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 COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A man has been arrested in the ongoing investigation of a missing woman in Brunswick County, according to Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye.According to a release from the Florence County Sheriff's Office, a missing persons report from Brunswick County led Florence County Sheriff's Office investigators to charge a Lake City man with desecration of human remains.Relatives reported Christy Thomas Ward and Charles Edward Antwine Jr. missing from their home in Brunswick County last week.O...
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A man has been arrested in the ongoing investigation of a missing woman in Brunswick County, according to Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye.
According to a release from the Florence County Sheriff's Office, a missing persons report from Brunswick County led Florence County Sheriff's Office investigators to charge a Lake City man with desecration of human remains.
Relatives reported Christy Thomas Ward and Charles Edward Antwine Jr. missing from their home in Brunswick County last week.
On Saturday, a Florence County Sheriff's Office patrol deputy was checking the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery and saw what appeared to be the roof of a submerged vehicle.
Multiple agencies, including fire, EMS and South Carolina DNR, responded to the scene and recovered the unoccupied vehicle, according to the release.
The license plate from South Carolina was registered to Charles Edward Antwine Jr., with an address near Lake City. Deputies went for a property check of the location and detected an "unusual smell" from the residence.
The release states that when there was no response to knocks on the door, a search warrant was obtained, and Antwine was found sitting on the couch. Investigators then found human remains in "plastic containers" which had been taped shut.
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Antwine was taken into custody at the scene and charged with desecration of human remains. An autopsy on the human remains has been ordered, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Antwine is being held at the Florence County Detention Center and was denied bond on Monday afternoon.
ABC15 has reached out to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office to learn more information on the missing woman and if she had any ties to Florence County.
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – Florence County deputies made a gruesome discovery during an investigation near Lake City.The sheriff’s office said what began as a missing persons case out of Brunswick County, N.C., turned into a death investigation.“It’s something like out of a horror movie. Very horrific,” Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye said.Loved ones reported Christy Ward and Charles Antwine Jr. missing from the home in Brunswick County last week.A Florence County deputy was check...
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – Florence County deputies made a gruesome discovery during an investigation near Lake City.
The sheriff’s office said what began as a missing persons case out of Brunswick County, N.C., turned into a death investigation.
“It’s something like out of a horror movie. Very horrific,” Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye said.
Loved ones reported Christy Ward and Charles Antwine Jr. missing from the home in Brunswick County last week.
A Florence County deputy was checking the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday when he saw the roof of a mostly submerged car.
Fire, EMS, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered the car, but no one was inside.
The South Carolina license plate was registered to Antwine, who has an address on Stillwater Road near Lake City.
Deputies went to the home to conduct a property check, where they detected an unusual smell coming from the house, and no one was answering.
They obtained a search warrant, and upon entering the home, they found Antwine sitting on the couch.
That’s when investigators made an alarming find.
“We found some containers with body parts in them where they appeared to be cut up,” the sheriff said.
According to Joye, those body parts were found in three plastic totes that were taped shut.
Police arrested Antwine and charged him with desecration of human remains.
He appeared before a judge on Monday in a bond hearing.
He was in a wheelchair, and the Sheriff explained he had a broken leg.
Ward’s son was in the hearing as well and gave an emotional plea for justice.
“Now she’s gone and I’ll never get to see her again and she’ll never get to see any accomplishments I have in life,” the son said.
The Florence County coroner ordered an autopsy on the human remains.
Joye said the remains are most likely those of Ward, but the sheriff’s office is waiting for an official confirmation from the autopsy.
The judge denied bond, deferring that decision to a Circuit Court.
We are working to learn when that hearing could take place.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
His first appearance is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2025.
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FLORENCE — When AESC first announced it would bring an electric vehicle battery plant to Florence, the plan was for an $810 million investment that would bring 1,170 jobs....
FLORENCE — When AESC first announced it would bring an electric vehicle battery plant to Florence, the plan was for an $810 million investment that would bring 1,170 jobs.
For years afterward, the investment only grew. Most recently, the project’s investment was valued at $1.6 billion with 1,620 total jobs.
Now, that plan is on a temporary pause while Florence moves forward with millions of dollars worth of infrastructure work.
The pause came because of federal policy concerns, a company spokesperson said June 5.
“AESC has informed the state of South Carolina and our local partners that due to policy and market uncertainty, we are pausing construction at our South Carolina facility at this time," Brad Grantham, a spokesperson with AESC, said in a statement.
The company said it anticipates construction will resume "once circumstances stabilize."
"AESC fully intends to meet our commitments to invest $1.6 billion and create 1,600 jobs in the coming years," Grantham said.
To prepare for AESC’s arrival, the city and county made plans for infrastructure improvements. Those plans include fast-tracking upgrades to the city’s water and sewer systems and adding a road to AESC’s site at the Florence Global Technology Park.
The latest pause isn’t the first time AESC has changed its plans in Florence.
The company announced Facility 2, or phase 3, in March 2024. It brought the total investment up to $3.12 billion and the total number of jobs to 2,700.
Facility 2, or phase 3, was halted in February 2025 because the company determined it could meet production goals with just one facility. That brought the investment back down to $1.6 billion and cut the number of jobs to 1,620.
That halt was viewed by city and county leaders as a chance to catch up with the growth Florence has seen even before the completion of the plant, according to previous reporting from The Post and Courier.
Despite the latest construction pause, Florence still plans to move forward with its infrastructure changes.
“State and county infrastructure and construction is still 100 percent moving forward,” said Gregg Robinson, CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership. “We're not slowing down.”
The S.C. State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education is using state funding to build a $22 million training facility for AESC, which Robinson said is already about 70 percent complete.
Outside of the training facility, the county agreed to use state funding to build a new road at the technology park.
The fact that the project is expected to resume is part of why Florence is moving forward with plans, Robinson said. On top of that, AESC is just a piece of the puzzle that is the technology park, he said.
AESC is the anchor tenant at the Florence Global Technology Park that Robinson said includes space for additional industrial development. While AESC has spurred growth for the county, it’s not the only company investing in Florence, he said.
Having the additional infrastructure, such as the road improvements and utility upgrades, will help the county attract more investors, County Administrator Kevin Yokim said.
“Having all this infrastructure that was spurred by AESC helps us market those more quickly and more easily because the infrastructure is already in place,” Yokim said.
The city of Florence, which provides water to Florence County, fast-tracked its plans to upgrade the water and sewer systems in light of AESC’s arrival.
The city approved an $18 million bond in 2022 for water and sewer infrastructure. That’s on top of $20 million in its capital construction fund allocated for AESC. Of that $20 million, $15 million has been spent, which the S.C. Department of Commerce has reimbursed. The rest of that $20 million can also be reimbursed by the state, Davis said.
AESC’s expected water usage should give the city money to make upgrades to the system, Davis said. An influx of cash from the battery plant’s water usage would be used for long-term upgrades to the system in the next five years or so.
“We fully believe, based on all of the data that we have at our disposal, that, again, this is a pause, not a cancellation, and that they will be significant water users in the near future,” Davis said.
If AESC permanently halts the project, however, it will take the city much longer to financially benefit from improvements to the system, Davis said.
“We have significant investment there that would certainly take much longer to realize our return on investment,” Davis said.
With $1 billion already invested in Florence County, Robinson said he fully expects AESC to meet the rest of its commitments. Florence is working with other stakeholders in the project to ensure those commitments are realized.
“We are in a very unique environment at the federal level right now to say the least,” Robinson said. “So we’re working very closely with our state and very closely with our governor and Department of Commerce, and we hope that we can deliver a message that supports our manufacturing base, especially the green energy initiatives that we have in our state.”
FLORENCE — High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park Trail, the city’s longest mountain biking trail, is getting a 4-mile extension.Construction started in May to double the length of the trail. It’s expected to be complete by late July.The decision to extend the trail comes from Florence’s desire to add unique amenities and attractions, ac...
FLORENCE — High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park Trail, the city’s longest mountain biking trail, is getting a 4-mile extension.
Construction started in May to double the length of the trail. It’s expected to be complete by late July.
The decision to extend the trail comes from Florence’s desire to add unique amenities and attractions, according to City Planning Director Jerry Dudley.
“It's very important to the city because the mountain bike activities add diversified activities that we don't have in other parts of the city,” Dudley said.
With the extension, the trail will be 8 miles long. It's equipped to handle running, hiking, and mountain biking, the latter of which had a significant hand in motivating this trail to be extended. The original trails were “well-used” after the park’s completion in 2020, Dudley said.
There is significant mountain biking interest, Dudley said, which became a big part of the city’s reasoning for the extension. Enthusiast groups like Atomic Mountain Bikers and the youth mountain biking team Magic City Rollers use the trail.
“As Florence grows, so does the need for green infrastructure,” said Geoff Akins, a member of Atomic Mountain Bikers.
Before the trail was built five years ago, the closest established trails were in Columbia or the Upstate. Now, since it was built, trail usage has grown significantly, Akins said.
“You do feel transported when you’re out there. It doesn’t feel like you’re still in Florence. You get the feeling you’re in the mountains somewhere,” Akins said.
There is hope the trail could host competitive events for mountain biking, making it a regional attraction, Dudley said.
“(I) hope to see folks traveling from the Upstate and Columbia just to ride High Hill,” Akins said.
The project has been in the works for a few years, but funding stalled construction. The extension is happening thanks to a $100,000 grant from Recreational Trails Program, a federally funded program using taxes from non-highway recreational vehicles. The city applied for the grant multiple times and secured it last year, Dudley said.
The grant isn’t the only source of funding, however. The total cost of the trail extension amounts to around $125,000, with $15,000 being from city funding and $10,000 coming from donations from Naturally Outdoors, a local shop.
With it nearing completion, Dudley encourages anybody to come out and bike, hike or run the trail.
“It's beautiful out there, there's a part of it that overlooks the creek, the High Hill Creek. It's a very diverse environment that we want people to enjoy,” Dudley said.
Geoff Akins' last name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.
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