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 Johns Island, 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 Johns Island, 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: Oct. 21, 2024 at 1:50 AM PDT|CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Monday marks the first day of early voting in South Carolina, so Charleston County voters can now cast their ballots at any of the seven different early voting locations.Over 100,000 early voters are expected in Charleston County alone, which would be record-high numbers amid a recent law change, according to the Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Elections, Issac Cramer.“We do anticipate early voting to break records for Charleston...
Published: Oct. 21, 2024 at 1:50 AM PDT|
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Monday marks the first day of early voting in South Carolina, so Charleston County voters can now cast their ballots at any of the seven different early voting locations.
Over 100,000 early voters are expected in Charleston County alone, which would be record-high numbers amid a recent law change, according to the Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Elections, Issac Cramer.
“We do anticipate early voting to break records for Charleston County because of the excitement in the voters. They want to cast their ballots, it’s a presidential election, and also [for] the convenience,” Cramer says.
In 2022, the Early Voters Bill passed allowing early voters to cast their ballots without a reason, making this the first major election that the law will be in effect. Only a valid photo ID is required to check in.
“The Early Voters Bill that passed in 2022 gives all voters in Charleston County the ability to cast their ballot without an excuse, in person, early… We are trying to get the message out that they don’t need a reason anymore. If they just want to vote early, they can,” Cramer says.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include a South Carolina driver’s license, a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card, a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit, a South Carolina voter registration card with photo, a United States military ID and a United States passport.
Cramer encourages people to vote early because it’s the easier option since voters get to choose the location, time and date that they would like to vote, rather than being constricted to 12 hours on election day and only going to an assigned polling place.
“We’ve got a lot of great feedback about our vote centers across the county, and we want our voters to know that they can vote at an accessible location, we offer curbside at every one,” Cramer says.
Early voting is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and will last until Nov. 2. CARTA will not be offering free rides to the polls during early voting, but they will be on election day.
Early voters can vote at any of the seven following locations:
To find early voting locations anywhere in the state, click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – After the weekend, the Johns Island and Lowcountry community came together to help out St. John’s High School.The local high school hasn’t had a traditional homecoming dance since 2020, but this year they are bringing it back. One student on the dance’s committee took to Facebook and ...
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – After the weekend, the Johns Island and Lowcountry community came together to help out St. John’s High School.
The local high school hasn’t had a traditional homecoming dance since 2020, but this year they are bringing it back. One student on the dance’s committee took to Facebook and sent out a post hoping to make this year’s homecoming special.
“She was worried our homecoming dance wasn’t going to happen,” Erin Longshore, a teacher at St. John’s High School, said. “I think her original intention was to see if she could get a couple of things here and there for us to have really great decorations and from there it just kind of exploded.”
The response from that post allowed the school to raise over $13,000. Longshore checked her email on Saturday and shared the news with her committee members Madison Evans and Morgan Denton, who are also teachers at the school.
“Completely utter shock,” Longshore said. “I started crying when I saw all the emails on Saturday and I normally don’t check emails on Saturday, but something told me to.”
School officials said students are excited for the dance and were also surprised by the amount they fundraised. Some of the donations included buying tickets for students and others to their Amazon wish list. With the dance coming up tomorrow, students and staff on the decorating committee are continuing to prepare for the night.
“We’ve been patiently waiting for the Amazon delivery truck to show up so we can get all our packages and undo those,” Longshore said. “They’ve been able to come out of their classes do so, and we’ve been slowly decorating during lunch. And in any free time we might have, which we don’t have much, but we’ve been getting it done.”
Officials said the remaining amount of money will go towards future dances and activities, which will leave the students and staff plenty of time and resources to plan ahead. Longshore said this year’s decorations will be recycled and reused.
The dance is on Oct. 17, while the homecoming football game and parade will be on Oct. 18.
When you load up the car with gas and press play on a new playlist, you're likely on your way to some outdoor excursion or small-town adventure. But here in South Carolina, our restaurants are good enough to warrant a day trip. That's why we're recommending a visit to Lost Isle in Johns Island, even if it means a few hours of driving time.Just outside of Charleston, Johns Island is 84 square miles ...
When you load up the car with gas and press play on a new playlist, you're likely on your way to some outdoor excursion or small-town adventure. But here in South Carolina, our restaurants are good enough to warrant a day trip. That's why we're recommending a visit to Lost Isle in Johns Island, even if it means a few hours of driving time.
Just outside of Charleston, Johns Island is 84 square miles of land characterized by rivers, marshes, and abundant wildlife. Lost Isle blends seamlessly into this landscape, offering its visitors a hyperlocal Lowcountry experience.
Lost Isle is among the region's newest restaurants, and it's already made a name for itself after making The Restaurant List in The New York Times. It's tucked away behind a little white house. You'll follow a canopy of flora to a backyard garden, where you'll be seated under a beautiful canvas canopy complete with chandeliers. This outside-only dining space is perfect for a cozy meal under the stars, with the added benefit of seeing your food cooked just a few feet away.
Lost Isle is a "fire-to-table" restaurant, and local, seasonal ingredients are prepared over an open fire. Lead chef Josh Taylor grew up in Northern Georgia and incorporates familiar Lowcountry staples into his menu. And yet, it's the globally-inspired flavors that really make the plates shine.
The menu is divided into small plates, shareable sides, and mains, giving you a chance to share a handful of dishes with your group. Be sure to start off your meal with the whipped ricotta, served with charred tomato, herb oil, chili honey, and focaccia. Other popular orders include the curry braised collards and rire-roasted Georgia clams. The Harissa cauliflower steak is also highly recommended.
No matter what you order, be sure to pair your meal with something from the bar. There's an impressive list of house cocktails as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Lost Isle on Johns Island? What were some of your favorite menu items? We'd love to learn all about your experiences there! For more information, including menus and hours, be sure to check out the Lost Isle Johns Island website. Lost Isle does not currently accept reservations, and they recommend arriving either early or late to secure a table. The restaurant is located at 3338 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Need a place to stay while you're exploring the area? Check out these unique vacation rentals in Johns Island, South Carolina.
Get your quarters ready. Aldi is opening its newest Lowcountry store Oct. 2.The discount grocery chain, which requires a 25-cent deposit for shopping carts, will replace a former Bi-Lo supermarket at 865 Folly Road on James Island.Customers can get a sneak peek of the store Oct. 2 and shop the complete store for th...
Get your quarters ready. Aldi is opening its newest Lowcountry store Oct. 2.
The discount grocery chain, which requires a 25-cent deposit for shopping carts, will replace a former Bi-Lo supermarket at 865 Folly Road on James Island.
Customers can get a sneak peek of the store Oct. 2 and shop the complete store for their favorite items. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held the next morning at 9 a.m., 30 minutes before the store opens.
The first 100 customers on Oct. 3 will receive a Golden Ticket that could be worth up to $100 and a free bag of Aldi products. Throughout the day, Aldi employees will also be giving away tote bags.
Founded by the Albrecht family in Germany in 1961, Aldi now operates 2,356 locations in the U.S. as of February, including stores in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek and two in Summerville. The company, headquartered in Illinois, plans to add 800 more shops by 2028.
Krysta Cearley, divisional vice president, told The Post and Courier earlier this summer the goal was to open the Folly Road location by the end of the year.
“Bottom line, we look for convenient locations for our customers that can support high traffic volume daily,” she said.
Aldi has leased 22,000 square feet — a little more than half of the 40,000 square feet the Bi-Lo previously occupied, according to Mark Hoffman, director of development for New Jersey-based Garden Communities, which has owned the 4.5-acre retail center since 1994.
PizzaVola Express on James Island announced on Facebook it will close its doors Sept. 29. But the storefront at 1041 Folly Road won't stay empty for long.
Kevin Ray, the restaurant's general manager and head chef, will be opening Ray's Pizza in its place Oct. 1.
Two more area restaurants have also closed recently, including The Fillin' Station Diner, which shared on Facebook Sept. 17 "with a heavy heart" it would shutter its Hollywood eatery.
Colectivo at 2901 Maybank Highway also announced its closing on social media.
"Maintaining the quality of food and service that you deserve has become unsustainable for our staff and families," the post said. "We are incredibly grateful for the support you have shown us over the past year."
The North Charleston Walmart Supercenter is the latest in the chain's Lowcountry locations to get a makeover.
The store at 4920 Centre Pointe Drive at Tanger Outlets, which received a fresh coat of paint inside and out, has updated floors throughout, an upgraded bakery and deli areas, a new dollar section, a "Grab & Go" at the front with lunch and deli items and expanded online, pickup and delivery services.
Walmart also added more manned registers, digital menu boards and expanded self-checkout options.
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“This remodel is not only an investment in the store but also in our customers and city,” Kyle Lovely, store manager, said.
At the ribbon cutting, Lovely presented $10,000 in grant money to local nonprofits, including $2,500 each to the City of North Charleston, My Sister's House, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and the South Carolina chapter of Honor and Remember.
Like the previously renovated Walmart Supercenters on James Island and in Moncks Corner, the Tanger store now has a mural reflecting the local community. Charleston artist Sang Oh painted the image.
A skincare clinic has entered the Charleston market and chosen to put down roots at The Morrison Yard building on the peninsula.
Skin Pharm Charleston is a modern beauty brand that offers aesthetic skin care clinics and medical-grade skin care lines. The Charleston clinic is its 10th location, with others in Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas and other Texas cities. It's open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. weekdays only, and patients can book appointments online.
Global custom apparel company Indochino has added five new showrooms to its portfolio, including one in Charleston.
The Holy City outpost is open at 206 King St., joining other locations in Texas, New York, Utah and California.
Indochino offers custom suits, shirts and casual wear, with each showroom tailored to the style of the local community.
"Each location represents a unique opportunity to connect with the community they serve, offering local customers a perfect fit, and process to build a one-of-a-kind suit, shirt, and more — whether preparing for a special occasion or simply wanting to elevate their everyday wardrobe," CEO Drew Green, said in written statement.
The owners of the Mexican restaurant Azul Cantina worked with a local real estate firm to help launch a new location — but not in the Lowcountry.
North Charleston-based Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented Azul Cantina Inc. in the lease of 4,680 square feet of retail space more than 1,000 miles away in Sterling, Ill., the self-proclaimed "Hardware Capital of the World."
Azul Cantina owns and operates more than 35 restaurants in the U.S., including local establishments: Azul Park Circle, Azul James Island and Azul Summerville.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Uninsured adults living in the Lowcountry have a new, free option for healthcare.The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic expanded on Monday, Sept. 16, to cover Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.The clinic currently has a roster of roughly 900 active patients, but with room for more, the team is opening its doors to more people.“I think once they can trust us and feel comfortable here, I think they depend on us a lot,” said Linda Paddock, a long-time volunteer....
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Uninsured adults living in the Lowcountry have a new, free option for healthcare.
The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic expanded on Monday, Sept. 16, to cover Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.
The clinic currently has a roster of roughly 900 active patients, but with room for more, the team is opening its doors to more people.
“I think once they can trust us and feel comfortable here, I think they depend on us a lot,” said Linda Paddock, a long-time volunteer.
READ MORE | "Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic on Johns Island receives nearly $80K grant."
Since 2008, the clinic on Johns Island has seen more than 66,000 patients. It serves as a primary care office, offering free medical visits that would typically cost more than $230 per trip. With the no-cost healthcare, the clinic also has a translator for Spanish speakers in need of treatment.
“Our main priority is providing a medical home for people that have nowhere else to turn,” said Melissa Frank, the executive director. “We are truly the safety net, below the safety net, and the more individuals we can help, the better it is.”
Free medications and vaccines are available to patients, as are multiple specialty treatment areas like dermatology, gynecology and orthopedics.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is run by a team of 40 providers, 20 nurses, more than 120 volunteers and 60 additional people in administrative roles. Many of these people are retired medical professionals, like Paddock, who want to help patients without other options.
Being without health insurance is a terrible situation, she said.
“If you've lost your job or you're ill and can't work, it's a wonderful thing to be able to come and not have to worry about how you're going to get yourself back on your feet to keep going,” Paddock explained.
READ MORE | "Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic opens bigger location on Johns Island."
In its biggest expansion yet, the clinic feels more people's needs can be met.
“There is so much need here and there are tens of thousands of individuals just in Charleston County that don't have any type of health insurance,” Frank said. “Until I came here, l had no idea how many options there are for people.”
Nearly 80,000 people living in the Tri-County area were without health insurance in 2020, according to the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office. They now have a medical home on Johns Island.
While expanding, the clinic does not have plans to leave its location off Maybank Highway.
Applications are now open on the clinic’s website for new patients.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
