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 Gaffney, 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 Gaffney, 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.
GAFFNEY, S.C. — When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney grappling with power outages, flooding and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member.On Oct. 2, 2024, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,&rdq...
GAFFNEY, S.C. — When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney grappling with power outages, flooding and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member.
On Oct. 2, 2024, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,” Garcia said. “I enjoy helping the community where I can.”
Garcia is an Army tank commander in Bravo Company, 1-118th Infantry Regiment, Armored Brigade Combat Team. He has been in the military for 13 years, starting with five years on active duty before transitioning to the National Guard. The Guard was an ideal fit for him, allowing him to continue serving his state and nation.
“I joined the National Guard because I wanted to continue being a Soldier and serve the country,” Garcia explained. “But it’s also about being there for my community. When I see people in need, it gives me a sense of purpose.”
On the ground, Garcia and his fellow Guard members handed out water and food rations to those affected by the storm.
“It’s good to see that people are grateful,” Garcia said, noting how a simple gesture — providing essential supplies — had a profound impact on the community’s morale. “Seeing people’s smiles and gratitude in a time of need is the best part.”
For Garcia, serving in this capacity is personal. Beyond the uniform, he is a proud member of his local church and sees his service as an extension of his faith.
“I’m a Christian and a godly man,” he said. “Being able to provide for others, especially those who can’t leave their homes, fills my heart with joy.”
Garcia mentioned how local churches had partnered with the National Guard the day before to ensure that homebound residents received food and water.
“It was awesome to see that people have the heart to put others before their own needs,” he said, clearly moved by the community’s collective effort.
For this 13-year military veteran, the opportunity to give back to the town where he grew up is something he doesn’t take for granted. Garcia plans to continue serving his full 20 years in the National Guard, but on days like this, the pride he feels for both his uniform and his hometown is on full display.
“Helping out here in Gaffney just means more,” Garcia said. “It’s home.”
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Arkansas commit was ejected in the third quarter of last week's game against Boiling SpringsGaffney High quarterback Jayvon Gilmore will have to sit out the undefeated Indians’ next two games after the appeal of his suspension was denied by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL).The Arkansas commit was ejected in the third quarter of the Indians’ 28-22 overtime win over ...
Arkansas commit was ejected in the third quarter of last week's game against Boiling Springs
Gaffney High quarterback Jayvon Gilmore will have to sit out the undefeated Indians’ next two games after the appeal of his suspension was denied by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL).
The Arkansas commit was ejected in the third quarter of the Indians’ 28-22 overtime win over Boiling Springs on Sept. 20 following an incident on the sidelines. Video on the incident shows scrambling towards the Boiling Springs sideline, during a third quarter play, when he was spun and thrown to the ground during a tackle. Some pushing and shoving took place near the sideline as Gilmore rose to his feet and he can be seen shoving someone before being seperated by one of his teammates. After huddling for several minutes, the officials ejected a Boiling Spring assistant coach and Gilmore.
According to a report in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, both were suspended two games and Boiling Springs was fined $300.
Gaffney principal Eric Blanton requested that the SCHSL executive committee drop Gilmore’s suspension but that was denied. So was a motion to reduce the suspension to one game.
“We at Gaffney High School feel that is excessive given the nature of the incident,” Blanton told the Herald-Journal.
According to the Herald-Journal, in a letter to the committee read by Blanton to the committee, Gilmore stated, “I deeply regret pushing a Boiling Springs assistant coach and I realize that my behavior was completely inappropriate and unacceptable. In the heat of the moment, I allowed by emotions to get the best of me.”
Gilmore will miss the Indians’ home games with Spartanburg and Eastside. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound senior, who transferred from Ben Lippen School, has completed 71-of-109 passes for 1,001 yards and 13 touchdowns with 2 interceptions this season. He also has a rushing touchdown.
The Indians’ backup quarterback, freshman Hank Davidson, has thrown two passes this season, completing both, for 20 yards. One of those passes was in the Boiling Springs game.
Gaffney opted to go with wide receiver Jamarcus Smith at quarterback for the rest of the Boiling Springs game. The James Madison commit had made history earlier in the game with two 99-yard touchdowns – a reception and a kickoff return.
Smith ran for the winning touchdown in overtime.
Gilmore was 16-of-26 for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns with an interception before his ejection. He also had 22 yards rushing on 7 carries.
Published Sep 27, 2024
Mike Duprez became a freelance sports journalist for Scorebooklive.com several months after retiring from the newspaper business. A native of Oakland, California, Duprez moved around as a child due to his father’s service in the United States Marine Corps. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. Duprez, who lives in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, had 30 years of experience in newspapers as well as other endeavors before retiring at the end of 2021. He covers stories in both North Carolina and South Carolina for Scorebooklive.com.
GAFFNEY — A new coffee shop featuring Boulangerie-style baked goods is the latest business opening in downtown Gaffney.It's not just a coffee shop. Spencer & Co. at 116 E. Robinson St. sells new and used books. There's also an assortment of gifts for sale including candles, coffee mugs and shirts. Owner Savannah Spencer has always wanted to open a bookstore. The idea for a coffee shop came later.The business had a soft opening Sept. 7 with more than 100 people getting a first look at the newly renovated building. It s...
GAFFNEY — A new coffee shop featuring Boulangerie-style baked goods is the latest business opening in downtown Gaffney.
It's not just a coffee shop. Spencer & Co. at 116 E. Robinson St. sells new and used books. There's also an assortment of gifts for sale including candles, coffee mugs and shirts. Owner Savannah Spencer has always wanted to open a bookstore. The idea for a coffee shop came later.
The business had a soft opening Sept. 7 with more than 100 people getting a first look at the newly renovated building. It still has the original windows and doors.
Through the years, the building has been home to a sewing business and print shop. The building also formerly housed a wine bar called Le'Bodega.
Spencer told The Post and Courier just days before the official opening on Sept. 13 that she's excited to bring something new to the city that is poised for growth.
Over the next five years, the city's historic downtown district expects growth with new business. There's already been several new businesses opening downtown in the past few years including Peach City Brewery, Trackside Taproom, and The Fizz. Spencer decided to open her business believing downtown will continue to see additional interest from new ventures and with more people moving to the area business is looking up for merchants.
Spencer is a Gaffney native who briefly moved with her family to Clinton. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she studied hospitality management. She entered the corporate world after moving back to Gaffney following college.
She wasn't satisfied with her work life and decided to try something new. It wasn't easy. Using her savings, Spencer invested in her new business bearing her name.
"I love Gaffney and being downtown," Spencer said. "My family is here and I am not going to leave. I decided to open my business, in part because I was tired of having to go all the way to Spartanburg or Greenville since I did not have anywhere like this place to go."
Over the past two months, Spencer worked to get the building ready for opening. There are several rooms in the business designed for different purposes. One room is designated for children while another has tables and chairs for a more casual setting. There's also a room designated for monthly book clubs that will be held after hours. Spencer said her goal is to provide a relaxed setting for customers.
Beginning Sept. 13. the business will be open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Hours may be extended in the future once additional staff is hired.
Spencer's love for books began when she was a child visiting the bookstore in town with her dad. Her interest in books was rekindled when she started thinking seriously about opening a bookstore in her hometown.
She has contracts with several publishing houses to deliver new books to the store. She also features books written by local authors including T.J. Taylor's "Roses With Thorns," a book of poems, quotes and prose poetry.
She also sells books about fantasy, romance and mystery thrillers. Several of the classics have custom-made cloth book covers. The coffee shop is located in the back of the business. She gets her coffee beans from Due South Coffee Roasters in Greenville. All of her baked goods are delivered bi-weekly from Charlotte-based Copain Bakery and Provisions, which serves restaurants and other businesses in the Southeast.
Spencer said there's been excitement in the community about her opening since there's a dearth of local coffee shops and bookstores in Gaffney.
"I think we will do well," she said. "We put in the effort and put in the money to get this started."
Broadband ExpansionSeptember 11, 2024Spectrum Internet® with Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps Now Available to More Than 6,200 Homes and Small BusinessesNetwork Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and State Grant Investments in Rural BroadbandGAFFNEY, S.C. — Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 6,200 homes and small businesse...
Broadband ExpansionSeptember 11, 2024
Spectrum Internet® with Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps Now Available to More Than 6,200 Homes and Small Businesses
Network Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and State Grant Investments in Rural Broadband
GAFFNEY, S.C. — Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 6,200 homes and small businesses in Cherokee County. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion RDOF-related investment in unserved rural communities, partly offset by $1.2 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction.
The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states in the coming years. Spectrum has also won more than $700 million in state broadband expansion subsidies, which, combined with Spectrum investment, will connect another 300,000 homes and small businesses.
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in South Carolina and across America through RDOF and state grants,” said Tim Williams, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s expansions. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Cherokee County. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”
Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.
“Spectrum’s latest broadband expansion is significant for Cherokee County’s unserved communities,” said state Rep. Brian Lawson. “Now, thousands of residents have access to high-speed internet, a big win for our businesses and families.”
Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report” issued in January 2023.
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $29.99 a month, as well as By the Gig options.
Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 free On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** — viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including Xumo Stream Box, Xumo TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Kindle Fire, Xbox, Windows, macOS and Chromecast.
Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.
*Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
**Based on Q4 2023 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Feb. 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of Feb. 1, 2024.
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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