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 Florence, 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 Florence, 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.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — A Pee Dee teacher was bestowed a great honor on Tuesday.Rahsaan Perry, an assistant principal at West Florence High School, has been named South Carolina School Administrators Association (SCASA) High School Assistant Principal of the Year.Administrators presented Perry with the award Tuesday morning in a surprise visit.Perry was eligible after being named the Florence 1 Schools Assistant Principal of the Year earlier this year.SEE ALSO: ...
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — A Pee Dee teacher was bestowed a great honor on Tuesday.
Rahsaan Perry, an assistant principal at West Florence High School, has been named South Carolina School Administrators Association (SCASA) High School Assistant Principal of the Year.
Administrators presented Perry with the award Tuesday morning in a surprise visit.
Perry was eligible after being named the Florence 1 Schools Assistant Principal of the Year earlier this year.
SEE ALSO: Horry County Schools announces superintendent finalists
He coordinates the STEM Program at West Florence High School and is an adviser to Sharper Knights, a mentoring program.
“When I decided to get into administration, it was because I wanted to be able to impact schools on a larger level than just inside a classroom,” Perry said in a news release from Florence School District 1. “That has been my goal since I’ve been here. I am just glad I am a small part of what happens here. I am proud to be a Knight."
His colleagues also shared their thoughts on Perry winning the award.
“This award is a true testament to Mr. Perry’s commitment to the West Florence community,” said Jeffrey Gaines, principal of Sneed Middle School. “He exemplifies leadership in every aspect of his work from leading the STEM Magnet program to advising students through Sharper Knights. As one of the feeder schools for West Florence, Sneed Middle School reaps the benefits of the strong partnership we have between our STEM and mentoring programs. This would not be possible without the guidance from Mr. Perry. I am very proud to not only call him colleague, but friend!”
“Mr. Perry’s tireless efforts to support students and educators, his commitment to designing and implementing rigorous curricula, and his ability to cultivate a positive school culture highlight his exceptional qualities as a leader,” Dowdell said. “West Florence is fortunate to have his innovative contributions and unwavering dedication.”
Perry has also earned the respect of his students.
READ MORE: Horry County School Board approves electronic device ban for 2025
“Mr. Perry will tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it, and I respect him for that," said Jalen Wallace, a senior at South Florence High School. "In my freshman year, he introduced me to a group called Sharper Knights here at West Florence. This group has taught me many things about manhood and what it takes to be a leader. Furthermore, Mr. Perry has taught me that anything is possible in life and to never give up on my dreams.”
“Mr. Perry has become such an important person in my high school career., said Tiverly Gray, also a senior student at West Florence High School. "He has helped push me to be my best academic self. He truly believed in me and my capabilities to get through the STEM Program. Even when there were days when I wanted to quit the program because of how rigorous the courses are and how heavy of a workload the teachers gave us, even then he gave me so much support which really helped me get through”.
“Knowing Mr. Perry over the past few years has been a profound experience, said Senior Michael James. "His encouragement and guidance have helped me become a better student and a more focused individual. His belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a driving force in my academic and personal growth. He’s not just an assistant principal: he’s a mentor, a role model, and a guiding force in our lives.”
Perry now competes for National High School Assistant Principal of the Year.
He's been with West Florence High School since 2021.
FLORENCE S.C. (WBTW) — The American Red Cross and a local church are helping several families whose condos were heavily damaged in an overnight fire in Florence County.About 30 people were displaced and one person was hurt after the fire broke out at about 10:30 p.m. Monday at a condominium complex on Coventry Lane, the West Florence Fire Department said. It took about two-and-a-half hours to contain the fire, which damaged eight units of the two-story structure.News13 talked to a witness Tuesday afternoon who said one pe...
FLORENCE S.C. (WBTW) — The American Red Cross and a local church are helping several families whose condos were heavily damaged in an overnight fire in Florence County.
About 30 people were displaced and one person was hurt after the fire broke out at about 10:30 p.m. Monday at a condominium complex on Coventry Lane, the West Florence Fire Department said. It took about two-and-a-half hours to contain the fire, which damaged eight units of the two-story structure.
News13 talked to a witness Tuesday afternoon who said one person jumped out of a top-floor window to escape the flames. The witness said the person was taken to the hospital. Fire officials said no one else was hurt.
The American Red Cross said the fire left 11 families displaced and that its volunteers initially provided blankets to the families.
“We’ve opened recovery cases for 6 families, assisting 15 people by providing financial assistance for immediate needs,” the organization said.
The Palmetto Street Church of God is also collecting items to help those affected by the fire. Church members of the church will be at the gym at the rear of their facility from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Donations can be new, unwrapped toys and clothing for adults and children.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office’s arson unit is investigating the cause of the fire. When crews arrived, authorities said there was heavy fire and reports of people trapped inside the building.
No additional information was immediately available. The West Florence Fire Department was assisted by the city of Florence Fire Department, the Howe Springs Fire Department, the Darlington County Fire Department, the Sardis-Timmonsville Fire Department, and the South Lynches Fire Department.
Count on News13 for updates.
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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.
FLORENCE — Florence leads South Carolina in employment growth from October 2023 to October 2024, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.The 3.7 percent increase in employment ranks Florence as the seventh highest in the United States, according to a Dec. 9 press release from the state Department of Employment and Workforce.South Carolina added 61,000 jobs, a 2.6 percent increase between October 2023 and October 2024. Three South Carolina metropolitan statistical areas placed in the top 15 in the nation....
FLORENCE — Florence leads South Carolina in employment growth from October 2023 to October 2024, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
The 3.7 percent increase in employment ranks Florence as the seventh highest in the United States, according to a Dec. 9 press release from the state Department of Employment and Workforce.
South Carolina added 61,000 jobs, a 2.6 percent increase between October 2023 and October 2024. Three South Carolina metropolitan statistical areas placed in the top 15 in the nation.
Florence was No. 7 with 3.7 percent job growth. Florence added 4,205 jobs in those 12 months. As of October 2024, there were 103,071 people employed in the Florence MSA.
Charleston/North Charleston was No. 10 with a 3.4 percent increase and Sumter was No. 14 with a 3.1 percent hike. Charleston/North Charleston added 14,400 jobs, while Sumter added 1,760.
HARTSVILLE — Sonoco Products Company has agreed to sell its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business to TOPPAN Holdings, Inc. for approximately $1.8 billion.
The sale reflects the completion of a strategic review of Sonoco's Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business. The sales is subject to customary closing review. It is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Net proceeds from the transactions are expected to be used to repay existing debt.
"The decision to sell our TFP businesses accelerates are portfolio simplification strategy, streamlines our organizational structure and enables more focused capital in our remaining industrial paper and consumer packaging business," Sonoco's President and Chief Executive Officer Howard Coker said.
Sonoco had net sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2023. It employs approximately 22,000 in more than 300 operations around the world, serving some of the world's best brands.
In early December, Sonoco announced it had completed its acquistion of Enviosys, Europe's leading food cans, ends and closures manufacturing from KPS Capital Partners, LP.
Sonoco announced its plans to purchase Envosys in June. Enviosys will transition to the Sonoco brand over the coming months and will operate under Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging segment.
CADES — The South Carolina EMS for Children Advisory Committee recently designated MUSC Black River Medical Center as a Pediatric Ready Emergency Department.
The designation recognizes the hospital's commitment to providing high quality, family-centered emergency care that meets national guidelines for pediatric health care.
The Black River Medical Center is one of just 10 Pediatric Ready Emergency Department's in South Carolina, and one of two in the Pee Dee.
"The designation reinforces our commitment to evry child and family who walks through our doors," Hospital Executive Director Allen Abernethy said. "Our team continuously worked to ensure that we meet and exceed the highest standards of pediatric emergency care, providing peace of mine in our community."
FLORENCE — Cheney Brothers, Inc. broke ground in early December on its 386,047 square foot refrigerator/freezer distribution facility at the Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park, which is across I-95 from Buc-ee's.
The facility will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date. It's the company's first distribution center in South Carolina.
"The new distribution center in Florence will allow Cheney Brothers to enhance our customer service and obtain a higher level of customer satisfaction," Cheney Brothers Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Byron Russell said. "The support we have received from the State of South Carolina and the local communities has been tremendous."
Cheney Brothers, based in Riviera Beach, Florida, was founded in 1925. It 2016, the company bought Pate Dawson company and acquired distribution facilities in Statesville and Greensboro, North Carolina. The company is a food distributor in the southeast region of the United States and more than 100 countries.
At the groundbreaking, Russell announced the facility will employ 600 to 700 people. Some will make around $50 an hour with incentives.
FLORENCE — Behaviorial health consultant Paige Wilson has joined HopeHealth. Wilson will provide integrated behaviorial health services to patients at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence.
Wilson earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Limestone University in Gaffney. She is a native of Darlington. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, self-esteem and grief.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - Schools in the Carolinas are implementing safety plans as inclement winter weather makes its way through the southeast.LIST: Warming shelters open in Pee Dee as arctic temperatures settle inT...
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - Schools in the Carolinas are implementing safety plans as inclement winter weather makes its way through the southeast.
LIST: Warming shelters open in Pee Dee as arctic temperatures settle in
The list below will be updated with all closures and cancelations as they become available.
Florence School District 3 - The school district announced it would be implementing early dismissal for Friday.
The dismissal times are as follows:
Lake City Early Childhood, J.C. Lynch Elementary, Olanta Magnet, and Scranton Elementary will dismiss at 11 a.m.
Main Street Elementary will dismiss at 11:10 a.m.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High School and J. Paul Truluck Magnet will dismiss at 11:50 a.m.
Lake City High School will dismiss at noon.
Dillon School District 4 - All elementary schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. and middle/high schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. After-school activities have been canceled.
Dillon School District 3 - Latta Elementary School will dismiss at 1 p.m., while Latta Middle School and Latta High School will both dismiss at 2 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served to students.
Marion County School District - The school district will operate on an early dismissal schedule on Friday. Primary and elementary schools will dismiss at noon and middle and high schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. All after-school activities are canceled for Friday.
Public Schools of Robeson County - Classes will be dismissed on Friday at 11:30 a.m. for all schools within the district. All afternoon and after-school activities for Friday are canceled and after-school care will not be available.
Robeson Community College - The college will transition to remote learning and the physical campus will be closed from 5 p.m. on Friday through 8 a.m. on Monday.
Scotland County Schools - The school district announced that all schools will operate on the early release schedule on Friday. The full schedule is below.
All elementary schools: 8 - 11 a.m.All middle schools: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Scotland High School: 7:40 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.Shaw Academy: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Scotland Early College High School: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.District offices: 1 p.m.
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