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 Daufuskie Island, 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 Daufuskie Island, 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 island is one of three places in the low country where the national weather service confirms a tornado touched down.DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - People out on Daufuskie Island are finally regaining power back after days without it.The island is one of three places in the low country where the national weather service confirms a tornado touched down.People living there say they were concerned about dwindling resources while they waited days without electricity.“I felt like we were about 24 hours away...
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - People out on Daufuskie Island are finally regaining power back after days without it.
The island is one of three places in the low country where the national weather service confirms a tornado touched down.
People living there say they were concerned about dwindling resources while they waited days without electricity.
“I felt like we were about 24 hours away of running out of fuel to run generators,” said Don Hunter, CEO of Haig Point.
Being an island community, Daufuskie locals say not knowing when the next fuel load will come is always a scary thing during a hurricane.
“We’re a golf cart community, and so everybody’s fighting to plug in a charger in the few generation spaces where we have generators,” Hunter said.
That’s why on Tuesday, people on the island were thankful to see Dominion Energy crews getting power lines off the road and back up and running.
Getting power back on was especially huge for local businesses like Daufuskie Distillery.
“It’s a trickle-down,” explained owner Tony Chase. “You know, obviously the business itself depends on revenue to stay alive. Our employees depend on hours to be able to get paid, to be able to pay their bills”.
The distillery was shut down for three days due to the storm.
“When we have to shut down like that, and it’s an extended period of time, that’s really devastating,” Chase said.
The National Weather Service confirms an EF-0 tornado touched down on the island, with winds reaching 80 miles per hour.
While trees are starting to be cleared up, a lot of that damage is still left behind.
“The impacts have been mostly tree damage and some issues with our beach road. It got heavily impacted with erosion and the tides,” Hunter explained.
As the lights turn back on and neighbors clear debris from their roads and yards, community members say they want to express gratitude to everyone that stepped up during a scary time for the island.
“Storms really show the real heroes in the community...I just want to thank those people for stepping up” Hunter said.
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Hurricane Helene left thousands of lowcountry residents in the dark and crews continued to repair lost power Sept. 30 in Jasper, Beaufort and HamptonBluffton Today0:011:25Hurricane Helene hit the Lowcountry Sept. 26, leaving thousands in the dark as well as a trail of debris, broken powerlines and downed trees.High winds, driving rain and several confirmed tornadoes ripped through Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties as the storm continued through Sept. 27. Throughout both days of the hurricane, there h...
Bluffton Today
Hurricane Helene hit the Lowcountry Sept. 26, leaving thousands in the dark as well as a trail of debris, broken powerlines and downed trees.
High winds, driving rain and several confirmed tornadoes ripped through Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties as the storm continued through Sept. 27. Throughout both days of the hurricane, there had been numerous reports of downed trees and powerlines as well as reports in all three counties of trees which had fallen on homes.
The peak wind gusts reported by the National Weather Service for Jasper County was 58 miles per hour and 75mph in Beaufort County, followed by Hampton County with a gust of 54mph.
Rainfall amounts following Hurricane Helene were 5.44 inches in Beaufort County, 5.41 inches in Jasper County and 8.15 inches in Hampton County, according to National Weather Service reports.
Although the storm departed the Lowcountry that Friday afternoon, power was scarce in the three counties as the storm toppled entire powerlines and snapped power poles in half.
Throughout South Carolina, more than 425,000 S.C. Electric Cooperative customers were without power Sept. 27. Dominion Energy reported that more than 386,000 of its customers were without power.
As of Sept. 30, Dominion reported that restoration of 95 percent of the power in the affected areas would be estimated to be completed by Oct. 2 at 11 p.m. in Jasper County and Oct. 1 at 11 p.m. in Beaufort County with the exception of Daufuskie Island that did not have a timeline listed for restoration.
On Sept. 30, around 1 p.m., Palmetto Electric Cooperatives, who has service areas in Hampton, Beaufort and Jasper counties, reported there were 1,744 members without electricity. At the height of the storm on Sept. 27, the cooperative reported there had been approximately 19,000 members who were without electricity.
If you are a resident without power, the Town of Bluffton asks citizens to please ensure Dominion Energy is aware of your outage. Please ensure your outage is logged with Dominion Energy. Dominion Energy Key Contact Numbers:Dominion Energy SC Customer Service: 1-800-251-7234Downed/Sparking Lines: 1-888-333-4465Power Outage: 1-888-333-4465Gas Leaks: 1-800-815-0083
The National Weather Service in Charleston confirmed there were three tornadoes in Beaufort County, including two on Sept. 26. One was on Daufuskie Island which happened around 7:03 a.m. and touched down on Daufuskie Island near Driftwood Cottage Lane.
The tornado then continued northward across Daufuskie Island, snapping trees on Stoddard Court and on Martin Angel Lane near Captain Monroe Lane. It then crossed over the marsh between Daufuskie Island and Palmetto Bluff. The weather service said trees were snapped between Corley Street and Maritime Road near Old Moreland Road and also Amaranth Road at Moreland Road before dissipating just north of Big House Plantation Road.
The second confirmed tornado happened at 7:20 a.m. that developed near Headwaters Road which led to some minor and sporadic damage to small limbs and branches, the weather service said. As the tornado moved rapidly northward, it crossed the far western marshy area of the May River, then crossed May River Road, where its snapped and uprooted some trees, before it dissipated just to the north.
Another tornado was reported in Beaufort County the next day in Gardens Corner around 1:29 a.m., according to National Weather Service reports. The tornado began just southeast of Washington Farm Road, where a few trees were uprooted and snapped, then traveled toward the northwest and snapped and uprooted some trees along Stroban Road near Daniels Drive. As the tornado approached Highway 17, it uprooted and snapped a few trees roughly between Farm Road and Cherry Oak Mews before dissipating over a marshy area just north of Highway 17.
The Town of Bluffton is prioritizing permits needed for storm recovery at no cost to residents. Town staff members are prepared to assist homeowners who need emergency permits for repairs or to document damage from the storm. Chief Building Official Rob Currall stresses the importance of documenting damage to support future insurance claims, similar to a car insurance claim, in the event of repeated weather incidents with similar damage.
Bluffton offers basic guidelines for emergency permitting:
Permits Not Required: A permit is not required for debris removal or minor repairs to prevent further property damage or personal injury. Generally, replacing items with “like for like” due to storm damage does not require a permit. Minor water leak repairs that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems also do not require a permit.
No Charge for Emergency Permits: There is no fee for emergency permits.
Duration of Emergency Permitting: Emergency permitting is in effect for 30 business days. The Town may extend or rescind this period as needed.
Special Requirements for Certain Areas: If you live adjacent to a Highway Corridor (including Hwy. 46, 170, 278, or May River Road) or in the Bluffton Historic District, you are required to provide pre-disaster photos when applying for a permit. Be aware that specific rules, regulations, and codes apply to repairs in the Historic District.
Structural Damage: If your property has structural damage, please bring photographs of the damage. Each case will be assessed individually.
Important Contact Information:
For further information on processing repairs, please contact Town staff:Town of Bluffton Customer Service Center: 843-706-4522 (for permits, applications, etc.)Town of Bluffton Business License: Email: businesslicense@townofbluffton.com or call 843-706-4526.
Hurricane Helene’s wrath spawned three EF-0 tornadoes in Beaufort County between Thursday and Friday mornings, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.On Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before the first twister touched down on Daufuskie Island, the NWS urged residents to prepare for scattered tornadoes, as meteorologists said the storm system had a “very good” setup for tornadoes t...
Hurricane Helene’s wrath spawned three EF-0 tornadoes in Beaufort County between Thursday and Friday mornings, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
On Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before the first twister touched down on Daufuskie Island, the NWS urged residents to prepare for scattered tornadoes, as meteorologists said the storm system had a “very good” setup for tornadoes to form.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to the formation of tornadoes, because as the outer bands of a storm reach land, winds are slowed closer to the ground but remain strong at higher altitudes. The difference causes wind shear, which is a variation in wind speed and direction at different heights, and creates the spin required for tornado formation.
The first blaring of a tornado warning came at 7:05 a.m. Thursday, quickly following an EF-0 tornado that was packing 80 mph winds and had touched down on Daufuskie Island near Driftwood Cottage Lane at 7:03 a.m. The twister, which covered 6.66 miles and had a path width of 150 yards, spun northward across the island and lifted north of Big House Plantation Road near Myrtle Island on the mainland, according to the NWS.
At 7:18 a.m., a second warning rang out. Two minutes later, an EF-0 tornado with maximum winds of 76 mph touched down near Headwaters Road in Palmetto Bluff near Pritchardville, the service reported. The twister, which traveled 1.27 miles and had a 100-yard path width, rotated north and crossed the far western marshy area of the May River before crossing May River Road. The tornado dissipated north of May River Road.
Shortly after midnight, at 1:29 a.m. Friday, an EF-0 tornado with maximum winds near 70 mph hit the Gardens Corner area, north of Beaufort. The twister touched down southeast of Washington Farm Road, then spun northwest across Stroban Road near Daniels Drive, according to the NWS. The rotating system, which covered 3.87 miles and had a 175-yard path width, then crossed US Highway 17 before dissipating in a marshy area.
Based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, tornado ratings account for estimated wind speeds and related damages. An EF-0 tornado must have an estimated 3-second wind gust between 65 mph and 85 mph.
As of Monday morning, NWS Meteorologist Jonathan Lamb said the three tornadoes were the only confirmed in Beaufort County so far. Most recently, in early August, the NWS reported two short-lived EF-0 twisters, one on Lady’s Island and the other on Saint Helena Island, as a result of Tropical Storm Debby.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 12:47 PM.
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllAs the sun rose in Beaufort County on Friday, clear damage from Helene’s wake quickly came into focus, with fallen trees, debris littering roadways, downed power lines and thousands without electricity.During a statewide Helene update...
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
As the sun rose in Beaufort County on Friday, clear damage from Helene’s wake quickly came into focus, with fallen trees, debris littering roadways, downed power lines and thousands without electricity.
During a statewide Helene update at 2 p.m. Friday, Gov. Henry McMaster said there were possibly more power outages from Helene than any other storm in recent history.
The National Weather Service’s John Quagliariello said at the update that Beaufort clocked the highest wind gusts of 75 mph. Quagliariello said the service issued 63 tornado warnings across South Carolina. It’s unknown how many were actual tornadoes, he said, adding that over the next few days the service’s survey teams will assess and then confirm twisters.
Crews were working diligently in Beaufort County into the afternoon, shoring up debris, fallen limbs, restoring power and making roadways safe to travel. While some damage cleanup, a portion of May River Road between Buckwalter Parkway and Old Miller Road will be closed for an extended period of time due to downed power lines and trees, according to an email from the Town of Bluffton’s spokesperson Debbie Szpanka.
Szpanka said Dominion Energy is working through its list of repairs. The road is expected to be closed through the day and into the evening
Early Friday morning, Stephen Combs, Bluffton Township Fire District public information officer, said the storm damage the service was responding to is “extensive.”
Combs said later Friday that the service had responded to 130 calls in the past 24 hours, which “far exceeds what we had even during Hurricane Matthew.”
Fire departments across Beaufort county have had a busy 12 hours responding to storm related calls. Between midnight and 9 a.m. Friday, Hilton Head Island Fire responded to 35 downed trees, two of which involved damage to buildings, according to spokesperson Joheida Fister.
Around 6 a.m., Scott Harris of the Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire District said that there many trees and power lines down and debris on the roadways.The Beaufort/ Port Royal Fire department had responded to 12 storm related calls by 6 a.m., according to Deputy Chief Ross Vezin.
On Hilton Head Island, a beach patrol truck drove along the sands of Coligny Beach at 9:30 a.m., flying a red flag to indicate a high risk of rip currents due to Helene. The beach was dotted with seaweed and other small debris as the wind whipped against walkers on the coastline. In anticipation of tropical storm-force winds, Hilton Head Island’s beach patrol had secured all fold-able rental chairs to posts near the sand dunes.
Despite the conditions on the island, mostly remaining strong winds, several groups of bicyclists and walkers were seen dodging piles of debris on the outskirts of Coligny Beach and many ventured into the area to assess local damage.
In Burton, its fire district responded over 50 emergency calls related to Helene, according to a Friday news release from the district. Several of the emergency calls were for wires and trees down, and electrical fires involving exploding transformers.
Burton firefighters also responded to a house fire before 1:30 a.m. Friday on Winsor Road in Shell Point, along with six emergency calls for trees falling on homes with trapped people who had to be rescued in three of the incidents. A woman was trapped in a vehicle after she struck a tree that had come down across the road of Trask Parkway and Seabrook Center Road. The district said no serious injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Between Thursday and Friday mornings, the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office had received nine preliminary local storm damage reports due to Helene. The reports ranged from felled trees to possible tornadoes.
Below is a following time-stamped list:
If you have damage in your area please email information, photos and or video to newsroom@islandpacket.com
This story was originally published September 27, 2024, 8:40 AM.
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