross these streets every day," said Justin Powell, the secretary of SCDOT. "This project improves pedestrian safety, widens sidewalks and makes this area even safer for our visitors and our residents here while keeping it beautiful."
Workers broke ground on the $25.5 million project in 2022. The street has been transformed from a concrete eyesore into a tree-lined and narrowed roadway with bright green biking and walking infrastructure.
It's the site of the state's first sidewalk-level protected bike lane, a bicycle lane separated from the roadway by physical infrastructure. On South Main, the cycle track is separated from the road by curbs and shrubs. It's considered the gold standard for protecting cyclists from drivers, and it's also Columbia's first physically protected bike lane.
There's also large patches of green at intersections meant only for cyclists, with signage indicating its intended use for cyclists only — not vehicles.
The project also included a road diet (removing lanes to slow drivers down and prioritize pedestrian safety), wider sidewalks, landscaping and irrigation upgrades, added street lighting, buried utilities and created pavement markings for pedestrians.
"You shouldn't have to necessarily own a car to get around Columbia," said Sen. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews. "If you want to be able to bike, or if you want to vote, you should have that opportunity."
David Hicks, a local walk-bike advocate and business owner in Five Points, said the project is nice, but South Main is nowhere near the list of most dangerous roadways in the city he'd like to see transformed.
That's mostly because South Main is not as highly traveled or dangerous as other areas like Millwood Avenue, a heavily traveled stretch of roadway where drivers often disregard speed limits and pedestrians.
Regan Freeman, development director at the Cola Town Bike Collective, said he was excited about the project's completion. He said he's already seen some increased usage based on Strava data, a popular GPS-tracking app used by runners and cyclists.
Transportation officials and state legislators also celebrated $12 million pedestrian safety upgrades on Harden Street in Five Points, one of the most dangerous areas in the state for pedestrians.
That project included new crosswalks, a road diet, landscaping and other safety upgrades. It comes after SCDOT conducted a road audit of this stretch of roadway, which sticks out as a hotspot for fatal pedestrian crashes.
"This is a special place, not just for our city, but the entire state," said Rep. Seth Rose, D-Columbia. "It was unacceptable that this was ranked as the No. 1 most dangerous stretch of blocks in all of South Carolina, and there (have) been tragedies with pedestrians going back decades."
Rose said the improvements will give neighbors, business owners and Five Points patrons peace of mind.
"I want to send my 14-year-old on his bike to The Baked Bear to get ice cream, and not feel like he's going to play 'Frogger' against the most dangerous stretch of blocks in the state for pedestrians," he said.
Photo Courtesy: SC Lakes.infoLAKE GREENWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Two people are dead and two others injured after a boating accident on Lake Greenwood.According to the SC Department of Natural Resources, officers responded to a boating collision involving two vessels.An Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat carrying two others.The operator of the Yamaha boat has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence (BUI).SCDNR says the operato...
LAKE GREENWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Two people are dead and two others injured after a boating accident on Lake Greenwood.
According to the SC Department of Natural Resources, officers responded to a boating collision involving two vessels.
An Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat carrying two others.
The operator of the Yamaha boat has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence (BUI).
SCDNR says the operator of the Yamaha, 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware III, was found to be under the influence following a field sobriety evaluation. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI).
In a press release, SCDNR also says it wants to address the situation and what it calls false reports, saying,
“Preliminary findings indicate that an Alumacraft jon boat, carrying five individuals, was traveling on the water when it was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two occupants. Two passengers on board the Alumacraft were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger was ejected into the water but was quickly rescued by responding officers and sustained no serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was transported to the hospital and has since been released. The Alumacraft vessel had fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the incident.”
“We also want to address misinformation circulating regarding this incident. Contrary to false reports, our officers were not pursuing the Yamaha vessel at the time of the collision. Our officers were stationary on the water conducting proactive safety operations when they observed the Yamaha traveling without proper navigation lights. As officers prepared to initiate a vessel stop, the Yamaha collided with the Alumacraft. Blue lights had not been activated, and no pursuit had begun.
Our officers witnessed the collision and immediately rendered life-saving aid. They also took swift action to prevent the at-fault operator from fleeing the scene.”
According to SCDNR, the incident remains under investigation. The names of others involved has not yet been released.
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