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 Lobeco, 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 Lobeco, 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.
In what’s touted as a first in South Carolina, a large swath of farmland in northern Beaufort County that will soon be home to a solar energy facility has been permanently protected from major development.And the forthcoming array of solar panels will be shielded from drivers accustomed to views of large open fields and crops....
In what’s touted as a first in South Carolina, a large swath of farmland in northern Beaufort County that will soon be home to a solar energy facility has been permanently protected from major development.
And the forthcoming array of solar panels will be shielded from drivers accustomed to views of large open fields and crops.
The 628-acre property in Lobeco, off Trask Parkway between Keans Neck Road and Washington Farm Road, is a former tomato farm now owned by an affiliate of solar energy developer Adger Solar. Dominion Energy owns the facility that will begin operating on the land this year and is expected to power 9,000 homes for the next quarter-century.
The Beaufort County Open Land Trust worked to secure an easement on the property, which land preservationists say marks the first time a solar facility will operate on protected land. Supporters say the distinction is important because if the solar facility stops operation, no major projects like a housing subdivision pop up there.
The agreement allows for the land to be used for farming, timber or other rural uses if energy production ends.
“What we don’t want to see is these rural communities end up with high-density residential areas or industrial or commercial,” Land Trust executive director Kristin Williams said. “So the conservation easement protects the rural character of Lobeco forever.”
The 72-megawatt solar facility is among the largest in the state, Dominion said after acquiring the project from First Solar last year.
Construction took about six months and was completed at the end of 2019. The solar panels cover about 500 acres, said Bill Moore of Adger Solar.
The property is just north of the Whale Branch River and visible from the highly trafficked road to Beaufort. The easement requires a vegetative buffer along Trask Parkway and Keans Neck Road to shield the solar panels from the road.
Williams and Charles Lane, longtime chairman of the ACE Basin Task Force, said land conservationists worked for two years with developers to negotiate terms ahead of the project.
“This project provides a model for the business and conservation communities to work together and achieve mutually beneficial goals,” Lane said in a statement.
The Beaufort County Open Land Trust also administers the county land preservation program that buys and preserves sensitive properties. The solar farm easement was donated by the utility companies; the deal involved no public money, Williams said.
The Island Packet
Stephen Fastenau covers Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands for The Beaufort Gazette and The Island Packet. He has worked for the newspapers since 2010 in various roles as a reporter and assistant editor. His work has been recognized with awards from the S.C. Press Association, including first place for public service as part of a large team reporting on environmental contamination in a Beaufort military community. Fastenau previously wrote for the Columbia County News-Times and Augusta Chronicle. He studied journalism and political science at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and lives in Beaufort.
Fall is here and other than devoting every Saturday and Sunday to cheering on your favorite football team, one of the best signs of the season is the quest for the perfect pumpkin.Whether you are a baker extraordinaire eager to get started on pumpkin pies and loaves of pumpkin bread or you have plans for truly spectacular jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin patches are aplenty in the Lowcountry, and with all of these venues you get way more than just a pumpkin. Granted, pumpkins seem to look alike, but you always know when you’ve found j...
Whether you are a baker extraordinaire eager to get started on pumpkin pies and loaves of pumpkin bread or you have plans for truly spectacular jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin patches are aplenty in the Lowcountry, and with all of these venues you get way more than just a pumpkin. Granted, pumpkins seem to look alike, but you always know when you’ve found just the right one.
Not sure where to start your pumpkin pursuit? Check out the list below and get ready to enjoy some fall fun in some long-awaited cooler Lowcountry air.
Carteret Street United Methodist Church, nestled in Downtown Beaufort, boasts a pumpkin patch and seasonal décor that is difficult to miss. The Pumpkin Patch is
sponsored by the Carteret Street Youth and offers the public a fantastically convenient choice of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales benefit the church’s youth ministries. Field trips are also available and are a great way to let kids experience this fun event. It opens on Monday, October 1st. Fascinating fact: the pumpkins sold by the church are grown by Navajo Indians in New Mexico and are shipped to the church as a gesture of faith. The church sells the pumpkins, reports the sales, and benefits from a portion of the overall revenue. Address: 408 Carteret Street, Downtown Beaufort. Phone: 843-524-2376. Directions: Drive down Carteret Street – you can’t miss it!
Lowcountry Produce has their own pumpkin patch, haystacks included opening on October 7th. Children will have a blast with fall activities, including games and hay rides, pony rides and lots of food and even art and craft vendors. Refreshments and a picnic area are available, so relax and make a day of it! Stop in to their country store to stock up on their delicious local jellies, jams and honey. Address: 1919 Trask Parkway, Lobeco, SC. Phone: 843-846-9438. www.lowcountryproduce.com Open M-F 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. Directions: Lowcountry Produce is located on the outskirts of Beaufort on Highway 21 north, past the Marine Corps Air Station.
Holiday Farms always looks forward to showing off its amazing spread of fall fun. Kids and families can enjoy barrel racing and duck races just to name a few. Don’t worry, they still have the old favorites, including the bouncy house, Haytona Speedway, steer roping, cow milking, a barnyard zoo and a great general store full of pumpkin-themed merchandise.
This is a fantastic spot for birthday parties or field trips – call now to reserve your spot, as it is a popular place! The Great Pumpkin Patch runs from October 1st until October 31st. All active duty military, spouses, and children will receive discounted admission with proper ID. Address: 10884 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, SC. Phone: 843-726-5527. www.holidayfarmssc.com Open: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until dark and Sundays from 1 to 5pm. Directions: Located on Grays Highway (Hwy 278) between Ridgeland and Hampton.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch on Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, just a quick drive up the road on Highway 17 north, has its own entrance separate from the historic plantation’s main gate. Open daily from September 30th through October 31st, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is worth the drive if you want non-stop fun for you and your family.
A corn maze, jump pillow, hay mountain, tire climb and sand pit area, and rock climbing wall are just a handful of attractions that are sure to please everyone this fall. Don’t leave home without a pumpkin or two, which are paid for by the pound. Their retail tent also offers fall décor, jams and jellies, candy, fresh produce, and children’s toys. Address: 1235 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC. 843-884-4371 www.boonehallpumpkinpatch.com Open: M-Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.. – 6 p.m.
All openings are subject to weather. Be sure to check their websites or give the farms a call before heading out.
Happy pumpkin hunting!
Story by Ashley Hamm
Beaufort County engineers assessing a deteriorating railroad trestle over Huspah Creek have made a decision: It's got to go.The county is accepting bids through Feb. 24 from contractors to remove the bridge, part of the defunct Seaboard Air Line railroad, county engineering director Rob McFee said.The pilings that support the trestle are weak, and the county closed the bridge and the Lobeco Fishing Pier that sits atop it in January. It also issued a warning to boaters to use caution in the area.Because of its age and con...
Beaufort County engineers assessing a deteriorating railroad trestle over Huspah Creek have made a decision: It's got to go.
The county is accepting bids through Feb. 24 from contractors to remove the bridge, part of the defunct Seaboard Air Line railroad, county engineering director Rob McFee said.
The pilings that support the trestle are weak, and the county closed the bridge and the Lobeco Fishing Pier that sits atop it in January. It also issued a warning to boaters to use caution in the area.
Because of its age and condition, the bridge would cost too much to restore, McFee said.
Operations on the Seaboard line from Savannah to Charleston, which included the trestle over Huspah Creek, began in 1917. The line was part of an effort to connect coastal towns from Virginia to Florida, according to Larry Rowland, history professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
"When my mother was a young lady in the 1930s, she remembers being able to catch trains in Lobeco right next to the trestle and going to Charleston," Rowland said.
Instead of catering primarily to passengers, however, the railroad was created to transport vegetables from farms on the Sea Islands, Rowland said.
People who rode the trains on the Seaboard line along with the refrigerated produce cars had different nicknames for it.
Among whites, the Seaboard line was dubbed the "Boll Weevil" because its arrival in 1917 was the same year the insect first entered Beaufort County, Rowland said.
When Rowland was visiting the Dale community, a train stop east of the trestle, African Americans told him they called it the "Chicken Bone Special."
Many black residents of the Sea Islands who migrated north in the early 20th century made the first leg of their journey to Charleston on the Seaboard line, he said. Because they were not allowed to buy food at segregated restaurants at railroad stations along the way, they brought it from home.
"By the time they got to New York, all they would have left was a box of chicken bones," Rowland said.
The line ended by the 1970s and came into the county's possession about a decade later, McFee said.
McFee said that so far he has heard no complaints about the county's plans to tear down the bridge.
Those who once rode those rails will have something to remember it by, however. Engineers hope to restore the Lobeco Fishing Pier after the work is over, McFee said.
"We're going to salvage the fishing-pier component," he said. "And once we get this trestle out of the way, we're going to see what if any accommodation we can make to access the Huspah Creek."
Follow reporter Allison Stice at twitter.com/LCBlotter.
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This story was originally published February 16, 2012, 7:35 PM.
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