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 Greenwood, 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 Greenwood, 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.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —A former youth pastor first arrested last year in Greenwood County, South Carolina, for voyeurism now faces dozens more charges across the state, officials said.A magistrate in Spartanburg County on Wednesday set bond for Daniel Kellan Mayfield, 36, of Boiling Springs, at $1 million.Lt. Kevin Bobo with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said earlier that deputies have now finished their investigation on Mayfield.(Above video was published on June 2, 2023.)...
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —
A former youth pastor first arrested last year in Greenwood County, South Carolina, for voyeurism now faces dozens more charges across the state, officials said.
A magistrate in Spartanburg County on Wednesday set bond for Daniel Kellan Mayfield, 36, of Boiling Springs, at $1 million.
Lt. Kevin Bobo with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said earlier that deputies have now finished their investigation on Mayfield.
(Above video was published on June 2, 2023.)
Mayfield was first arrested in May 2023 by the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office for voyeurism and their investigation led to similar charges in Greenville County.
Read more about the previous charges here.
A church official at First Baptist Gowensville, in Greenville County, previously confirmed that Mayfield was the student and youth pastor at the church up until the time of his arrest.
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Greenville County deputies began examining multiple electronic devices that were seized from Mayfield, and as their investigation progressed, Bobo said.
He said they charged Mayfield with multiple counts of voyeurism, and they also identified other locations in Spartanburg County where Mayfield had committed the same offense.
"A majority of these incidents occurred at wedding venues where Mayfield was the contracted photographer/videographer," Bobo said. "As we received evidence from Greenville, it took considerable time to identify, notify, and interview those victims. As a result, we charged Mayfield with 38 counts of voyeurism for 24 victims."
The charges in Spartanburg County date back as far as 2018, according to warrants.
Coverage below from May 31, 2023
Coverage below from June 1, 2023
Coverage below from June 2, 2023
Coverage below from June 17 2023
Coverage below from July 11, 2023
The Spartanburg County charges are in addition to 26 counts of voyeurism and 32 charges of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor in Greenville County and one count of voyeurism in Greenwood County.
When added together, the total of listed charges Mayfield faces in Upstate counties is 97.
Bobo said Mayfield was taken from the Greenville County Detention Center at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
He went before a magistrate there for a hearing at 2 p.m. Wednesday where bond was set at $1 million.
He was taken back to the Greenville County Detention Center, where another bond hearing will be held Thursday, since he has pending charges for the same offense from Beaufort County and Mt. Pleasant, Bobo said.
Because of the multiple jurisdictions, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office will be handling his prosecution, according to Bobo.
He said if anyone has information or believes they may have been a victim of Mayfield, they are asked to call Corporal Tiffany Hill at 864-503-4579 or email her at thill@spartanburgcounty.org.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Election Day is just over two weeks away, but voters are already making their way to the polls in record numbers.Early voting opened last week in North Carolina, and already more than 1 million ballots have been cast in the state, according to the North Carolina Board of Elections.Early voting begins on Monday in South Carolina. Voters who want to cast their ballots before the November 5 Election Day can do so at select locations around the state.Early voting ends in both states Sa...
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Election Day is just over two weeks away, but voters are already making their way to the polls in record numbers.
Early voting opened last week in North Carolina, and already more than 1 million ballots have been cast in the state, according to the North Carolina Board of Elections.
Early voting begins on Monday in South Carolina. Voters who want to cast their ballots before the November 5 Election Day can do so at select locations around the state.
Early voting ends in both states Saturday, Nov. 2.
In order to vote early in South Carolina you must be a registered voter and present a valid photo ID at your polling place. Examples of a valid ID include your driver’s license, a DMV ID card, including a REAL ID or S.C. concealed weapons permit, a voter registration card with photo, passport of military ID.
Starting this year, North Carolina voters are now required to provide a photo ID when voting in person or by mail.
Valid photo IDs include a driver’s license, a DMV ID card, a REAL ID, a passport, an approved college or university student ID, a voter ID card issued by your local board of elections, a tribal enrollment card with photo or a military or veterans ID card.
Voters who live overseas, have a disability or some other physical barrier to voting in person can also request to vote by mail. Mail-in ballots have some restrictions on who can receive a mail-in ballot, who can drop off those ballots and photo ID requirements.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 25 in South Carolina, and 5 p.m. Oct. 29 in North Carolina. Ballots must be returned by Election Day at 7 p.m. in South Carolina, and 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina.
Mail-in ballots can be requested by contacting your local board of elections office.
According to a 2013 report by the Brennan Center for Justice, early voting is a “crucial way to modernize” the electoral system. Early voting reduces long lines and wait times on Election Day, and offers flexibility and convenience to the voting process, which can encourage more voters to participate.
In some states, including North Carolina, voters who miss the deadline for voter registration would not be able to vote in person on Election Day, but can register and cast a ballot at an early voting site during the early voting period.
Early voting is also popular, especially during big elections like the 2024 general election. Multiple states, including North Carolina and Georgia have reported record turnout in the early voting period.
According to the state board of elections, in 2020, 65 percent of North Carolina voters chose in-person early voting, up from 62 percent of voters who voted early in 2016.
Each county in North and South Carolina offers at least one polling place for people who want to vote early.
Here is a list of polling locations in the Upstate. North Carolina voters can find their polling place by clicking here.
All early voting sites in South Carolina are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See a full list of those sites below, broken down by county:
Abbeville County Admin. Complex
903 West Greenwood St, Suite 2500 Abbeville, SC 29620
Anderson County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
301 N. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621
Pendleton Library
650 S Mechanic Street, Pendleton, SC 29670
Powdersville Library
4 Civic Ct. Powdersville, SC 29642
Watkins Community Center
2 Louisiana Street, Honea Path, SC 29654
Cherokee County Board of Voter Registration and Elections
110 Railroad Ave Gaffney, SC 29340
McAlister Square
225 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Greenville, SC 29607
Mauldin Senior Center
203 Corn Rd. Greenville, SC 29607
Mt. Pleasant Community Center
710 S Fairfield Rd. Greenville, SC 29605
Calvary Baptist Church – Student Center
207 Davenport Rd. Simpsonville, SC 29680
Travelers Rest Council Chambers – City Hall
125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Northwest Campus Greenville Technical College – Heritage Hall
8109 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29617
Benson Campus Greenville Technical College – Benson Pavilion
2522 Locust Hill Road, Taylors, SC 29687
Greenwood County Elections Office
600 Monument St, Suite 13 Greenwood, SC 29646
Greenwood County Library
600 Main St South, Greenwood, SC 29646
Ninety Six Visitor’s Center
97 Main St East, Ninety Six, SC 29666
Little River Multicultural Center
415 Riley Rd North, Hodges, SC 29653
Laurens County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
105 Bolt Dr. Laurens, SC 29360
Oconee County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
415 South Pine St, Walhalla, SC 2969
Pickens County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
222 McDaniel Ave Pickens, SC 29671
Capt. Kimberly Hampton Library
304 Biltmore Rd Easley, SC 29640
Central-Clemson Library
105 Commons Way, Central, SC 29630
Dacusville Community Center
2671 Earls Bridge Rd, Easley, SC, 29640
Holly Springs Center
120 Holly Springs School Rd, Pickens, SC, 29671
Spartanburg County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
366 N Church St #1630 Spartanburg, SC 29303
Woodruff Library
270 E Hayne St. Woodruff, SC 29388
Boiling Springs Library
871 Double Bridge Rd. Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Middle Tyger Library
170 Groce Rd Lyman, SC 29365
Union County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
1246 S. Duncan Bypass, Suite B Union, SC 29379
Why is Susan Smith eligible for parole?
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Greenwood County and other Upstate residents.The declaration means the federal aid will be available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene.Federal funding will be available to affected people in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties, according to a news release from FEMA.Assistance can include grants for temporary housing ...
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Greenwood County and other Upstate residents.
The declaration means the federal aid will be available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Federal funding will be available to affected people in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties, according to a news release from FEMA.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.
Funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, according to the release.
Additional designations might be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
Other outside agencies are also lending a hand. According to Abby Banks, public information officer for Greenwood County, the National Guard, Team Rubicon and the State Forestry Commission are working to clear roads. They are helping Greenwood County Fire Services, the City of Greenwood Fire Department, and Greenwood County and the City of Greenwood Public Works.
EMS crews from Lexington, Lancaster, Dorchester, and Charleston are providing support to Greenwood County EMS, according to a news release from the county.
Many businesses along the Highway 25 Bypass and portions of Montague Avenue now have power. For restoration updates, visit Duke Energy’s Outage Map and follow Greenwood CPW’s Facebook page. For safety, assume all downed lines are energized.
Assistance continues to be available. The American Red Cross continues to operate a shelter at the Greenwood Family YMCA, 1760 Calhoun Road. The YMCA is open to the public for showers, phone charging and wi-fi access from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Availability might be limited depending on staffing.
The Salvation Army office at 222 Pressley Ave. will distribute food boxes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. through Thursday while supplies last.
The Greenwood County Landfill at 1115 Siloam Church Road will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Convenience centers remain closed, and storm debris will not be accepted once they reopen.
Lake inspectors will be on Lake Greenwood on Monday to assess water quality.
People and groups wanting to volunteer to assist with cleanup efforts can call the Greenwood County Emergency Operations Center at 864-942-8553 and ask for Gerry Partridge.
Work to seek volunteers started Sunday and as of Monday morning, up to 25 people had signed up to help, he said.
It's been everyone from professionals, homemakers, construction workers and contractors. Partridge said county officials are putting people on a list to coordinate the volunteer efforts. Work will range from delivering food and water to cleanup efforts.
Anyone who has experience in construction or is familiar with saws are needed, he said.
"We have had people calling from all walks of life," Partridge said. "We need everyone from professionals to people who just want to get their hands dirty. It's been great, but we need more."
"We live in an amazing city and county. It's been inspiring to all of us. Together, we're going to get through all this," he said.
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