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.
2024 Participating OrganizationsA Father's Way, Above and Beyond Tutoring, All For One Disaster Relief, Alston Wilkes Society, American Legion Post 250 Indian Land SC, Arts Council of Chester County, Battered But Not Broken, Big Thursday of Lancaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 720, Call Me Beauty Mentoring Program, Cancer of Many Colors, Carolina Elite Panthers, Catawba Riverkeeper, Chester Center of Hope, Chester County First Steps, Chester County Historical Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship: Catawba River Chapter, Children&rs...
A Father's Way, Above and Beyond Tutoring, All For One Disaster Relief, Alston Wilkes Society, American Legion Post 250 Indian Land SC, Arts Council of Chester County, Battered But Not Broken, Big Thursday of Lancaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 720, Call Me Beauty Mentoring Program, Cancer of Many Colors, Carolina Elite Panthers, Catawba Riverkeeper, Chester Center of Hope, Chester County First Steps, Chester County Historical Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship: Catawba River Chapter, Children’s Attention Home, Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Christian Services, Columbus Parker Track Club, Community Playhouse of Lancaster County, CURES For Chester, Educational Foundation of USC Lancaster, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Chapter NSDAR, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Chester County, FHV Christian Church- The Community Powerhouse, Fort Lawn Community Center, Foundation for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Friends of Andrew Jackson State Park, Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield, Friends of the Del Webb Library, Girls on the Run Tri County SC, GoldenCare, Good Samaritan Medical Clinic, Grace-Lynnwood United Methodist Church "The Bridge," GRASP, Great Falls Home Town Association, Greater Victory ER Center, Gregory Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity of Lancaster County, Hook Line and Heroes, HOPE in Lancaster Inc., Horse N Around Therapeutic Riding Center, Hospice & Community Care, House of Pearls, i58 Inc., Indian Land YMCA, James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation Lancaster Satellite Office, KARE - Kershaw Area Resource Exchange, Katawba Valley Land Trust, Kershaw Community Park Council (KCPC), Kingdom Encounters Journey's Children Closet, Kingdom of God Church Intl of SC, Lancaster Children's Home Inc.,, Lancaster County Community Center (aka Barr Street), Lancaster County Council of the Arts, Lancaster County Council on Aging, Lancaster County First Steps, Lancaster County Good Samaritan Scholarship Foundation, Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation, Lancaster Dixie Baseball, Lancaster Housing Services, Lancaster Promise Neighborhood, Lancaster SC250 Committee, Lancaster SPCA, Lindsay Pettus Greenway Inc., Lions Vision Services, Lynne's Haven of Hope, Mount Calvary Outreach Center Inc., NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, Paws in the Panhandle Rescue and Adoption, ROTB Diplomat Center. Safe Passage Inc., Salt of the Earth 2022, Seth's Giving Tree, Sheltered, Simple Faith Ranch, Tender Hearts Ministries, The Beacon Foundation Inc., The Camryn Olivia Foundation Inc., The Children's Council, The Lord’s Lunchbox, The Turning Point of Chester, Therapy Resource Group, United for Baby, United Way of Lancaster County, Upper Midlands Rural Health Network, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12136 Indian Land SC, Women's Enrichment Center, WorkAbility
Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.The ...
Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.
Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.
The Lancaster County School District asked voters to approve what may be a state record $588 million school bond.
The proposal included a new high school and elementary school in Indian Land. Two more new elementary schools would consolidate four facilities in Lancaster, Kershaw and Heath Springs. The bond included renovations and upgrades throughout the district.
The South Carolina School Boards Association tracks referendum results back to 1978.
Only two votes put more money to schools than the one voters saw on Election Day in Lancaster County. Neither of them were true bond votes. Each was a sales tax to fund schools.
The Lancaster school bond was debated in numerous school district and community forums. Groups like Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond and Lancaster Vote No School Bond formed online.
Support came from parents concerned with school overcrowding, particularly in Indian Land. Opposition focused on the high price, the amount of resources devoted solely to the county’s panhandle and the need for a new high school.
More than than half of the registered voters in Lancaster County cast ballots before Tuesday. More than 38,000 early and absentee ballots make up 54% of all voters. York County had 53% of its registered voters participate early. Chester County was at 45%.
The York School District asked voters for $90 million to pay for a new middle school, expansion and renovation of district facilities. The plan included the conversion of the district’s alternative learning school, York One Academy, into an early childhood learning center.
More than 64% of the votes in York supported the bond, with all precincts reported.
The Chester County School District asked for $227 million to replace Chester and Lewisville high schools with new facilities. The bond also included money to upgrade classrooms, security, gym and fine arts space.
Like the even larger amount in Lancaster County, the bond request in Chester County is higher than any approved school bond amount on record in the Rock Hill region. A $226 million bond approved by Fort Mill voters in 2015 was the highest heading into Election Day.
Chester County voters did see the only one larger, when they turned down a $263 million bond two years ago.
About 54% of votes were against the school bond once all precincts reported.
Coming into election day, six school districts across the three-county Rock Hill region had a 71% passage rate for 38 bonds all-time.
Lancaster County (67%) and Chester County (17%) fell below that mark. York (80%) passed bonds at a higher rate.
The Lancaster County bond Tuesday was more than twice the amount of all three of its prior referendum questions combined. Voters turned down a $30 million school bond in 1991 and a $37 million bond in 1999.
The school district went the other way in 2016. That’s when 74% of voters approved a $199 million bond for a new high school in Indian Land, an elementary school and other upgrades.
York approved four bonds from 1985 to 2007, combining for $119 million. Voters there voted against a $69 million bond in 2003.
Chester County last passed a bond in 1996.
Since 1989 there were five failed bonds, including three in the last six years. Before Tuesday’s decision, Chester County voters turned down $482 million worth of bonds while passing only the $19 million vote almost three decades ago.
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024, 8:29 PM.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2024 general election is quickly approaching, but South Carolina voters will not have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot.Governor Henry McMaster signed a law in May 2022 that replaces in-person absentee voting with an early in-person voting period for the two weeks leading up to election days.Any registered voter, including those w...
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2024 general election is quickly approaching, but South Carolina voters will not have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot.
Governor Henry McMaster signed a law in May 2022 that replaces in-person absentee voting with an early in-person voting period for the two weeks leading up to election days.
Any registered voter, including those who will be 18 years old by the Nov. 5 general election, can cast a ballot during the early voting period without an excuse.
“Early voting provides a convenient and secure way for you to cast your ballot,” said Howie Knapp, the executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission. “Find an early voting center in your county, vote just like you would at your polling place on Election Day, and have your voice heard.”
Early voting for the 2024 election begins on Monday, October 21, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Interactive content by Flourish
Here’s what voters need to know:
The ballot will include seven candidates for president, according to officials:
An eighth candidate — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — was initially nominated by the South Carolina Alliance Party. However, party leaders withdrew him from the ballot in August after he suspended his presidential campaign.
Additionally, each of South Carolina’s seven U.S. House of Representatives seats is up for election.
All 170 seats in the South Carolina state legislature — 124 in the House and 46 in the Senate — are also up for grabs this year. Some are uncontested, however.
Some ballots will also include races for county sheriff, circuit solicitor, probate judge, coroner, school board, and other countywide and local races.
Voters can find out who is on the ballot where they live by obtaining a sample ballot from the South Carolina Election Commission.
South Carolina adopted new state legislative district maps in December 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census. Some district lines were redrawn, new districts were created, and some districts were eliminated.
Voters can find out which district they live in on the South Carolina legislature’s website.
Each county in South Carolina is required to have at least one polling location open for early voting. Some larger counties may have multiple open locations while smaller counties may have just one early voting site.
Early voting centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the early voting period. Early voting is not available on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Here are the early voting locations* in the Lowcountry, by county:
Chester County
Chesterfield County
Lancaster County
York County
You can find the complete list of early voting locations in every South Carolina county here.
Editor’s Note: The list of early voting centers may be updated as additional information becomes available.
A valid photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina elections, including during the early voting period. Acceptable forms of identification include:
State law requires an individual to register to vote at least 30 days before an election.
The deadline to register for the 2024 election is Monday, Oct. 14.
There are several ways you can register to vote in South Carolina:
1 – South Carolinians can register online by visiting scvotes.gov before midnight on Oct. 14. You will need your South Carolina Driver’s License or DMV ID card.
2 – Download a voter registration form from scvotes.gov. Complete and return the form to your county voter registration office either by fax or email before midnight on Oct. 14, or by mail – but it must be postmarked by Oct. 14.
3 – Register in person at your county voter registration office. Remember: most offices close at 5 p.m. for in-office registration.
Voters can check their registration status by visiting scvotes.gov.
Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.The ...
Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.
Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.
The Lancaster County School District asked voters to approve what may be a state record $588 million school bond.
The proposal included a new high school and elementary school in Indian Land. Two more new elementary schools would consolidate four facilities in Lancaster, Kershaw and Heath Springs. The bond included renovations and upgrades throughout the district.
The South Carolina School Boards Association tracks referendum results back to 1978.
Only two votes put more money to schools than the one voters saw on Election Day in Lancaster County. Neither of them were true bond votes. Each was a sales tax to fund schools.
The Lancaster school bond was debated in numerous school district and community forums. Groups like Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond and Lancaster Vote No School Bond formed online.
Support came from parents concerned with school overcrowding, particularly in Indian Land. Opposition focused on the high price, the amount of resources devoted solely to the county’s panhandle and the need for a new high school.
More than than half of the registered voters in Lancaster County cast ballots before Tuesday. More than 38,000 early and absentee ballots make up 54% of all voters. York County had 53% of its registered voters participate early. Chester County was at 45%.
The York School District asked voters for $90 million to pay for a new middle school, expansion and renovation of district facilities. The plan included the conversion of the district’s alternative learning school, York One Academy, into an early childhood learning center.
More than 64% of the votes in York supported the bond, with all precincts reported.
The Chester County School District asked for $227 million to replace Chester and Lewisville high schools with new facilities. The bond also included money to upgrade classrooms, security, gym and fine arts space.
Like the even larger amount in Lancaster County, the bond request in Chester County is higher than any approved school bond amount on record in the Rock Hill region. A $226 million bond approved by Fort Mill voters in 2015 was the highest heading into Election Day.
Chester County voters did see the only one larger, when they turned down a $263 million bond two years ago.
About 54% of votes were against the school bond once all precincts reported.
Coming into election day, six school districts across the three-county Rock Hill region had a 71% passage rate for 38 bonds all-time.
Lancaster County (67%) and Chester County (17%) fell below that mark. York (80%) passed bonds at a higher rate.
The Lancaster County bond Tuesday was more than twice the amount of all three of its prior referendum questions combined. Voters turned down a $30 million school bond in 1991 and a $37 million bond in 1999.
The school district went the other way in 2016. That’s when 74% of voters approved a $199 million bond for a new high school in Indian Land, an elementary school and other upgrades.
York approved four bonds from 1985 to 2007, combining for $119 million. Voters there voted against a $69 million bond in 2003.
Chester County last passed a bond in 1996.
Since 1989 there were five failed bonds, including three in the last six years. Before Tuesday’s decision, Chester County voters turned down $482 million worth of bonds while passing only the $19 million vote almost three decades ago.
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024, 8:29 PM.
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