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 Georgetown, 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 Georgetown, 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.
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WMBF) - A group of Georgetown restaurants stepped up to make sure their community is taken care of this Thanksgiving day.Buzz’s Roost and Aunny’s Country Kitchen provided free hot meals to many on Thursday.Buzz’s Roost opened its kitchen on the holiday to provide a free hot meal to those impacted by the closure of the paper mill.“As long as our doors are open, we have you,” said Buzz’s Roost General Manager, Heather Richardson. “We’re going to try to do wh...
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WMBF) - A group of Georgetown restaurants stepped up to make sure their community is taken care of this Thanksgiving day.
Buzz’s Roost and Aunny’s Country Kitchen provided free hot meals to many on Thursday.
Buzz’s Roost opened its kitchen on the holiday to provide a free hot meal to those impacted by the closure of the paper mill.
“As long as our doors are open, we have you,” said Buzz’s Roost General Manager, Heather Richardson. “We’re going to try to do whatever we can to take a little bit of that pressure off of them until they can get back on their feet.”
IP suddenly announced last month that it would shut down operations on Dec. 17, putting over 700 workers in danger of losing their livelihoods.
The restaurant provided meals from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving to the workers and added extra meals for the steel mill families as well.
“We’re just trying to do our part and try to give back to the community to do what we can as well,” said Richardson.
The restaurant prepared to serve over 700 people and cooked up 800 pounds of turkey, as well as all the fixings. Richardson shared that for her this mission of serving hot meals is personal.
“I have friends that are personal friends that they’re losing their jobs. A lot of them do have kids and they have several kids and they’re stressing about how they’re going to be able to provide for their family,” said Richardson.
For over a decade, across the street, another Georgetown restaurant has made it a goal to make sure its community is fed for the holiday.
Aunny’s Country Kitchen has been serving up free meals every Thanksgiving to the Georgetown community for 16 years.
“Aunny puts on a fabulous meal every year and invites all of us to celebrate the day of thanks, a day of great harvest and an opportunity to fellowship, to celebrate a day of thanks,” said participant Tracey Miller.
This year, the restaurant blocked off the street and set up tables for people to come together and enjoy a hot meal and company. Aunny’s cooked up 62 turkeys and 25 hams, all as a way to give back.
“This is a way to have family on Thanksgiving if your family is not nearby,” said a volunteer with Aunny’s.
The city of Georgetown has rallied around the workers and their families since the news of the closure was announced, hosting job fairs, providing necessary resources, and most recently announcing that there would be a toy drive for Christmas.
The toy drive for IP families will be on Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 932 B Front Street hosted by Winyah Bay Brewing. There will be family-friendly activities and food trucks.
Stay with WMBF News.
Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.
GEORGETOWN — Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn embraces the silliness.For the second year in a row, the Georgetown business celebrated Festivus on Dec. 23.Featured in the popular sitcom "Seinfeld," Festivus is a fake holiday that always falls two days before Christmas. The celebratory day, noted as “a Festivus for the rest of us” was invented by the character George Constanza’s father, Frank — played by Jerry Stille...
GEORGETOWN — Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn embraces the silliness.
For the second year in a row, the Georgetown business celebrated Festivus on Dec. 23.
Featured in the popular sitcom "Seinfeld," Festivus is a fake holiday that always falls two days before Christmas. The celebratory day, noted as “a Festivus for the rest of us” was invented by the character George Constanza’s father, Frank — played by Jerry Stiller.
Stiller’s character came up with the idea after becoming fed up years ago with the commercialization of the holiday season. His epiphany comically occurred after he fought another man in a store over a toy doll during one Christmas.
The day is meant to be a reprieve from other commonly celebrated holidays during the month of December and includes several unique traditions.
"It's one of those funny things where people love it," Joseph Baxter, co-owner of the brewhouse and inn, said. "I think that may be part of the appeal about it is the silliness and they can do whatever they want because it's Festivus. Who cares?"
This week, Joseph and Tina Baxter opened their doors to those who love the Seinfeld holiday and served plates with meatloaf, peas and gravy — a nod to the Festivus meal served in the show — and their honey brown ale named after the holiday. Outside, they placed a single metal pole, Festivus’s version of a Christmas tree.
Bill Diven, head brewer at Baxter’s, said he enjoys celebrating the holiday every year, which for him includes quoting scenes from the iconic episode on Facebook and having a meal and a drink with friends.
"I just always felt like — there’s Christmas Eve, there's Christmas Day — that last day before those two, just do something that day. Just don’t work, take the day off and do something fun."
And that is what the holiday has become, a day for relaxing and some goofy fun before the inevitable stress of the season.
The holiday even calls for an "airing of grievances," which includes telling your family or friends all the ways they have disappointed you during that year. Joseph Baxter made sure as people walked in the door that they shared their own personal grievances with their family members, whatever those may be.
Even though the show ended over 25 years ago, Festivus celebrations are still held across the country, Joseph said. He attributes the holiday's enduring popularity to the fact that the show was light-hearted and it was easy to relate to the characters.
ANDREWS — A cart manufacturer recently opened a facility near Andrews and plans to hire workers in 2025.SPRY Manufacturing was founded this year by industry veteran Rob Honeycutt, who is also behind brands such as SixAxis, ...
ANDREWS — A cart manufacturer recently opened a facility near Andrews and plans to hire workers in 2025.
SPRY Manufacturing was founded this year by industry veteran Rob Honeycutt, who is also behind brands such as SixAxis, SafeRack and ErectaStep, all of which have local ties.
"Rob's been there before, [so he’s] just hoping to bring some new jobs to the area ... especially with the [Georgetown] paper mill closing,” said Caroline Hall, marketing content manager of 2112, the holding company for SPRY Manufacturing. "We’re a little bit far out from hiring, but we do hope that we’ll be able to start that process a little bit later [in the] third or fourth quarter of 2025."
SPRY Manufacturing Chief Operating Officer Chad Dillavou said the total number of employees that SPRY ends up hiring will depend on sales.
"We are still a startup organization, so when I say hiring, it's not going to be like we're hiring hundreds of people," Dillavou said. "But we will have positions open as we go, [such as] labor positions in the manufacturing facility. Things like welders, assemblers, stuff like that, and of course all of the support staff that comes along with that.
"We'll probably grow our marketing team a little bit, but [we're also focused on] engineering, logistics team, purchasing teams, and the infrastructure from a managerial standpoint to help support that group."
Dillavou did not have estimates when asked what the median salary would be for these positions.
The plant is SPRY’s launchpad for future expansion.
"It's exciting that Rob Honeycutt is investing more money in the area," Dillavou said. "He's a great idea guy and he's really, really good at ... taking complex solutions and simplifying them and making the buying process easy for customers."
The first product the facility will produce is called Swivels, which are custom material handling carts.
“Swivels is … somewhat of a manufacturing product that our team is kind of familiar with and feels pretty confident that we’re going to be able to build successfully and get out there,” Hall said. "The custom material handling carts is kind of up our alley ... something that we feel comfortable starting out with."
Hall said SPRY plans on manufacturing more products, but those plans have not been released.
Those interested in working for SPRY can learn more about the company at www.sprymanufacturing.com.
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) — It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and many organizations and businesses across the Lowcountry are getting into the Christmas spirit. Celebrations in Georgetown County are kicking off at the Kaminski house on Friday night.For nearly a decade, the light-up Lawn Light event and a candlelight tour of the historic Kaminski house have officially signaled the start of the holiday season in Georgetown.“Tonight, we’re going to be having our Light the lawn that started years ago w...
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) — It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and many organizations and businesses across the Lowcountry are getting into the Christmas spirit. Celebrations in Georgetown County are kicking off at the Kaminski house on Friday night.
For nearly a decade, the light-up Lawn Light event and a candlelight tour of the historic Kaminski house have officially signaled the start of the holiday season in Georgetown.
“Tonight, we’re going to be having our Light the lawn that started years ago where we have a professional lighting company come in and drape all the trees with all the beautiful lighting outside, and we have a kids section this year, Kevin Jayroe, a board member for the Kaminski House.
During the Light Up the Lawn event, guests will enjoy live music, sweet treats, and a dazzling display of lights. They can also head inside the home for a candlelight tour of all 13 rooms in the Kaminski house, displaying 13 different themed Christmas trees designed by businesses from the community.
“We’ve had different museum rooms this year with varying store owners in Georgetown, so each room has a different feeling of the holiday season,” said Jayroe.
The event serves to ring in the holiday season and offers a boost to the local economy.
“While you’re here, take advantage of what we have here. Please take advantage of the unique shopping boutiques, all our stores, and the dining that we offer in our store business district with 22 places to get something to eat. There’s a lot to do in Georgetown that can’t be done in one day,” said Al Joesph, the director of Explore Georgetown.
Click here for more information on holiday events happening in Georgetown County.
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of...
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.
Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of the food they ate growing up.
“I try to put a little twist on it, you know, to bring it up to speed, but still keep those traditional roots from a long time ago,” Wallace said.
Pawleys Fish Camp is located along U.S. Highway 17 in the building that once housed Tuscany Bistro.
Its menu includes such dishes as lobster mac and cheese, oysters Rockefeller with smoked collard greens, and 12-hour braised beef brisket, plus traditional samplers featuring hushpuppies and honey butter.
Wallace has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s worked in several other Pawleys restaurants, including Frank's, Bistro 217 and The Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar. He also spent time working at a Connecticut restaurant and at a country club in Blythewood.
Pawleys Fish Camp celebrated its soft opening on Jan. 14. Wallace said the restaurant received rave reviews from its first customers.
“It wasn’t soft, I’ll tell you that. Right at four o’clock, they (the customers) piled in. It was beautiful,” Wallace said. He added that the fried deviled eggs, in particular, were a huge hit.
Andrea Brunson attended the soft opening. She ordered the fried shrimp and dirty grits. She enjoyed the entree, but like many other customers, her favorite dish of the night was the fried deviled eggs.
Wallace said Pawleys Fish Camp already has plans to expand its offerings to include live entertainment and Sunday brunches. At the moment, the restaurant is only open for dinner, but it will start serving lunch in the coming months.
"We're just kind of taking our time right now with the winter and everything, getting acclimated with the menu that we have," he said. "And before we rush into something else, we want to do it right."
The community responded to the restaurant’s opening with a surge of support.
Brunson said she's been eating Wallace's food for years, having hired him to cater private events. She also went to school with Alfonzo Allen, who co-owns the restaurant with Wallace. She said she’s excited for them to be embarking on this new venture and is confident the restaurant will be a welcome addition to Pawleys Island.
"It's going to be great for the community," she said. "I think everybody's going to love it.”
Correction: Pawleys Fish Camp opened this week. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the name of the restaurant. It has been updated to include the correct name.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
