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.
Published: Nov. 13, 2024 at 2:50 PM PST|GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Work on a massive solar farm in Georgetown County will continue on track after Georgetown County Council voted Tuesday night to allow an additional 1,000 acres of land for the final phase of the solar farm.The official name of the project is the Lambert Solar Farm located near Walker and Wild Horse Roads with over 2,000 megawatt solar farm systems to supply solar power to the Santee Cooper grid.The solar farm was originally expected to be completed ...
Published: Nov. 13, 2024 at 2:50 PM PST|
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Work on a massive solar farm in Georgetown County will continue on track after Georgetown County Council voted Tuesday night to allow an additional 1,000 acres of land for the final phase of the solar farm.
The official name of the project is the Lambert Solar Farm located near Walker and Wild Horse Roads with over 2,000 megawatt solar farm systems to supply solar power to the Santee Cooper grid.
The solar farm was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, but delays from permitting issues mean it’s now expected to be finished by early 2025.
The project will create over 200 jobs and bring over 3.5 million dollars in tax revenue over the course of the project. Developer Silicon Ranch said there will be little to no impact to county resources.
Back in 2022, over 150 community members signed a petition against the development with concerns over stormwater drainage, chemicals, wildlife endangerment and property value.
But the development passed through Georgetown County Council.
After Tuesday’s decision, Silicon Ranch stated construction would move seamlessly and minimize any disturbance.
The developer released the following statement:
Thanks to tonight’s decision by the Georgetown County Council, SR Georgetown remains on track so that construction will move seamlessly from the neighboring Lambert Solar Farm immediately to this one, minimizing any disturbance and expanding the economic impact throughout the construction process.
Many people get their first job in solar construction at one of our projects, and as a result receive training that enables them to have long-term careers in this industry. We look forward to those being trained and gaining experience at our Lambert Solar Farm—which is currently under construction—being able to work on SR Georgetown.
As a neighbor and corporate citizen of Georgetown County, our mission is to support this community’s efforts to build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient future for those living here today and for decades to come.
In an effort to create a strong relationship with the community, Silicon Ranch will be participating in a local job fair hosted for former International Paper employees next week.
The event will be held at Howard Gymnasium on Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County voters approved one new sales tax on Nov. 5, but they narrowly rejected another.The capital projects sales tax, which will be used to pay for local infrastructure projects, passed with 51 percent of voters supporting it, ...
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County voters approved one new sales tax on Nov. 5, but they narrowly rejected another.
The capital projects sales tax, which will be used to pay for local infrastructure projects, passed with 51 percent of voters supporting it, according to unofficial results. Now a 1 percent local tax will be tacked on to the state’s 6 percent sales tax, making the sales tax in Georgetown County 7 percent.
"This is a significant achievement as it will provide much-needed funding for critical health, safety and infrastructure improvements throughout Georgetown County," Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Stedman said in a prepared statement. "We believe this outcome is a strong signal of our collective commitment to investing in the future of our area, ensuring that we have the infrastructure in place to support the needs of our residents and communities."
This sales tax is projected to generate $10 million annually for eight years.
There was also a local option sales tax on the ballot. That tax failed to pass by a razor-thin margin, with just over 50 percent of voters opposing it.
Election officials said a recount will be needed because the margin was less than 1 percent. The tax received just 64 more no votes than yes ones, unofficial results showed.
Patrick Hamrick, who lives in Georgetown, said he voted for the capital projects sales tax but not the local option one.
"I'm definitely more inclined to pay more in sales taxes if it's going to benefit the community I'm living in," he said.
He said he voted against the local option sales tax because he didn't understand what it would be used for.
Collected on most retail items (with a few exceptions), a local option sales tax is designed reduce the tax burden for property owners.
Like the capital projects sales tax, it was expected to bring in about $10 million per year. Of that, 71 percent would have been used for property tax rollbacks, while the rest would have been divided between the county and cities based on population.
"Voters ultimately decided against it," Stedman said. "We respect the decision of the community and acknowledge the concerns that may have led to this outcome."
What does the new tax mean for Georgetown?
The capital projects sales tax will not be charged on housing, groceries, fuel, prescription medication or vehicles, said Walt Ackerman, the county's director of administrative services.
Ackerman said much of the tax revenue would be paid by tourists, people passing through the county or those paying for goods produced by local industries.
A commission appointed by Georgetown County Council compiled a priority list and a contingency list of projects to be funded by the capital projects sales tax.
Priority projects will be completed first, and contingency list items will be funded with any money left over after the priority projects are finished.
The priority list includes a new emergency operations center, new fire stations, storm water projects, recreational facility projects and a bus terminal in Georgetown.
"The passage of the Capital Project Sales Tax provides Georgetown County with a clear path to begin the work of meeting community needs," Stedman said. "With this funding source in place, Georgetown County and partners will be able to tackle long-term projects that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike."
The county last approved a capital projects sales tax in 2014. The tax collected $41 million over four years and funded dredging in Murrells Inlet, road resurfacing and fire service improvements.
Updated: Nov. 7, 2024 at 4:44 PM PSTGEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCSC) - County and city leaders are working together for what’s next one week after the International Paper mill announced the closure of the Georgetown mill.In a news conference Thursday afternoon, officials said the shutdown is a corporate decision and did not involve the county, and that the announcement left them in shock.“This is a different kind of storm than we are used to, but we will weather it as we have so many others and look for the opportunit...
Updated: Nov. 7, 2024 at 4:44 PM PST
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCSC) - County and city leaders are working together for what’s next one week after the International Paper mill announced the closure of the Georgetown mill.
In a news conference Thursday afternoon, officials said the shutdown is a corporate decision and did not involve the county, and that the announcement left them in shock.
“This is a different kind of storm than we are used to, but we will weather it as we have so many others and look for the opportunities against the hardship,” Council Chairman Louis Morant said.
The plant will close before the end of the year and leave hundreds out of work.
City and county leaders said they are working to guide those impacted straight into another job that will keep them in Georgetown.
Morant said they are developing a support plan to ease this transition for workers. He also said agencies are already on site at the plant helping them with resume writing and interview preparation.
“This will lead into a job fair on Nov. 21 and 22 at Howard Center, bringing together employers who are ready to offer new positions to those impacted,” Morant said.
There is also a rapid response team made up of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, SC Works and Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments to conduct information meetings with these workers.
“How to file unemployment, how to get on the computer systems at the SC Works systems, services available for them such as career counseling which would include resume writing, interviewing and job searches,” Workforce Development Director of Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments Ayla Dyer said.
Georgetown County School District is assessing the impact this may have on any of their current staff members and students. The district will be at the upcoming job fairs looking to hire.
“We stand as a team in support, as well as a resource for those in need,” Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles said.
The deadline for employees to sign up for the job fair is on Nov. 15. Over 40 employers will be there.
If you are an employer interested in participating, click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County election officials plan to recount votes after a sales tax referendum narrowly failed on Nov. 5.The proposed local options sales tax recei...
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County election officials plan to recount votes after a sales tax referendum narrowly failed on Nov. 5.
The proposed local options sales tax received just 64 more no votes than yes ones, according to unofficial results. Since that margin is less than 1 percent, the votes must be recounted, local election officials said.
Before there's a recount, the Board of Voter Registration and Elections will need to officially call for one. That's expected to happen during the board's Nov. 8 meeting, according to a news release from Jackie Broach, the county's public information officer.
Collected on most retail items (with a few exceptions), a local option sales tax is designed reduce the tax burden for property owners.
Officials have estimated this tax would bring in about $10 million per year. Of that, 71 percent would be used for property tax rollbacks, while the rest would be divided between the county and cities based on population.
Higher property values would lead to higher tax credits, according to Walt Ackerman, the county's director of administrative services.
Another local sales tax did pass on Nov. 5. The capital projects sales tax will be used to fund infrastructure projects such as a new emergency operations center, new fire stations, storm water projects, recreational facility projects and a bus terminal in Georgetown.
That tax is expected to bring in $10 million annually and last for eight years.
Ernie Cooper Sr., who was elected to the District 3 seat on Georgetown County Council this week, said he had expected both of the local sales taxes to pass.
"I am somewhat surprised that one was able to move forward and the other one did not pass," he said.
The recount will likely begin on Nov. 12 and could last until Nov. 13 because of the number of ballots that need to be scanned, Broach said.
The recount must be completed before Nov. 14 when the state certifies the election.
If voters had approved both 1 percent hikes, the sales tax in the county would have increased to 8 percent. If the unofficial results hold, the sales tax would increase to 7 percent.
GEORGETOWN — The closing of International Paper's Georgetown mill could have far-reaching ramifications, including impacts to the city’s water system.That's because ...
GEORGETOWN — The closing of International Paper's Georgetown mill could have far-reaching ramifications, including impacts to the city’s water system.
That's because IP maintains a canal that serves as the city's primary water source. It's unclear what will happen to the canal after IP shuts down the mill in the coming months, and city officials said they are hurrying to get answers from the Memphis-based company.
"We will be in discussions about that," Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said. "Nothing has been resolved on that yet."
The 27-mile canal can be seen from the corner of Church and Reservoir streets behind Georgetown High School. It carries water from the Pee Dee River and supplies 5,413 Georgetown customers, said Pam Gaddy, the city's water and waste treatment manager.
The canal was a creative solution that emerged from a drought in the early 1950s. Needing to get freshwater to the mill, IP dug the zig-zagging canal through the swamp.
Cal Wall, a city employee, helps look after the canal and the equipment that pumps water to the city's water treatment plant. IP uses a separate pumping system and treatment plant to operate its paper mill.
On Nov. 1, Wall visited the canal to check the meters and make sure things were running smoothly. He’s unsure what will become of the canal when the paper mill shuts down, but for now, nothing has changed.
"It's business as usual until we hear differently," he said.
In the coming months, IP will continue to manage the canal and ensure there's a reliable source of water for the city, IP spokeswoman Amy Simpson said.
But after that, questions remain.
State Sen. Ronnie Sabb, D-Greeleyville, said there’s been minimal discussion about maintenance after the plant closes. Sabb said an IP representative told him there will be cooperation between the company and the city to maintain the canal.
"What I walked away from was the idea that IP wanted to be a good neighbor in terms of making sure things continued to roll smoothly," Sabb said.
City officials said it's too early to know what Georgetown's role in maintaining the canal might be or how much that would cost.
Wall said there are ways to ensure Georgetown will be supplied with water regardless of what happens when IP leaves the area. Residents shouldn't worry about their water suddenly being cut off, he said.
City spokeswoman Cindy Thompson said Jayroe and City Administrator Scott Whittier plan to meet with IP officials to discuss the canal's future. As of Nov. 4, a date for the meeting had not been set.
In addition to concerns about the canal, the planned closure of the paper mill will leave nearly 700 IP employees without jobs and create a ripple effect that residents said makes them anxious about the city's future.
The 87-year-old mill has long been the focal point of the city's economy. Apart from the lost mill jobs, county officials said the shutdown will also affect about 200 contractors and other local businesses.
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