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 — A Florence native who goes to school at the College of Charleston joined Adam Levine’s team after earning a four-chair turn on the Season 27 premiere of “The Voice.”Grace-Miller Moody, a 20-year-old from Florence, sang Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” during the blind auditions. Her performance compelled all four judges to turn their chairs less than 30 seconds into the song.Moody said on the...
FLORENCE — A Florence native who goes to school at the College of Charleston joined Adam Levine’s team after earning a four-chair turn on the Season 27 premiere of “The Voice.”
Grace-Miller Moody, a 20-year-old from Florence, sang Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” during the blind auditions. Her performance compelled all four judges to turn their chairs less than 30 seconds into the song.
Moody said on the show she chose to sing the song because Maroon 5 is special to her family.
Her brother, Shott Moody, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7 and went through chemotherapy for four years. Moody said that took a toll on her family.
Once Shott’s health improved, the family went to a Maroon 5 concert in Las Vegas.
"It brought us back together after Shott was hospitalized, so it would be a beautiful full-circle moment to see Adam Levine turn his chair," Moody said on the show.
Levine was the last judge to turn his chair. Michael Bublé turned around first, followed by John Legend and Kelsea Ballerini.
Levine, who returned to the show after a five-year hiatus, doesn’t usually pick singers who perform Maroon 5 songs, Ballerini said on the show.
“Adam notoriously does not turn for his own songs, so you have broken the code,” Ballerini said after Moody’s audition.
Because all four judges turned their chairs for Moody, each celebrity singer tried to convince her to join their team. The Maroon 5 fan went with Team Adam.
“There was just something about you, what you were doing, that was so infectious and so lovable and soulful, you can absolutely go all the way and win this thing,” Levine said.
Moody said she wouldn’t be on "The Voice" if it weren’t for the support of her family, who joined her at the audition.
“It was a long battle but I'm here now and I’m thankful to be seeing her sing today,” Shott Moody said on the show.
Another South Carolinian was on Season 26 of "The Voice." A 61-year-old flight attendant from Little River, Gail Bliss joined Snoop Dogg's team and was eliminated in the battle rounds.
Bliss and her fellow Team Snoop singers are reuniting for a night of country music in North Myrtle Beach on Feb. 8.
Season 27 of “The Voice” will air on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the next day.
BreadcrumbFlorence, SC NewsWritten by:February 10, 2025ESOlex // Shutterstock Florence, South Carolina 7-day weather forecast Stacker created the forecast for Florence, South Carolina using data from OpenWeather. This week's high i...
Written by:
February 10, 2025
ESOlex // Shutterstock
Stacker created the forecast for Florence, South Carolina using data from OpenWeather. This week's high is 55 °F on Tuesday, while the low is 26 °F on Friday. There is expected to be 1 sunny day and rain on 2 days this week.
There are currently no weather alerts.
Monday, February 17
- High of 50 °F, low of 35 °F (36% humidity)- Partly cloudy with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (4 UV index)- Gentle breeze (10 mph wind)- Sunrise at 7:01 AM, sunset at 6:04 PM
You may also like: Most expensive homes for sale in Florence, South Carolina
1 / 6
Gary Whitton // Shutterstock
- High of 55 °F, low of 37 °F (43% humidity)- Overcast with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (4 UV index)- Light breeze (6 mph wind)- Sunrise at 7:00 AM, sunset at 6:05 PM
2 / 6
Cari Rubin Photography // Shutterstock
- High of 43 °F, low of 32 °F (87% humidity)- Overcast with a 100% chance of rain (4 mm of rain)- Moderate breeze (13 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:59 AM, sunset at 6:06 PM
3 / 6
Andrew Lever // Shutterstock
- High of 43 °F, low of 30 °F (47% humidity)- Overcast with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Moderate breeze (15 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:58 AM, sunset at 6:07 PM- Last quarter moon
4 / 6
Onishchenko Natalya // Shutterstock
- High of 45 °F, low of 26 °F (31% humidity)- Mostly sunny with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (10 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:57 AM, sunset at 6:08 PM
5 / 6
John Cartwright // Shutterstock
- High of 48 °F, low of 30 °F (42% humidity)- Overcast with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Light breeze (5 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:56 AM, sunset at 6:09 PM
You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Florence, South Carolina
6 / 6
Gaschwald // Shutterstock
- High of 54 °F, low of 34 °F (54% humidity)- Overcast with a 100% chance of rain (13 mm of rain)- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (8 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:55 AM, sunset at 6:10 PM
Maridav // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Florence, South Carolina in the last week While prices at the pump are lower than they were at this time last year, fuel costs are still up by about 10 cents per gallon compared to this time last month, per AAA data. The national average gas price sits at $3.16, with states in the South seeing the lowest prices in the nation. At $2.69 per gallon, Mississippi currently has the lowest average fuel price, while California has the highest at $4.80.While ...
Maridav // Shutterstock
While prices at the pump are lower than they were at this time last year, fuel costs are still up by about 10 cents per gallon compared to this time last month, per AAA data. The national average gas price sits at $3.16, with states in the South seeing the lowest prices in the nation. At $2.69 per gallon, Mississippi currently has the lowest average fuel price, while California has the highest at $4.80.
While President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on imposing 25% tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports earlier this month, concerns about the economic effects of potential tariffs remain. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan predicts that tariffs on Canada could have the largest impact on gas prices in the Northeast, Great Lakes, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions.
"Trump's new trade war has already triggered retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, escalating tensions," De Haan said in a statement earlier this month. "While, on paper, tariffs on Canadian energy could have a significant impact on fuel prices, a prolonged trade war could weaken global economies, reducing demand and partially offsetting the effects of tariffs."
Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Florence, SC metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of February 13.
Florence, South Carolina by the numbers- Gas current price: $2.88--- South Carolina average: $2.88- Week change: -$0.03 (-1.1%)- Year change: -$0.12 (-4.0%)- Historical expensive gas price: $4.68 (6/14/22)
- Diesel current price: $3.57- Week change: -$0.03 (-0.9%)- Year change: -$0.37 (-9.4%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.86 (6/10/22)
Metros with the most expensive gas#1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.20#2. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.17#3. San Rafael, CA: $5.16
Metros with the least expensive gas#1. Laredo, TX: $2.58#2. Tyler, TX: $2.61#3. Lubbock, TX: $2.61
This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in the Florence, South Carolina metro area
You can watch our full interview with Grace Miller Moody above this story.MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - One of the Pee Dee’s own is in the spotlight on this season of NBC’s “The Voice.”Florence native Grace Miller Moody sat down with WMBF News anchor Rachel Bogle on Wednesday after getting a rare four-chair turn during her blind audition on the show. ...
You can watch our full interview with Grace Miller Moody above this story.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - One of the Pee Dee’s own is in the spotlight on this season of NBC’s “The Voice.”
Florence native Grace Miller Moody sat down with WMBF News anchor Rachel Bogle on Wednesday after getting a rare four-chair turn during her blind audition on the show.
The song she chose was Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” - made famous by singer Adam Levine, who is a coach on the show.
“I was so excited that I could be challenged in that way and if I got him to turn then this was going to be a big thing because he always says he doesn’t turn for his own songs,” she said.
Moody also said she chose the song because of a deep emotional connection - and it made the decision to join Team Adam an easy choice.
“It has a lot of meaning with my family and my little brother. We all went to see Maroon 5 after he had gone into remission after being diagnosed with leukemia,” she said. “It really was just kind of in the cards for me to do that one. And then knowing that Adam was going to be a coach, it just made me more excited.”
Moody’s path to The Voice started in her hometown and followed her to college at the College of Charleston. She said her father was the one who actually encouraged her to get try out for “The Voice.”
“My dad actually sent me the email to do the open casting auditions and I really again did not think much of it. But I was like ‘It wouldn’t hurt,‘” she said. “My dad has always been the one behind me to be like, “You need to pursue this. This is your God-given gift.‘ Then five minutes later, I got an email back and I was like, ’Oh my gosh, what is happening?‘”
Moody then went from singing in front of around 30 people at a restaurant in Charleston to one of the biggest shows on TV.
“Before my blind audition, it was very nerve-wracking. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I only need one chair.. that’s it.‘”
And she didn’t just get one chair that turned. All four judges - Levine, Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend and Michael Bublé - all wanted them on their teams.
While she can’t really talk about what’s next this season, she did thank the communities that helped bring her to this point.
“I just want to say thank you so much for all the support,” she said. “I’m so glad that I have a small community and a bigger community now to support me and keep me going through this journey.”
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.
FLORENCE — West and South Florence are getting 628 new homes in two separate subdivisions.Sketch plans for the new developments were approved at the city of Florence Planning Commission’s Feb. 11 meeting.The new developments come after the commission approved another ...
FLORENCE — West and South Florence are getting 628 new homes in two separate subdivisions.
Sketch plans for the new developments were approved at the city of Florence Planning Commission’s Feb. 11 meeting.
The new developments come after the commission approved another new West Florence subdivision with more than 100 homes in January.
One of the sketch plans is for a new subdivision with 333 lots. The other sketch plan is an expansion of a previously approved subdivision that will bring a total of 879 lots over the next 10 years.
Both sketch plans were approved unanimously. From here, the developments will go to City Council for approval and will have to pass through some procedural hurdles with city staff.
The Hunter’s Ridge subdivision on Alligator Road will include 333 single-family houses and span 96.82 acres.
The project is split into two phases. Phase 1 includes 179 lots and Phase 2 will have 154 lots.
Developed by Lowe 5 LLC, the lots will be at least 6,000 square feet, and nearly 30 percent of the acreage will remain open space.
The developer has already worked with the S.C. Department of Transportation to determine what traffic marking changes are needed and how driveways should be placed in order to meet standards.
The subdivision will have a 20-foot buffer lined with trees and shrubs between itself and Alligator Road.
The development will be about a five-minute drive from South Florence High School.
The commission also approved expanding Magnolia Farms, a subdivision off Hoffmeyer Road from developer DR Horton Inc.
Previous phases of Magnolia Farms, near Hoffmeyer and Anderson Farm roads, have already been approved. The new sketch plan that was approved is for phases 10-13.
These phases will bring a total of 295 lots spanning 89.66 acres to the subdivision
The lots will be at least 6,000 square feet, and all of the acreage will be developed.
Magnolia Farms subdivision is projected to bring 879 lots spanning 301.50 acres over the next decade.
The subdivision will be in both Florence and Darlington counties, but it is still in the city of Florence, Planning Director Jerry Dudley said at the meeting.
Dudley said the city has been in communication with Darlington County about the project and will need to work out emergency management concerns for the subdivision.
Magnolia Farms is about an eight-minute drive from Magnolia Mall.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
