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.
A parent of a Socastee High School student is suing Horry County Schools after she claims her daughter received a concussion in gym class and was then allowed to fall asleep.Camille Holmes, the parent of the student listed as HB in the suit, filed the suit claiming negligence.Horry County Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The ninth-grade student was enrolled in a physical education class during the fall semester of 2024-25, the suit said. While sitting in the gymnasium with her classmates, the ...
A parent of a Socastee High School student is suing Horry County Schools after she claims her daughter received a concussion in gym class and was then allowed to fall asleep.
Camille Holmes, the parent of the student listed as HB in the suit, filed the suit claiming negligence.
Horry County Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The ninth-grade student was enrolled in a physical education class during the fall semester of 2024-25, the suit said. While sitting in the gymnasium with her classmates, the teacher was on the opposite side of the gym, not supervising the class, the suit claims.
A male student from another class entered the gym and engaged in a discussion with HB. During the interaction, the student physically lifted HB, causing her to fall and strike the back of her head on the gym floor, the suit said.
HB experienced immediate symptoms, including hearing loss, headache, fluid sensation in her head and vision loss in her right eye. She was taken to the school nurse to seek treatment for her injury.
The nurse instructed HB to lie down for a nap without a complete evaluation and her mother was not notified of HB’s injuries until several hours later, according to the suit.
After several weeks of worsening symptoms, HB sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion. HB is still receiving ongoing neurological treatment, the suit said.
The suit said that the school district, as well as the teacher and nurse, were negligent in complying with standards and guidelines at the schools, including those concerning bullying, supervising students, and exhibiting a lack of care.
The suit, filed July 11, 2025, is seeking not less than $100,000 for HB’s injuries and medical expenses.
The South Carolina Low Country is known for its coastal cuisine.Food is intertwined with history and culture, taking influences from traditional African, Caribbean and European cooking.It is because of this that some dishes have become well-known on southern tables and on the menus of restaurants.There’s no shortage of restaurants that serve up chicken bog, shrimp and grits or banana pudding in the Myrtle Beach area.Here’s where you can find these low country favorites. And just like any good Southerne...
The South Carolina Low Country is known for its coastal cuisine.
Food is intertwined with history and culture, taking influences from traditional African, Caribbean and European cooking.
It is because of this that some dishes have become well-known on southern tables and on the menus of restaurants.
There’s no shortage of restaurants that serve up chicken bog, shrimp and grits or banana pudding in the Myrtle Beach area.
Here’s where you can find these low country favorites. And just like any good Southerner, make sure you order a glass of sweet tea to go along with your meal.
This rich soup is similar to bisque and is made with blue crab meat. The name comes from the female crab and is a lowcountry specialty.
Blue crab can be found up and down the South Carolina coast. It’s so popular that each year Little River hosts the World Famous Blue Crab Festival that brings thousands to the area to get their fix of the crustacean.
But you don’t have to wait until May for the next festival, these Myrtle Beach area restaurants have the soup on their menu year-round.
Although this cheese spread has become a Southern favorite, it actually began in the North, in New York. Residents from New York and New Jersey make up a large percentage of transplants from Horry County, which is probably why the spread has been added to so many Grand Strand restaurants’ menus.
And in case you’re wondering what a pimento is, it’s a variety of chili pepper that is sweeter with less heat.
Myrtle Beach area restaurants have become creative in their use of pimento cheese, including a pimento cheese pizza, pork rinds to dip in pimento cheese and a pimento cheese and friend green tomato sandwich.
The one-pot dish of chicken, sausage and rice is most popular in Horry County, where it has been a staple for at least a century. It’s so popular that the city of Loris has a “Bog Off” every fall that honors the dish and draws thousands from the region to sample it.
The dish itself is moist, or boggy. It’s believed its name comes from the low-lying wetlands where the meal originated.
It’s just a fact that every plate of fried fish or shrimp is not complete without a basket of hot hushpuppies. And it really doesn’t matter whether it’s an upscale restaurant or a barbecue joint, these little fried cornmeal balls are tasty on their own or slathered with honey butter.
This southern staple can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dish normally combines sauteed shrimp with a creamy base of grits.
The dish can be made in a variety of ways, including spices and cheese.
You can find this dessert on many lowcountry menus. The chilled, layered mixture of pudding, bananas and vanilla wafers can be a satisfying and cooling treat on those hot southern summers.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/WMBF) - The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, who appeared in the Netflix series “Tiger King,” has learned how long he will spend in prison in a federal animal trafficking case.A federal judge sentenced Doc Antle to a term of 12 months and one day on charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money.Antle, who was featured in the Netflix series, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money.The Lacey Act p...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/WMBF) - The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, who appeared in the Netflix series “Tiger King,” has learned how long he will spend in prison in a federal animal trafficking case.
A federal judge sentenced Doc Antle to a term of 12 months and one day on charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money.
Antle, who was featured in the Netflix series, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money.
The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The sentencing was originally set for June 10, but both parties filed a motion stating that they needed more time to resolve several objections to the presentencing report. Attorneys also required extra time to talk to potential witnesses, who are out of state.
Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, which is also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. He is also the director of the Rare Species Fund, a nonprofit organization based in South Carolina, WMBF-TV reported.
Court documents show in September 2018 he paid a person to travel to Florida and pay about $35,000 for two young cheetahs.
Then in January 2019, Antle sold two lion cubs to an organization in exchange for $15,000, according to the documents.
He’s also made $10,000 in payments to the Rare Species Fund in exchange for two tigers that were transported from South Carolina to Montana in March 2019.
Court documents added that in May 2020, a young chimpanzee was transported from Florida to Myrtle Beach Safari, where Antle paid $200,000 in cash and checks for the chimpanzee.
All the animals involved are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Antle then used bulk cash payments to hide the transactions and falsified paperwork to show non-commercial transfers entirely within one state, court documents stated. He also requested that payments for endangered species be made to his nonprofit so they could appear as “donations.”
The investigation also uncovered evidence of money laundering between Feb. and April 2022, when Antle and his co-conspirator conducted financial transactions with cash they believed was obtained from transporting and harboring undocumented immigrants.
To conceal and disguise the nature of the illegal cash, Antle would take it and deposit the cash into bank accounts they controlled. Antle and his co-conspirator would then write a check to the person who provided them the cash after taking a 15% fee per transaction, investigators said.
For each count, Antle faced a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
Copyright 2025 WCSC/WMBF. All rights reserved.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – For the first time in over two decades, the city of North Myrtle Beach will have a new mayor.Mayor Marilyn Hatley announced on Tuesday that she will not seek re-election this fall.“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of this great City,” Hatley said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 24 years, and I cannot thank the people of North Myrtle Beach enough for their support and friendship throughout it all.”Hatley became the fir...
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – For the first time in over two decades, the city of North Myrtle Beach will have a new mayor.
Mayor Marilyn Hatley announced on Tuesday that she will not seek re-election this fall.
“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of this great City,” Hatley said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 24 years, and I cannot thank the people of North Myrtle Beach enough for their support and friendship throughout it all.”
Hatley became the first woman to serve as mayor of North Myrtle Beach when she was elected to the office in 2001 after serving on the city council.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to serve on accelerateSC during the COVID-19 pandemic and has held leadership positions with the Horry County League of Cities, the Coastal Alliance, the Association of South Carolina Mayors and the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
During her time as mayor, the population of North Myrtle Beach has nearly doubled.
“I believe we have done a good job navigating that growth,” Hatley said. “Protecting our beaches by securing stable funding for renourishment, building the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, and developing the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex have been especially meaningful to me. I am also proud to have played an instrumental role in securing the Robert Edge Parkway Bridge, a vital connection that has greatly improved access to and from our City, eased traffic congestion, and improved mobility. These are legacy projects that will serve our community for generations.”
Hatley emphasized that she did not make the decision lightly and that she will look for new ways to serve the community, while also spending more time with her family.
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Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Mayor Marilyn Hatley announced today, July 8, 2025, that she will not seek re-election this fall, bringing to a close more than two decades of leadership in the City of North Myrtle Beach.“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of this great City,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 24 years, and I c...
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Mayor Marilyn Hatley announced today, July 8, 2025, that she will not seek re-election this fall, bringing to a close more than two decades of leadership in the City of North Myrtle Beach.
“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of this great City,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 24 years, and I cannot thank the people of North Myrtle Beach enough for their support and friendship throughout it all.”
Mayor Marilyn Hatley emphasized that the decision was not made lightly.
“Public service has been a cornerstone of my life—and my family’s—for decades,” she said. “While this will be my last year as your Mayor, it will not mark the end of my commitment to the betterment of North Myrtle Beach and our State. I will continue to look for new ways to serve.”
During her tenure, the population of North Myrtle Beach has nearly doubled, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
“I believe we have done a good job navigating that growth,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. “Protecting our beaches by securing stable funding for renourishment, building the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, and developing the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex have been especially meaningful to me. I am also proud to have played an instrumental role in securing the Robert Edge Parkway Bridge, a vital connection that has greatly improved access to and from our City, eased traffic congestion, and improved mobility. These are legacy projects that will serve our community for generations.”
As she looks ahead, Mayor Marilyn Hatley expressed excitement about the future.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family, enjoying the many amenities our community has to offer, and continuing to be a voice for North Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina.”
Hatley was first elected Mayor in 2001 after serving on City Council. Her victory—considered a political upset at the time—made her the first woman to serve as Mayor of North Myrtle Beach. She was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve on accelerateSC during the COVID-19 pandemic and has held leadership positions with the Horry County League of Cities, the Coastal Alliance, the Association of South Carolina Mayors, and the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Hatley is also the co-founder of the South Carolina Beach Advocates, an organization uniting coastal cities in efforts to protect and preserve South Carolina’s beaches.
The City of North Myrtle Beach extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Hatley for her many years of dedicated service, steadfast leadership, and visionary commitment to the community. Her legacy will continue to shape the City for generations to come.
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