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 Folly Beach, 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 Folly Beach, 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.
0Surfers and enthusiasts gathered at Folly Beach Saturday to celebrate International Surf Day, an event organized by the Surfrider Foundation and other local groups. The day was marked by a focus on community, inclusivity, and the joy of surfing.The day also featured a litter pick up walk around the beach, as well as free yoga sessions for those who wanted to join."We're out here today to celebrate International Surf Day with Surfrider Foundation," said Theo Hair, who works with the nonprofit. "We take Int...
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Surfers and enthusiasts gathered at Folly Beach Saturday to celebrate International Surf Day, an event organized by the Surfrider Foundation and other local groups. The day was marked by a focus on community, inclusivity, and the joy of surfing.
The day also featured a litter pick up walk around the beach, as well as free yoga sessions for those who wanted to join.
"We're out here today to celebrate International Surf Day with Surfrider Foundation," said Theo Hair, who works with the nonprofit. "We take International Surfing Day to focus on the surfing element of that by making it more about the local community."
READ MORE | "Wheels to Surf empowers disabled surfers, inspiring joy and resilience in Folly Beach"
Sarah Butler, Executive Director of Waves 4 Women, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment. "We really focus on building a community and making a space where every woman belongs," she said.
The Warrior Surf Foundation also played a significant role in the day's activities. "The Warrior Surf Program is a 12-week program. We include yoga, surfing, and wellness for veterans, active duty, and their families," said Clayton Merritt.
And for veterans like Merritt, surfing is a healing activity after getting out of the military.
"It was really beneficial for me and gave me surfing in my life and gave me a lot of clarity in my life. So it’s really cool to be able to pass that along to other veterans," he said.
Veterans like Joshua Suggs highlighted the sense of community that surfing provides. "It means more to us than it does most people. I mean we’re used to being around our friends all the time. Most of us lived in the barracks at some point," Suggs said. "When you move on from the military you don’t have that brother next door that you can lean on in times of struggle you can feel alone."
Suggs noted that the Warrior Surf Foundation helps reconnect veterans. "So showing up here on Saturdays and having 25-50 people that you see helps you either hold space for them," he said.
For those interested in joining, Suggs mentioned that the largest open surf groups meet on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Folly Beach and there is no experience needed.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Leaders on Folly Beach are reviewing recommendations meant to help better preserve the city’s marshes amid rising sea levels.The city is hosting a review of its five-year update to its marsh management plan Tuesday night. Experts studied the land and changes they recorded before making their recommendations.Click here to learn more about Folly Beach’s marsh mana...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Leaders on Folly Beach are reviewing recommendations meant to help better preserve the city’s marshes amid rising sea levels.
The city is hosting a review of its five-year update to its marsh management plan Tuesday night. Experts studied the land and changes they recorded before making their recommendations.
Click here to learn more about Folly Beach’s marsh management plan.
Elko Coastal Consulting President Nicole Elko and her team worked to map all 7 miles of Folly Beach’s winding marsh shorelines to track changes over time.
“It does take us probably a month of solid working to get along the entire shoreline,” Elko said.
They use real-time kinematic GPS.
“It’s kind of like your navigation in your car, where it knows exactly where you are. We’re collecting information at different points along the marsh front and then mapping that,” Elko said.
Elko said the marsh front has evolved considerably since the last plan was published, and they’ve had several findings.
“Climate Change, increased flooding that we’ve seen along the marsh front,” Elko said.
They surveyed the marsh front to determine where the critical line exists. After that, the city implemented a 15-foot setback from that critical line, meaning nothing can be built within 15 feet of the marsh. New marsh-front recommendations include considering restoration options like living shorelines and thin layer placement.
“If you can imagine it as beach nourishment but within the marsh where we are broadcasting just a little bit of mud or sediment along areas of the marsh that might be sinking to kind of help them keep up with sea level rise,” Elko said.
Elko said the majority of marsh front property along Folly is privately owned.
“It’s difficult for the city to kind of manage the marsh front when they have to rely on a public-private partnership,” Elko said.
While Leonard Spann does not live along Folly’s shoreline, he works there every day. He believes the city should continue to prioritize preserving the natural beauty of the area.
“There’s good wildlife, nature out here,” Spann said. “I feel like they should focus on that.”
Elko said in South Carolina, the beaches have been measured and monitored for about 50 years, but marshes have been a bit overlooked until recently. Experts are now working to educate people about the need for more focus on marshes because that’s where a lot of flooding comes in.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A Hammock Coast beach just netted a statewide honor for the second year in a row.Pawleys Island, one of the country's oldest seaside resorts, has been named “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 ...
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A Hammock Coast beach just netted a statewide honor for the second year in a row.
Pawleys Island, one of the country's oldest seaside resorts, has been named “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It first won in 2024.
Three Georgetown County destinations — Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island — were among the beaches in the contest. Huntington (No. 4) and Litchfield (No. 3) also placed in the Top 5 again.
"It shows that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best," said Beth Stedman, president of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. "The natural beauty of our area and its history bring visitors here throughout the year and they return again and again."
To the north, Horry County also saw several winners. North Myrtle Beach and its Cherry Grove Beach also placed in the Top 5, and Myrtle Beach State Park came in at No. 8.
The remaining Top 10 included: Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island, No. 6), Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island, No. 7), Coligny Beach Park (Hilton Head Island, No. 9) and Bloody Point Beach (Daufuskie Island, No. 10).
The list was narrowed from 17 initial nominees. It was part of a series to name the best beaches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey and Michigan, according to tourism officials.
Other Palmetto State beaches in the running included: Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Folly Field Beach Park (Hilton Head Island), Isle of Palms, Kiawah Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island), Sullivan’s Island and Surfside Beach.
The voting period ran from April 21 to May 19, and the beach with the most votes won. Winners were announced May 28.
"I couldn’t be more excited about this news," said Mark Stevens, the chamber's director of tourism development. "Clearly the Hammock Coast’s beaches are beloved by residents and vacationers. Our beaches are adored for their pristine shores and mild crowds, and we wouldn’t have it any other way."
Locations along the Hammock Coast have been featured in the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in previous years. Huntington Beach and Brookgreen Gardens have been nominated in several categories, while Georgetown topped the list for the Best Coastal Small Town in 2018.
Murrells Inlet placed sixth earlier this year in the contest for the Best Small Town in the South, according to the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce.
Also, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club in Pawleys Island placed fourth this year in "America's Best Public Golf Course" poll from USA Today/10Best.
The USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight “top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations,” according to a news release.
A panel of judges chose the South Carolina beaches in the running. The judges included travel writers Jamie Davis Smith and Marla Cimini and USA Today Top 10's coordinator Catherine Smith, according to USA Today.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — As turtle nesting season progresses, Folly Beach is experiencing a slower start than anticipated. Dave Miller of the Folly Beach Turtle Watch reported that the first nest of the season was discovered on April 29, marking the...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — As turtle nesting season progresses, Folly Beach is experiencing a slower start than anticipated. Dave Miller of the Folly Beach Turtle Watch reported that the first nest of the season was discovered on April 29, marking the first in South Carolina. However, since then, the number of nests has decreased significantly.
As turtle nesting season progresses, Folly Beach is experiencing a slower start than anticipated. (WCIV)
"But since then it’s been kind of slow. Slow here and slow all around South Carolina," said Miller.
Last year's beach renourishment project resulted in a lower-than-normal number of nests, with only 44 recorded. Despite the slower pace this year, 38 nests have already been discovered, indicating a potentially promising season.
Miller expressed the group's unwavering enthusiasm for their conservation efforts, saying, "But when we see that crawl, something special, special feelings that this creature was here in the middle of the night, doing what it’s evolved to do over millions of years."
The turtle nesting season, which runs from May to October, keeps the group busy daily. Volunteers are dedicated to finding, marking, and caring for the nests, eagerly awaiting the hatching of the turtles.
"Rain, shine we’re out there at dawn every day. We’ve got seven miles of beach. Some fifty volunteers and we cover that seven miles every day," said Miller.
A positive development this season is the increased compliance with turtle safety rules, particularly the "lights out" policy on beachfront properties. Miller noted, "We’ve seen a large improvement. Decreased number of lighting violations. We have a number of beach front homeowners who now going to the city asking how can I comply."
As for when the hatchlings will emerge, Miller suggested it could be in the next few days.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A ranking by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is giving Folly Beach homeowners the second-highest discount for flood insurance.About 1,500 communities nationwide voluntarily participate in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. The program works to lower flood damages to homeowners, renters and businesses by encouraging floodplain managem...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A ranking by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is giving Folly Beach homeowners the second-highest discount for flood insurance.
About 1,500 communities nationwide voluntarily participate in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. The program works to lower flood damages to homeowners, renters and businesses by encouraging floodplain management practices across communities.
The program cycles communities through a ranking system every three years on a scale of the highest class ranking from one to 10, with 10 being the lowest. Each class gives flood insurance discounts to community residents.
The City of Folly Beach received a Class 3 ranking in the program, which is the second highest in the Lowcountry. The ranking falls under Charleston County, which received a Class 2 in October of 2023. A Class 3 rank offers residents in the area a 35% discount on flood insurance policies.
City Flood Plan Administrator Eric Lutz says their rank comes from the city’s work towards flood prevention, such as adding pervious material to driveways and revising the flood damage prevention ordinance in 2021.
“Increased our freeboard requirement, which is four feet above base flood,” Lutz says. “Out here, [it] used to be two. That means all the houses out here are elevated a little bit higher. That helps along with marsh regulations, protecting the marsh, protecting open surfaces.”
Lutz says flooding events happen more frequently as the years go by, which impacts areas such as marshes and homes around the back of the island.
“Basically, we have king tide flooding on a regular basis now, we have rain bomb flooding, what we call like sunny day flooding,” Lutz says. “There’s a lot going on, and sometimes when those combine together we have worse flooding, a lot like downtown Charleston, where we’ve got the rain and the tides working together to really flood everything out.”
The city administrator says they are continuing to work on flood prevention efforts that offer these discounts to residents.
The policy is currently in effect for homeowners who get a new policy or renew.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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