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 North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, 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.
Published: Oct. 29, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted a celebration of progress for South Carolina’s first-ever mass transit system.Leaders gathered on Tuesday at the future site of the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, located at 3621 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston.“This is the center of the Lowcountry Rapid Transit corridor. This becomes a hub of transit, multi-modal access and workforce development. A one-stop shop for all y...
Published: Oct. 29, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted a celebration of progress for South Carolina’s first-ever mass transit system.
Leaders gathered on Tuesday at the future site of the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, located at 3621 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston.
“This is the center of the Lowcountry Rapid Transit corridor. This becomes a hub of transit, multi-modal access and workforce development. A one-stop shop for all your needs,” Principal Transit Planner Sharon Hollis said.
The event functioned as a progress report for the work done so far with the public getting a chance to hear from those who have worked most closely on this system. The project has hit its halfway mark since planning began in 2019 and leaders are looking at around 60% of the final design.
The project is estimated to open to the public in 2029.
The Lowcountry Rapid Transit System is set to be a 21.3-mile modern bus rapid transit system to provide reliable forms of transportation between various places in the region.
The recommended route for the LCRT, though subject to change as they work through the design plan, would run from Ladson to downtown Charleston across 20 stations. Transit users would have access to 7,600 daily trips with a 21-hour weekday service.
The line would run in dedicated lanes along the sides and center median of busy roads, like Rivers Avenue. Each station would have real-time signage, Wi-Fi, lighting and off-board fare payment.
It would also add road safety improvements for heavily traveled roads and added facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes sidewalks, crosswalks and pathways.
According to the transit group, Rivers Avenue has a 200% higher crash rate than the state’s average. The project would add 34 pedestrian crosswalks there.
“When they provide better for their families, their mindsets are higher and they can invest,” Mayor Reggie Burgess said. “This system builds generational wealth.”
Leaders said it was challenging to create an extensive plan that did not interrupt the function of existing communities but adds to them.
“What we’ve done is design a transit system that goes through communities that are alive, vibrant and active, and it adds to that. It does not displace anyone, “Chairman Mike Seekings said. “It allows communities to add things they don’t have, like housing.”
The corridor alone is expected to see a job growth of 30% and a household increase of 50% over the next 20 years.
The project requires funding from both the 2016 and 2024 transportation sales tax referendums, $250 million from 2016 and a portion of the total $648 million from 2024. There will also be $5 million from the federal government to cover construction.
The system would provide connectivity to more than 60 healthcare and hospital systems, five colleges and universities and several neighborhoods, community centers, jobs, entertainment, grocery stores and more.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Two flood drainage projects are one step closer to the finish line for historically flooded areas in West Ashley.The City of Charleston is accepting $2 million toward two West Ashley stormwater management projects.The state funding will pay $1 million each into the budgets of construction projects for the DuPont Wappoo Drainage Improvement Project and the Windermere Drainage and Outfall Improvement Project.Officials say the problem for both communities is historically flooded areas because of un...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Two flood drainage projects are one step closer to the finish line for historically flooded areas in West Ashley.
The City of Charleston is accepting $2 million toward two West Ashley stormwater management projects.
The state funding will pay $1 million each into the budgets of construction projects for the DuPont Wappoo Drainage Improvement Project and the Windermere Drainage and Outfall Improvement Project.
Officials say the problem for both communities is historically flooded areas because of undersized drainage pipes.
The Windermere project covers over 130 acres of studied areas in Windermere East and South Windermere. The area covers the Old Windermere neighborhood, Folly Road and near Highway 17.
The $1 million in state funding will help add a new drainage outfall through the back of the St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science along Chadwick Drive. Officials say the Windermere area has a 24-inch diameter pipe carrying all the stormwater. The addition of four 48-inch diameter pipes will better carry all the water out of the neighborhood and into the marsh system.
The Director of Stormwater Management, Matt Fountain, says the improvements will greatly reduce flooding for residents.
He says the typical flooding that happens after up to three-inch afternoon rainstorms will be no more. He says the occasional extreme tides may still produce flooding in the area, but it will drain quickly thanks to the new pipe system.
Another $1 million is going toward the Dupont-Wappoo construction project budget. This project covers about 1,700 acres of land, including neighborhoods around Citadel Mall.
Officials say the long drainage system currently sees a lot of constriction because of the high rate of development in the area.
City and County officials are designing phased improvement plans for larger drainage pipes. The state funding helps to begin the final design of the first phase. This phase covers the neighborhoods surrounding East Orleans Road that connect to the mall. This phase includes finalizing permitting and construction next year.
“You’ll see a regional improvement within that basin, like part of the stormwater basin for Dupont-Wappoo will get improved from the first project,” Fountain says. “Then we’ll keep adding more improvement areas in as we keep building those subsequent phases.”
Fountain says correcting the issues for Dupont-Wappoo residents is a huge priority for the city, as residents, roads and buildings see major flooding. He says it is a complex fix for this large basin.
Fountain says both projects will take some time to fit the new pipes with the area’s high development.
“You’re trying to figure out ways to do the improvements without too many negative impacts to adjacent property owners or finding that real estate to be able to acquire,” Fountain says. “Even on Windermere here, we’re having to acquire right of drain appeasement from some of the residential properties to bury some of the pipes like at the front of the yard right at the front of the road.”
Fountain says officials planned community meetings in the past to discuss the projects. He says public meetings will continue to share final designs with the community.
City council members are expected to approve the grant funds in Tuesday’s meeting at 5 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Updated: Oct. 21, 2024 at 5:16 PM PDTNORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The state Department of Veteran Affairs will fund an effort from the North Charleston Fire Department to enhance marine emergency response.The Marine Shipboard Firefighting Training Facility will prepare firefighters for the hazards and risks posed by incidents onboard vessels and in the Port of Charleston area. The project is being funded by a $3 million grant from the V.A.’s Military Enhancement Grant.The new facility will be built on the city&r...
Updated: Oct. 21, 2024 at 5:16 PM PDT
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The state Department of Veteran Affairs will fund an effort from the North Charleston Fire Department to enhance marine emergency response.
The Marine Shipboard Firefighting Training Facility will prepare firefighters for the hazards and risks posed by incidents onboard vessels and in the Port of Charleston area. The project is being funded by a $3 million grant from the V.A.’s Military Enhancement Grant.
The new facility will be built on the city’s current training facility at Cross County Road. Officials expect project planning, construction and grant acceptance to take around 51 weeks to finish.
A port vulnerability study completed in August 2024 highlighted key areas of weakness in effective, efficient and safe response to potential shipboard fires. This included severities that could halt commercial shipping and vessel traffic at a “significant detriment” to South Carolina’s economy and military readiness.
The facility will address what has been described as a lack of marine-oriented training, vessel familiarization and basic awareness of ship layouts, types and hazards. Fire suppression efforts are usually heavily affected by confined spaces and complex machinery associated with unique marine environments.
Trainees will focus on replicated maritime fire response scenarios, emergency evacuations and hands-on drills.
“The ships are coming in and getting bigger and bigger. If we had a major ship fire, it could take three, four or 500 firefighters. And we just don’t have that many trained shipboard firefighters,” Chief Joseph Munn said.
Munn referred to a facility in Texas and another in Virginia as the two closest options for training of this level. With the number of firefighters who would need the certifications, it would be costly to send them to either, making a facility in the Lowcountry more convenient.
Firefighters from near and far would benefit from the training.
The City of North Charleston identifies the Port of Charleston, which includes Joint Base Charleston, Coast Guard Base and Sector Charleston, a top 10 container port in the United States. It also includes six ready reserve force ships, a DOD/DOT strategic seaport, a major shipyard and more than 30 commercial waterfront facilities.
The port claims to be the nation’s eighth-largest maritime hub since 2010 after experiencing a large growth in annual cargo. The port handled 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent unit containers in 2023 and 37 military outloads in 2022.
The port generates nearly $87 billion in economic impact for the state and supports 260,000 statewide jobs, according to city reports.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is set to hold webinars and shred events to encourage cybersecurity, and one will be in North Charleston.October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and SCDCA will hold three free webinars to help improve cyber safety and online scams.There are three free events for all consumers to shred sensitive documents.The shred event is set up as a drive-through if consumers want to shred documents quickly.They will also hold two webinars to help...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is set to hold webinars and shred events to encourage cybersecurity, and one will be in North Charleston.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and SCDCA will hold three free webinars to help improve cyber safety and online scams.
There are three free events for all consumers to shred sensitive documents.
The shred event is set up as a drive-through if consumers want to shred documents quickly.
They will also hold two webinars to help educate businesses to protect private and confidential information.
Several topics will covered during the months including multi-factor authentication, strong passwords and [asswors managers, updating software and phishing.
Click the title links below to register for a webinar:
SCDCA is partnering with Shred360 to offer the following free events:
People who are attending are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and will be limited to (3) three boxes or (3) three kitchen/trash bags per vehicle.
SCDCA says all webinars and shred events are free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to download the SCDCA’s “Cybersecurity Basics” flyer or request physical copies by filling out the Brochure Order Form.
Follow SCDCA’s Facebook and X accounts for cybersecurity tips throughout October.
Sign up with the link in the Big Red Box for the first cybersecurity webinar Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. or click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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