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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
There are perks to being a local in the Myrtle Beach area.Not only do you have access to hundreds of restaurants year-round, but many of those dining spots offer discounts for those living in Horry County.And if you’re not sure if a discount is offered, ask. Restaurants may not advertise such discounts, but most do celebrate their local residents with some type of savings.Here are some restaurants along the Grand Strand that provide residents a discount when eating at their establishments. The only requirement is t...
There are perks to being a local in the Myrtle Beach area.
Not only do you have access to hundreds of restaurants year-round, but many of those dining spots offer discounts for those living in Horry County.
And if you’re not sure if a discount is offered, ask. Restaurants may not advertise such discounts, but most do celebrate their local residents with some type of savings.
Here are some restaurants along the Grand Strand that provide residents a discount when eating at their establishments. The only requirement is that you have to show an ID that says you live where you say you do.
Located at 9650 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, the Chinese restaurant offers local residents a 10% discount during lunch from Monday through Friday.
The Mexican restaurant, 2801 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, offers a 20% locals discount during the off-season through February. After that, locals can enjoy a 10% discount on food items.
The diner known for its cheap plates and classic American food offers locals a 10% discount. The Myrtle Beach store is located at 800 S. Kings Highway.
One of the newest restaurants in Cherry Grove, Salty Brews serves salads, wraps, nachos, tacos, as well as coffee, beer, wine and mimosas. It also offers local residents a 5% discount on food items at its store at 223 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach.
A smokehouse that offers barbecue, as well as other food items, is located at 14 Ocean Blvd. S. in Surfside Beach where locals can get a 10% discount.
There are eight locations of this popular, local chain that serves burgers and other sandwiches. The great thing is that no matter where you go, locals can get a 10% discount on its food.
A Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations along the Grand Strand, locals can get a 10% discount at 1116 Farrow Parkway in Market Common in Myrtle Beach or at 850 North Beach Blvd. in North Myrtle Beach.
This Conway sandwich restaurant, 1039 Third Ave., provides a 10% locals discount.
By far the largest locals discount, Myrtle Beach area residents can get a 25% locals discount at this music-themed restaurant at 1318 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.
All three locations of this restaurant offers local residents a 10% discount.
Locals can get a 10% discount at both locations - 16 S. Ocean Blvd. in Surfside Beach and 1565 21st Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach.
Did we miss your restaurant? If you offer a locals discount, contact Terri Richardson at trichardson@thesunnews.com.
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of...
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.
Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of the food they ate growing up.
“I try to put a little twist on it, you know, to bring it up to speed, but still keep those traditional roots from a long time ago,” Wallace said.
Pawleys Fish Camp is located along U.S. Highway 17 in the building that once housed Tuscany Bistro.
Its menu includes such dishes as lobster mac and cheese, oysters Rockefeller with smoked collard greens, and 12-hour braised beef brisket, plus traditional samplers featuring hushpuppies and honey butter.
Wallace has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s worked in several other Pawleys restaurants, including Frank's, Bistro 217 and The Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar. He also spent time working at a Connecticut restaurant and at a country club in Blythewood.
Pawleys Fish Camp celebrated its soft opening on Jan. 14. Wallace said the restaurant received rave reviews from its first customers.
“It wasn’t soft, I’ll tell you that. Right at four o’clock, they (the customers) piled in. It was beautiful,” Wallace said. He added that the fried deviled eggs, in particular, were a huge hit.
Andrea Brunson attended the soft opening. She ordered the fried shrimp and dirty grits. She enjoyed the entree, but like many other customers, her favorite dish of the night was the fried deviled eggs.
Wallace said Pawleys Fish Camp already has plans to expand its offerings to include live entertainment and Sunday brunches. At the moment, the restaurant is only open for dinner, but it will start serving lunch in the coming months.
"We're just kind of taking our time right now with the winter and everything, getting acclimated with the menu that we have," he said. "And before we rush into something else, we want to do it right."
The community responded to the restaurant’s opening with a surge of support.
Brunson said she's been eating Wallace's food for years, having hired him to cater private events. She also went to school with Alfonzo Allen, who co-owns the restaurant with Wallace. She said she’s excited for them to be embarking on this new venture and is confident the restaurant will be a welcome addition to Pawleys Island.
"It's going to be great for the community," she said. "I think everybody's going to love it.”
Correction: Pawleys Fish Camp opened this week. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the name of the restaurant. It has been updated to include the correct name.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The Myrtle Beach International Airport had a historic year in 2024, reaching a record number of passengers, a news release said.The airport had a total of 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers last year. This is an almost 14% increase from 2023, the release said.“We are thrilled to celebrate this record-breaking year for Myrtle Beach International Airport,” Judi Olmstead, director of airports f...
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The Myrtle Beach International Airport had a historic year in 2024, reaching a record number of passengers, a news release said.
The airport had a total of 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers last year. This is an almost 14% increase from 2023, the release said.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this record-breaking year for Myrtle Beach International Airport,” Judi Olmstead, director of airports for Horry County said. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our airline partners, and the enduring appeal of Myrtle Beach as a world-class destination and a great place to call home.”
According to the release, the growth stems from the airport’s air service development strategy and close collaboration with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
The airport also welcomed Breeze Airways in 2024, which included seven destinations from Myrtle Beach. United Airlines and Frontier Airlines also added new destinations from the Grand Strand, including Denver, Colorado, and Cleveland, Ohio, respectively.
“Over the past few years, we’ve focused on diversifying our airline options and providing competitive fares,” Olmstead explained. “This strategy has proven successful, with three new airlines joining MYR since 2021 and continued growth from existing partners. These efforts have strengthened our air service portfolio, ensuring long-term success for MYR and our community. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our travelers and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
In June, the airport began construction on a major terminal expansion project, which is set to open in late 2025. Six gates will be added, in addition to new food, beverage, and retail options. Updates to flooring, signage, and restrooms will also be included.
Coming in the spring, a new long-term economy parking lot with over 1,200 new parking space will also be added.
“We take great pride in Myrtle Beach International Airport’s record-breaking year, which underscores its essential role in connecting our community and fostering regional growth,” Barry Spivey, Horry County administrator said. “MYR is an invaluable asset, and we appreciate the community’s support in achieving this success.”
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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.
A thick layer of fog that has covered a roadway in the Longs area has people questioning what it possibly could be and if it may be dangerous.People took to Facebook Wednesday and Thursday after a post showed a white, fog-like vapor covering the ground around a Dominion Energy substation and on Water Tower Road in the Longs area. The su...
A thick layer of fog that has covered a roadway in the Longs area has people questioning what it possibly could be and if it may be dangerous.
People took to Facebook Wednesday and Thursday after a post showed a white, fog-like vapor covering the ground around a Dominion Energy substation and on Water Tower Road in the Longs area. The substation sits near the corner of Water Tower and Kerchies roads.
The white fog that covered the roadway made it impossible for drivers to see at night, one poster said.
Those who commented on the post said that it was a natural gas leak coming from the substation. Many reported smelling gas in that area.
But that’s not the case, according to a spokesperson with Dominion Energy in South Carolina.
Paul Fischer said that there is no gas leak, and that what people are seeing, and smelling, is all due to the recent cold weather that has come to the Grand Strand in the last week.
Fischer said it’s water vapor in the air, a byproduct of the gas flow and cold temperatures. So basically, fog.
“There is no concern,” Fischer said.
To meet the growing demand for natural gas in Horry County, Dominion Energy is operating temporary liquified natural gas stations in the North Myrtle Beach and Little River areas, Fischer said by email.
“These facilities provide supplemental natural gas to our system during periods of high demand, such as the stretch of very cold weather we have experienced this month,” he said. “As we increase the flow of LNG on our system, the combination of varying temperatures and moisture in the air can create low-lying fog near our facilities.
“This cloud of clean water vapor is safe and similar to the fog that forms over a natural body of water during an early-morning commute. We urge drivers in the area to exercise caution if fog is present.”
Such “fog” can appear on clear, cold nights with high pressure. During a strong temperature inversion, a warm layer of air will sit above the surface and the cold air is below it, according to the National Weather Service.
The warm layer of air can trap things below it, such as fog and the smell of gas that is being “burped” out from gas meters, especially in areas where there is a lot of gas service in a neighborhood, according to an article by WCNC meteorologist Brad Panovich in Charlotte, North Carolina.
These inversions are most common in the morning and at night.
The smell happens because gas companies, like Dominion, often add the compound mercaptan to natural gas, which doesn’t have any odor. Mercaptan is what gives the smell of rotten eggs and is used for safety purposes so that people know when there is a gas leak.
So under certain weather conditions, such as cold weather, you might smell the mercaptan, which is heavier than natural gas and will often sink and hang closer to the surface. Natural gas is lighter than air and when released, rises quickly and dissipates outside, Panovich wrote.
This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Bitter cold temperatures and low wind chills will start to move in tomorrow and they will be sticking around. Data continues to come in and show snow chances increase Tuesday into Wednesday.Tuesday, and Wednesday, are FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS. Remember, FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS means our team of meteorologists has concluded that the weather may become highly disruptive to day-to-day life or bring concerns about life and property. The potential of pipe-bursting cold temperatures and potentially disruptive ice ...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Bitter cold temperatures and low wind chills will start to move in tomorrow and they will be sticking around. Data continues to come in and show snow chances increase Tuesday into Wednesday.
Tuesday, and Wednesday, are FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS. Remember, FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS means our team of meteorologists has concluded that the weather may become highly disruptive to day-to-day life or bring concerns about life and property. The potential of pipe-bursting cold temperatures and potentially disruptive ice and snow warrants the FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS.
Here is our first call accumulation forecast. Now these numbers can still change as we are about 48 hours out from this system but east of the I-95 corridor could see 1 to 2 inches of snowfall. West of I-95 is likely to pick up on a dusting to an inch based on the southward trend in data.
Since the ground will be so cold it is important to note that even light snow amounts will lead to travel issues Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Since we are still 48 hours out from this system we can still expect to see changes north or south, we will continue to keep you updated with any changes that we are making to this forecast.
THE SET UP
Bitter cold Arctic air will settle into the Carolinas starting Sunday night and lasting through Thursday of next week. Daytime high temperatures will fail to rise above freezing next Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially resulting in more than 48 consecutive hours below freezing.
In addition, gusty winds accompanying the cold temperatures may send wind chills into the single digits. Cold weather advisories and potentially extreme cold warnings may be needed at times early next week.
As the core of the cold weather settles in, low pressure will start to develop in the Gulf of Mexico. This area of low pressure will transport moisture northward, resulting in snow, sleet, and freezing accumulations in areas highly unaccustomed to winter weather.
Travel concerns could reach from deep south Texas on Monday, through the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, and into the coastal Carolinas late Tuesday and Wednesday.
LOCAL IMPACTS
The storm track will be crucial to what falls across the region. A storm system tracking far enough offshore would result in primarily snow. If the low pressure tracks closer to the coast, freezing rain and sleet would be possible.
We will start to see clouds through Tuesday morning, snow will start to be seen on radar through the afternoon and will turn widespread through the overnight hours.
You can expect snowfall to last through the overnight before moving out of the area early Wednesday morning. Wednesday will still be cold the wind chills as you are waking up will be 5-10 degrees and high temperatures will only climb to the upper 20s to low 30s.
The southward trend that we have seen with models today shows that we could only see snow. Any shift northward would cause us to see sleet and freezing rain and any shift more to the south inland areas could see less snowfall.
Looking at model data for snowfall accumulation the GFS is still pushing everything to the south and the Graf and Euro suggest the steady snow overnight. Our weather team has stated overall that we are looking like about an inch of snow now through tomorrow is when you will want to stick with us as we continue to iron everything out.
THURSDAY
We are continuing to keep an eye on what could follow after this winter storm. New data continues to suggest the chance for rain through the day on Thursday where a freezing rain could be seen early.
Now we are still a couple of days out and can see plenty of changes with this, so stay with us through the week as we continue to iron out the potential for any freezing rain.
This can cause major issues as we are already going to be dealing with snow impacts, and travel issues can become a real concern throughout the morning and throughout the day.
Thursday’s high temperatures will sit in the mid-30s.
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