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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, 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.
Lancaster County has more than $1 billion worth of bond questions on its ballot this November. The county could have the most contentious contest in the region, too, with a $588.2 million school bond referendum.In-person and online sentiment on the school bond is easy to find. There’s been a public back-and-forth for months debating it. The school district held community forums. Social media groups...
Lancaster County has more than $1 billion worth of bond questions on its ballot this November. The county could have the most contentious contest in the region, too, with a $588.2 million school bond referendum.
In-person and online sentiment on the school bond is easy to find. There’s been a public back-and-forth for months debating it. The school district held community forums. Social media groups formed to promote or oppose it.
Proponents say it’s best for students, helping with overcrowding in places like Indian Land and renovations in other areas. Opponents say the price is too high, plans aren’t fully developed and the bond focuses too heavily on the panhandle.
The school bond would build a new high school in Indian Land, three elementary schools countywide and renovations to aging school or athletics facilities.
Here’s how several Lancaster County residents and experts see the school bond issue:
▪ Indian Land resident Angi Davis is a firm “yes” vote. The daughter of a teacher, Davis now has two of her own kids and is chairwoman of the Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond group.
“I’m always invested,” Davis said. “That’s how I grew up. We take care of education.”
It’s been eight years since the last bond vote, and schools are crowded, she said. Supporting the bond will give Indian Land students space while upfitting older sites in southern Lancaster County. Home values, teacher retention and community morale all would increase with a successful bond, Davis said.
She understands the bond is large, but sees the high price tag as necessary for a district facing to many growth pressures.
“You don’t want to live in a stagnate area where there is no growth and income,” Davis said. “Growth is good, but we have to stay ahead of it instead of constantly being behind it.”
▪ Clayton Bradshaw came to Indian Land a decade ago.
“I do lean ‘no’ but that is a loose ‘no,’” Bradshaw said. “I just want make sure the numbers make sense so that we’re planning property for our kids’ future and beyond.”
Bradshaw has problems with the $218 million projected cost for a new high school in Indian Land. He sees a “perfect apples to apples” comparison in the newly opened Ballantyne Ridge High School just north of Indian Land, in Charlotte. Bradshaw questions why that school is the same size, has capacity for 500 more students and cost $60 million less than the projected Indian Land school.
“One thing we want to make sure, is if we’re going to trust the school district with half a billion dollars, that that money is going to be spent cost-effectively,” Bradshaw said.
▪ Matt Goebel did the math and found the tax increase on his home and other property from the bond would be less than $300 a year. The father of three believes the bond makes sense. It’s also a relatively small rate increase compared to past bonds, he said, due to increased property value and community changes the past eight years.
“And you have more people contributing to the pot,” Goebel said.
Well-funded education can improve academic performance, student engagement, teacher retention, economic growth and property values, he said.
“There is a byproduct that’s passed down because of schooling,” Goebel said.
▪ Bryan Vaughn is a hard “no.” He spent 30 years working for the school district, most recently in communication and transportation. The district has a far greater capacity need at the elementary and middle school levels, he said, than it does for a new high school.
“It’s lost its focus,” Vaughn said of the bond proposal. “It’s lost its scope.”
Vaughn posted many of his reasons for not supporting the bond on the the Lancaster Vote No School Bond group on Facebook. An administrator for that group referred questions for comment to Vaughn.
The initial intent was for a bond that met the most immediate needs throughout the county, he said. In a climate with high inflation and high taxes, this bond goes too far, Vaughn said. “It wasn’t a Christmas shopping list,” he said of initial bond discussions. “It wasn’t a want list, a wish list. It was a list of things we needed.”
▪ Frank Mulgrew moved to Indian Land four years ago, with years of experience in higher education. That experience includes building for growth. His initial reaction to the Lancaster County bond was a “no.”
“I saw the first price tag and I went, ‘wow,’ ” Mulgrew said. “And so I had an immediate reaction.”
He believes people like him can support students and teachers without blindly approving any bond put in front of them.
“What’s the limit there?” Mulgrew asked. “Why wouldn’t we spend $500 million on the high school? There’s a limiting principle here, and so we’re asking for, what’s the fiscal prudence? This doesn’t seem fiscally prudent.”
The cost of a new high school in Indian Land is a significant barrier for him. “I’m open to a yes. It’s just that I haven’t seen the evidence that this is well-managed money for the taxpayers,” Mulgrew said.
As district chief financial officer, Jatana Norris doesn’t advocate for or against the bond. She does plan for what will happen with or without its approval.
If the bond doesn’t pass, the third-fastest growing county in South Carolina will have several options.
More mobile units are likely, possibly in parking lots or playground space at schools, she said. The district could look at attendance line changes to distribute student counts across its facilities.
Neighboring districts like Chester County and the Clover district in York County have followed “no” votes in recent years with new, smaller bond proposals.
“If the bond doesn’t pass, that doesn’t mean the growth is going to stop,” Norris said.
The Lancaster County School District has information online. There’s a link to community forums held in Buford, Indian Land, Kershaw and Lancaster. A bond referendum page has a range of details, including a calculator residents can use to see what their costs would be if the bond passes.
Other online options are the Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond group and Lancaster Vote No School Bond group on Facebook.
The school bond question appears on the ballot along with another one for Lancaster County voters, asking for a $405 million transportation tax. Use these links to view exact wording on the school bond referendum and the road tax referendum.
There’s a follow-up to the road tax question, related to how the county could finance road jobs if the first vote passes. Here’s that additional road tax question.
Voters also can see their sample ballots, featuring both questions, by entering their information at scvotes.org.
The Herald
John Marks graduated from Furman University in 2004 and joined the Herald in 2005. He covers community growth, municipalities, transportation and education mainly in York County and Lancaster County. The Fort Mill native earned dozens of South Carolina Press Association awards and multiple McClatchy President’s Awards for news coverage in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
With more than 8,500 homes and businesses still without power in the Rock Hill region, most likely will have it back soon, as recovery continues from Helene.By 9 a.m. Monday Duke Energy had 4,162 customers in York County and 96 more in Lancaster County still without power. The estimated time for power to be back up is 5 p.m. Monday. Chester County has another 1,074 customers without power, with an estimated 7 p.m. restoration.York Electric had 3,155 customers without power Monday morning. That is around 90 percent of its custom...
With more than 8,500 homes and businesses still without power in the Rock Hill region, most likely will have it back soon, as recovery continues from Helene.
By 9 a.m. Monday Duke Energy had 4,162 customers in York County and 96 more in Lancaster County still without power. The estimated time for power to be back up is 5 p.m. Monday. Chester County has another 1,074 customers without power, with an estimated 7 p.m. restoration.
York Electric had 3,155 customers without power Monday morning. That is around 90 percent of its customers with power, said Marc Howie, cooperative vice-president. The cooperative hopes to have 95 percent restored by Tuesday, Howie said. No estimate was available for when all cooperative customers will have service restored. Lancaster and Chester counties had a combined 13 cooperative customers without power.
Rock Hill’s city utility department had 14 power outages impacting 66 customers on Monday morning.
As many as 9,100 Duke Energy customers were without power at 6 p.m. Sunday. York Electric Cooperative had almost 5,000 customers without power.
York County reported hundreds of trees had fallen down on Friday. Homes and property were damaged, with some injuries reported, according to a storm update from the county.
The York County Emergency Management set up a website for damage reports. The public can report property damage and post pictures from the storm, which will help the county in continued cleanup and recovery efforts.
County public works crews cleared more than 50 roads between Friday and Sunday, some with dozens of trees down along them, according to the county. Debris removal begins Monday.
County trash and recycling collection centers except the one serving Sharon and Hickory Grove towns are open Monday. Centers without power will accept household trash only.
Six of the 11 Catawba River lakes remained above their full pond levels on Monday morning. That’s the water level where lakes begin to spill if they continue to rise.
Lake Wylie sits just inches below its full pond. Its nearest upstream lake, Mountain Island Lake, is almost four feet above its full pond. Mountain Island Lake crested Sunday at eight feet above its full pond and will continue to drop for several days, according to a notice from Duke Energy.
Lake Norman came within inches of its full pond, but hasn’t topped it. The headwaters at Lake James rose more than six feet above full pond on Friday. On Monday the lake was almost two feet over full pond, but continues to decline.
Lake Wateree, the southernmost lake on the chain, crested Monday at six feet above its full pond. It’s still five feet over as of 9 a.m. Monday and will take several days to drop, according to Duke Energy.
Running water through the Catawba River and its lakes caused significant flooding in riverine areas, too. Parts of Riverwalk in Rock Hill, including the Pump House restaurant, were underwater. Catawba Park in Tega Cay was also underwater.
Heavy rains often bring wastewater spills, or sewage spills. Two were reported in the Rock Hill region during Helene.
A no swim advisory was issued for part of Lake Wylie after a Tega Cay manhole overflowed. The 2142 Manawa Lane spill started at 8:45 a.m. on Friday and ran for more than four hours. It released an estimated 8,500 gallons of wastewater. A pump truck was called in to pump out the extra flow, and lime was applied to the area.
Rock Hill had a smaller spill, of an estimated 500 gallons. A manhole near 310 River Road overflowed when a tree fell onto a power line near a treatment plant causing an electric outage. The spill started at 5 a.m. Friday and lasted more than two hours.
Some area schools brought children to class Monday, while others planned for makeup days.
Fort Mill and Lancaster County schools opened Monday on normal schedules. Rock Hill, Clover, York and Chester County schools were closed.
Rock Hill wasn’t able to run food service Monday due to power outages at some cafeterias. The school district also mentioned families in the area without power as a reason to close Monday. An e-learning makeup day will be Feb. 17, 2025.
At least six Clover school facilities didn’t have power on Sunday, including three elementary schools and the district office. By mid-Sunday, two elementary schools in York didn’t have power. Both of those districts will make up Monday’s classes with e-learning on Jan. 6, 2025.
Power outages and hazardous road conditions led the Chester County district to close Monday, with a weather makeup planned for Nov. 25.
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 10:25 AM.
The Herald
John Marks graduated from Furman University in 2004 and joined the Herald in 2005. He covers community growth, municipalities, transportation and education mainly in York County and Lancaster County. The Fort Mill native earned dozens of South Carolina Press Association awards and multiple McClatchy President’s Awards for news coverage in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
Lancaster, S.C. (Sept. 18, 2024) – The MUSC Health Regional Network is proud to announce the launch of its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, Internal Medicine, at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. This physician residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and represents a significant advancement in meeting the growing demand for health care providers in South Carolina, particularly in rural and underserved areas.The program will start with a first class of e...
Lancaster, S.C. (Sept. 18, 2024) – The MUSC Health Regional Network is proud to announce the launch of its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, Internal Medicine, at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. This physician residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and represents a significant advancement in meeting the growing demand for health care providers in South Carolina, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The program will start with a first class of eight Internal Medicine residents in July 2025, with a Family Medicine program set to follow in 2026. These two primary care education programs, when at full capacity, will create about 50 new resident positions to serve the community.
As part of MUSC Health, the program offers residents an exceptional training experience within a community hospital setting, backed by the resources of a world-class academic health system. Residents will develop clinical, personal and professional skills through inpatient rotations, ambulatory clinics, research opportunities and a robust didactic schedule.
Aravind Raghavan, M.D., director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, expressed his excitement about its impact. “This program will not only provide excellent training for our future physicians but also directly address the health care needs of our community. By training residents in Lancaster, we are fostering a pipeline of doctors who are more likely to remain and serve the areas that need them the most.”
The program is designed to meet the health care demands of South Carolina, a state that struggles to retain its medical graduates due to limited residency spots. “Investing in residency programs like this is an investment in the future of health care in our region,” said Edward McCutcheon, M.D., MHA, FACEP, chief medical officer at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. “We are committed to developing high-quality physicians well-prepared to serve our communities, especially in underserved areas.”
Tsveti Markova, M.D., chief academic integration officer, emphasized the importance of retaining graduates within the health system. “One of the most powerful outcomes of residency programs is the ability to keep talented physicians in the areas they train. We are committed to creating opportunities for our graduates to continue their careers within the MUSC Health system, ensuring that our communities benefit from their expertise long after their training ends.”
The GME program at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center embodies the institution’s mission to create high-quality education and patient care, with a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of rural populations. Residents will benefit from focused group learning, hands-on clinical experience and the chance to contribute to meaningful health care solutions.
Prospective applicants interested in joining the inaugural class of Internal Medicine residents can visit Internal Medicine Residency Program at MUSC Health Lancaster for more information on how to apply.
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About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.
As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.
MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.
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