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.
Liberty Steel Georgetown Inc. has been hit with a $7 million lawsuit by the South Carolina Public Service Authority for allegedly failing to fulfil an electricity service agreement. According to the lawsuit, filed Feb. 13, Liberty Steel “entered into a South Carolina Public Service Authority Service Agreement for Large Power Electric Service” with Santee Cooper on May 1, 2023.The agreement states Santee Cooper was to sell electricity to the mill for five years, ...
Liberty Steel Georgetown Inc. has been hit with a $7 million lawsuit by the South Carolina Public Service Authority for allegedly failing to fulfil an electricity service agreement. According to the lawsuit, filed Feb. 13, Liberty Steel “entered into a South Carolina Public Service Authority Service Agreement for Large Power Electric Service” with Santee Cooper on May 1, 2023.The agreement states Santee Cooper was to sell electricity to the mill for five years, which was to be paid monthly. If Liberty Steel “stopped operations or defaults during the initial term resulting in termination” the mill agreed to pay Santee Cooper “a sum equal to the cumulative total of the Minimum Monthly Bills” for the remainder of contract, the lawsuit states. The filing states Liberty Steel failed to pay for November 2024 service charges of $167,280.50 and December 2024 service charges of $166,942.56, for a total past due balance of $334,233.06. In a January 2, 2025 letter to Liberty Steel, Santee Cooper gave notice of termination of the Agreement and made demand for the amount due. And since the mill has ceased operations, they owe for the remainder of the contract in the amount of $6,628,482,” the lawsuit explains. That, along with the unpaid balance, equals $7,000,465.79, which is what the lawsuit is seeking. Tariffs Not Yet Helping Georgetown MillIn 2018, there were good news reports about the future of the steel mill in Georgetown. It was announced that the steel making plant – which had been idle for about three years – was reopening. And credit was given to President Donald Trump’s plan to put tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.At that time, it was announced by Liberty Steel that 125 people were being hired or rehired to operate the mill.In October of 2024, Liberty Steel announced it was going “idle” and was suspending operations. They said, in a press release, they were “monitoring market conditions and evaluating options with the intention of restarting when the market conditions improve.”On February 10, President Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all U.S. trade partners, effective March 12. He described the tariffs as a crackdown on subsidized Chinese metal that is flooding global markets and—he argues—putting U.S. producers out of business. So, does this mean market conditions will improve enough in the steel industry for the Georgetown mill to reopen?We tried to get that answer from Liberty Steel. We sent a message to Liberty Steel Head of Communications Andrew Mitchell. We asked if the tariffs could possibly cause a reopening of the mill. We received a six-word answer.“There’s no update from previous guidance,” Mitchell responded – meaning nothing has changed since the October announcement.
GEORGETOWN — On a map of South Carolina state parks, there's a noticeable gap in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties."There's a major void in this area," John Moon, a state park ranger, said.Huntington Beach State Park lies in eastern Georgetown County, while Williamsburg County doesn't have any state parks.But that gap is about to be filled.Two state parks are planned for Georgetown County, and at least a portion of each park could open this year. Black River State Park will stretch from Kingstre...
GEORGETOWN — On a map of South Carolina state parks, there's a noticeable gap in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.
"There's a major void in this area," John Moon, a state park ranger, said.
Huntington Beach State Park lies in eastern Georgetown County, while Williamsburg County doesn't have any state parks.
But that gap is about to be filled.
Two state parks are planned for Georgetown County, and at least a portion of each park could open this year. Black River State Park will stretch from Kingstree in Williamsburg County through Andrews to Georgetown. Ramsey Grove State Park will be situated about 15 minutes from historic Georgetown off U.S. Highway 701.
Moon’s home overlooks the tea-colored Black River and the dense tree line that stretches along the bank. Every now and then, a yellow lab named Buddy wades up the river from a neighboring property to roam Moon’s backyard.
Moon is the head ranger at Black River State Park, and living on the property is one of the perks that comes with the job, he said.
Soon, 70 miles of lush forest and swamp land along the Black River, including the land Moon lives on, will become a haven for outdoor recreation and reflection on the past.
It will be the state’s first linear park, which means the tracts will follow the river and be accessible from the water. There will be campsites along the river that kayakers can use to take a break from paddling and explore new sections of the park.
"You could break it down into a week-long vacation of just being on the water and staying overnight at various places," Moon said.
The park will sprawl across some 1,800 acres and be divided into several tracts, Moon said.
It will open in stages, with the first tract set to open this spring. It will be called “The Meadows” and will include state park staples such as campsites, a picnic area, hiking trails, kayaking and opportunities for fishing and birding.
The Meadows will also contain the park’s visitor center and provide opportunities to learn about the river’s historical significance. There will be an emphasis on the river’s importance to indigenous and Gullah-Geechee people, Moon said.
“I want to have the opportunity to create programs that tell that story," he said. "But not by me, not by just by a random employee or park ranger, but by them. I want to bring them into that mix, give them the opportunity to tell their story.”
Moon lives on a tract called High Bluffs. It will be a more secluded portion of the park only available by reservation and will include an airstream village on the bank of the river.
Eventually, Moon will move to a different house on the property, and his current residence will be rented out as well.
High Bluffs sits on roughly 162 acres and has a soft opening date of fall 2025.
A major goal of the park is to revitalize surrounding communities such as Andrews and Kingstree, Moon said.
The towns once prospered because of the textile industry. But as that industry left, the communities lost vital jobs.
Moon remains hopeful that people will visit nearby towns after exploring Black River State Park. More visitors could mean the development of new restaurants and other local businesses.
“This is an opportunity to create some economic growth and development in those communities,” Moon said.
The park will also protect land from future development and promote flood plain resiliency, he said.
The expected completion date for the full park is 2030, but there could still be some changes and improvements made after that.
"I like to say that no park’s ever completed," Moon said. "I mean, every day you're always making it better. You're always trying to improve the experience."
Building Ramsey Grove State Park has been a steady, deliberate process.
Brandon Goff, head ranger at the park, said he understands the gravity of his choices. He strives to create a park that pays homage to the land it’s built on, and that means questioning every decision he makes when planning it. He's OK with that if that makes the park the best it can be, he said.
"This is something my son is going to see, you know, when he’s an old man, that his dad was a part of building something that preserves and protects something special in the community," he said.
The fact that Goff grew up only 30 minutes away from the park makes it particularly special to him.
Right now, the park is still in its early stages. Test digs are being held to determine sensitive areas on the property that might contain archaeological resources. Infrastructure work is underway on water lines and the road.
The park is also in the process of renovating the ranger residences and a house that will eventually be rented out to guests.
With the grandeur of its live oak grove, towering longleaf pines and view of the Black River, Ramsey Grove is a breathtaking place to visit, Goff said.
But he pointed out that what makes a park special isn’t always the landscape; it's the ability for people to connect with the land.
"The beauty is almost secondary to the moment," Goff said. "When you land there, that’s when you’ve done your job well."
The property was once a rice plantation. As a steward of Ramsey Grove, Goff said he has a responsibility to protect and promote its cultural and historical significance.
"All of the plantations and properties, especially those that planted rice and were part of that economy, were integral to what Georgetown is today," Goff said.
Sharing the history of the enslaved people in the region can sometimes make for difficult conversations, Goff said, but it’s important.
There will be wayside exhibits and ranger-led tours to explain the area's history.
Ramsey Grove doesn’t have an opening date, but the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism hopes it will open sometime in 2025, Sam Queen, SCPRT communications director, said.
When the 2,600-acre park does open, it's expected to offer hiking trails, biking trails, a duck impoundment and an area for deer hunting.
Plans for the park also include space for events such as pumpkin patches, oyster roasts and weddings.
Goff hopes visitors to Ramsey Grove can leave with a new experience that invokes a sense of interest and wonderment.
"Any park ranger wants their visitor to enjoy their time at a park," he said. "And the ultimate experience would be to create a memory."
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County's water supply contains "forever chemicals" that could pose a danger to thousands of residents, and local utilities don't have the resources to remove the contaminants, according to two lawsuits filed this week.The city of Georgetown and the Georgetown County Water and Sewer District filed lawsuits that seek damages for the presence of per- and p...
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County's water supply contains "forever chemicals" that could pose a danger to thousands of residents, and local utilities don't have the resources to remove the contaminants, according to two lawsuits filed this week.
The city of Georgetown and the Georgetown County Water and Sewer District filed lawsuits that seek damages for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — commonly called "forever chemicals" because they don't naturally break down — in the Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers.
The city gets its drinking water from the IP Canal, which carries water from the Pee Dee River, and serves approximately 20,000 water customers. The Georgetown County Water and Sewer District relies on the Waccamaw River to provide drinking water to about 18,500 customers.
The rivers contain levels of PFAS that the Environmental Protection Agency considers unsafe, according to the lawsuits.
“The levels of PFAS detected far exceed the EPA’s most recent Health Advisory, Maximum Contaminant Levels (“MCL”), and Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (“MCLG”),” both lawsuits stated.
PFAS have been used since the 1940s in a variety of industrial and commercial products. The chemicals resist heat and repel oil and water, making them useful for products like firefighting foams, stain- and water-resistant coatings and non-stick coatings.
But these substances can build up in people and animals over time, potentially leading to health concerns. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to heart and liver problems, deadly cancers and developmental damage to children.
The EPA set limits for six kinds of PFAS, and water utilities must follow those limits by 2029.
More than 20 defendants are named in the latest lawsuits, including Darling Fibers (previously called Fiber Industries), which owns a textile company in Darlington.
Darling Fibers releases wastewater containing PFAS into Black Creek, which flows into the Pee Dee River upstream from where Georgetown draws water from the IP Canal. It also releases wastewater containing PFAS upstream from where the GCWSD gets its drinking water, according to the lawsuits.
Darling Fibers could not be reached for comment.
Companies such as 3M, Dupont and Daikin America were also named as defendants. The companies have been involved in national PFAS lawsuits and have been identified as major manufacturers and distributors of PFAS.
PFAS cannot be removed by standard treatment technology, according to the lawsuits. The city and the GCWSD argue that they would need to upgrade their treatment facilities to remove the chemicals from the water.
"Georgetown will be forced to incur substantially increased capital and operating expenses related to PFAS removal from drinking water and wastewater. Georgetown seeks compensation from Defendant for these PFAS-related expenses," the lawsuit filed by the city stated.
The lawsuit filed by the county water district also seeks compensation for creating and operating updated treatment facilities.
Attorneys for the city and the GCWSD could not be reached for comment.
Both lawsuits cited negligence, continuing nuisance, public nuisance, trespass, failure to warn and violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act as causes for action.
The cases are similar to others filed statewide and across the country. In August, Conway-based Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority filed suit over PFAS contamination in the Waccamaw River, which also provides drinking water to Horry County residents.
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