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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms, 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.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms is putting 44 solar panels on its public safety building thanks to a state grant that will pay for the installation, saving the city money on its electric bill and creating a reliable energy source.“We have a resident committee that’s an Environmental Advisory Committee, and they may periodically look at initiatives that we may want to do around the island, and this is one of them, to turn our public works building into a solar-powered facility,” Mayor Phillip Pounds say...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms is putting 44 solar panels on its public safety building thanks to a state grant that will pay for the installation, saving the city money on its electric bill and creating a reliable energy source.
“We have a resident committee that’s an Environmental Advisory Committee, and they may periodically look at initiatives that we may want to do around the island, and this is one of them, to turn our public works building into a solar-powered facility,” Mayor Phillip Pounds says.
A state grant of $67,000 will cover the purchase and installation costs. Climate and Energy Program Director at the Coastal Conservation League, Taylor Allred says the state funding project is new. He’s excited to see the town taking advantage of it and to see how many others do as well.
“My reaction is that it’s great news. You know, I think that we want to see as much of that as possible. Municipalities should take note across the state and follow suit. It’s a great deal for taxpayers, and it’s a great opportunity to help clean up the grid and save a little bit of money in municipal operations while doing it,” Allred says.
The installation projects will reduce the monthly electric bill for the building from more than $3,000 to about $600 a month. Factoring in the 30-year life span of the panels, and the needed upkeep, the town anticipates this will create about $9,000 in savings over the 30-year life span, on top of the installation being paid for by the state grant. All savings will go back into the town’s general fund.
“We can use it for foot bridges or different things on the island. I mean, $9,000 is not enough to do too much of a project. But, you know, it might be hiring another person, a piece of another person, or giving somebody an additional raise that we may not be able to do with these,” Pounds says.
Allred notes saving a little money is a perk, but there are other benefits to diversifying energy like reliability.
“It definitely offers a lot of potential reliability benefits. Having more distributed generation resources like solar energy can help to provide backup power in the event of disasters like a hurricane, and I would love to see more projects done that incorporate microgrid designs that can incorporate solar and battery storage to be able to keep an area powered, while maybe there are disruptions across the larger grid” Allred says.
The town awarded work for the project to Alder Energy Systems. The company did the installation of panels on the James Island Town Hall, Cultural Center and Fire Station One. Alder has experience installing panels on private businesses across South Carolina as well as other municipalities. City staff explain the project is a win because the state is incentivizing the installation with grants, but it would be hard to invest in solar on their own.
According to state data compiled by the Coastal Conservation League in 2015, solar generation made up only .01% of overall net generation in SC. In 2023, solar grew to well over 3%. Allred calls that a major jump and he’s encouraged to see the investment. South Carolina ranks 19th in the county for total solar installations.
“Solar also creates a lot of jobs and economic growth in the state. There are about 3,500 jobs in South Carolina in the solar industry across about 90 companies, including 21 manufacturers, that are here in the state. And overall, there have been about $3.3 billion of capital investment in solar in South Carolina today,” Allred says.
Isle of Palms approved the contract to Alder to do the solar installation at the public works building. The project is expected to take about 3-4 months including pre-planning. A start day and construction time frame have not yet been set.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Hurricane Helene roared ashore late Sept. 26 as a strong Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph, making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region. Hours later Helene blew hurricane-force winds and generated heavy rainfall as she trekked north across Georgia and continued to swaths of South Carolina.Buy NowDunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms....
Hurricane Helene roared ashore late Sept. 26 as a strong Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph, making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region. Hours later Helene blew hurricane-force winds and generated heavy rainfall as she trekked north across Georgia and continued to swaths of South Carolina.
Dunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
A crew removes a tree after it fell on the building around 4 a.m. the night before, Friday, September 27, 2024, on James Island.
Bill Tripodi holds his dog, Bella Rose, while watching the tree removal crew work after a tree fell on his apartment building around 4 a.m. the night before, Friday, September 27, 2024, on James Island.
A crew removes a tree after it fell on the building around 4 a.m. the night before, Friday, September 27, 2024, on James Island.
Dunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
Residents and neighbors watch the tree removal crew work after a tree fell on an apartment building around 4 a.m. the night before, Friday, September 27, 2024, on James Island.
Dunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024, in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
Dunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
A sanderling walks amongst debris washed up by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
People record photos and video of the Reedy River at Falls Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
Dunes and yards were affected by high surf and winds from Tropical Storm Helene, Friday, September 27, 2024, on Isle of Palms.
A vehicle is submerged in flooded water at Unity Park Friday, September 27, 2024 in Greenville after Hurricane Helene struck the area.
A Citrus County Firefigher carries 11-year- old, Michael Cribbins, while conducting rescues from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Jamir Lewis wades through floodwaters with his two daughters, Nylah and Aria, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Members of the Ohio Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team rest after conducting high water rescues from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
Debris cover the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP)
A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on the home after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Lee County Sheriff's deputies dispatch a rescue boat to search for people trapped by floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP)
People and pets are rescued from flooded neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Residents are rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – A dramatic rescue took place at the Isle of Palms Marina over the weekend after a couple ended up driving into the water.The couple had eaten dinner at Islander 71. When they left, they accidentally drove into the water at the marina – and that’s when employees at the restaurant jumped into action.“It was probably 10:40-...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – A dramatic rescue took place at the Isle of Palms Marina over the weekend after a couple ended up driving into the water.
The couple had eaten dinner at Islander 71. When they left, they accidentally drove into the water at the marina – and that’s when employees at the restaurant jumped into action.
“It was probably 10:40-ish,” recalled John Himmelsbach, who helped to rescue the couple. “We were closing down – we close at 10, so a couple of us were still outside clearing the bar down.”
Himmelsbach saw and heard something strange over by the water.
“I just noticed like a light out of the side of my eye and then heard a weird noise like a splash,” he said. “So, then I walked over, and I peaked over here and sure enough there’s a car just floating about halfway out and two people. I could hear the horn going, so I thought maybe they were passed out or something happened like an accident.”
“Kind of scaled around that gray fence and then hopped in there and luckily, as I was swimming up, the windows were down, and I was able to help them out.>
While he was responding, his coworkers were as well.
“Another one of my staff, Cash Luther, also was in the water and assisted the passenger. I also learned that one of our bartenders, Shannan Standhart, was actually calling the firehouse and running to it,” said Christopher Sollom, the restaurant’s general manager.
The couple was brought out of the water before rescue crews arrived. Everyone was safe.
“I mean honestly it was kind of a blur. It kind of happened really quick. They were pretty calm for the most part- almost too calm. I was like guys this car is sinking. We need to get out of here,” said Himmelsbach.
And just after the two got out…
“By the time I got back up here, I turned around, and the lights were underwater submerged,” he said.
Former Isle of Palms Councilman Rusty Streetman sent an email to everyone on the council and the mayor about the incident.
“We have a special very special award on the Isle of Palms, it’s for citizen service,” said Streetman.
He hopes to see the three who helped out recognized with that award.
Hemmelsbach said he would be honored, but that was not the reason he stepped up.
“It’s that old golden rule, man. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So raised by good parents, got a good family, and just trying to make them proud.”