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 Orangeburg, 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 Orangeburg, 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.
Ribbon cutting of new wing at William J. Clark Middle School to prepare for upcoming student influx.ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Orangeburg County School District reached a significant milestone Tuesday with the ribbon-cutting of a new addition at William J. Clark Middle School, marking the next step in its plan to consolidate middle schools in the city of Orangeburg.The new 28,000-square-foot wing features 16 classrooms and two state-of-the-art music roo...
Ribbon cutting of new wing at William J. Clark Middle School to prepare for upcoming student influx.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Orangeburg County School District reached a significant milestone Tuesday with the ribbon-cutting of a new addition at William J. Clark Middle School, marking the next step in its plan to consolidate middle schools in the city of Orangeburg.
The new 28,000-square-foot wing features 16 classrooms and two state-of-the-art music rooms, designed to accommodate over 1,000 students. This expansion will needed soon, as students from Robert E. Howard Middle School are set to join William J. Clark next fall.
RELATED: Orangeburg County School District breaks ground on Clark Middle School expansion
Dr. Shawn Foster, Superintendent of the Orangeburg County School District, said the addition has been a long time coming.
"When we proposed this project over a year ago it was our goal to be able to bring our students over from Howard to Clark and have one middle school here in Orangeburg proper. Going along with our theme that all means all. Making sure that we can have equity and programming, equity in accessing any level of instruction for all of our students so this is again one step closer to making sure that that big picture of excellence that we’re trying to accomplish in Orangeburg is reached," Foster said.
RELATED: Orangeburg County will have a new elementary school
The merging of the two schools is a historic moment for the district. William J. Clark Middle School Principal Phillip Mickles spoke about the significance of the consolidation.
“There is so much history because when you go back, you’re combining schools that used to be the all-White high school and the all-Black high school and now they’re coming together as one with different ethnicities, different backgrounds coming together, and it just makes for a good opportunity for everyone in Orangeburg County,” Mickles said.
Malik Cunningham, a student at William J. Clark, expressed excitement about the future.
“It’s going to be a good building bringing new students over, people can make new friends, people can make new bonds, and I feel like it’s going to be a good opportunity for William J. Clark,” Cunningham said.
The current Robert E. Howard Middle School will be demolished and replaced with a new, state-of-the-art elementary school to serve students from Brookdale, Mellichamp, and Whittaker Elementary Schools.
The new housing development on Red Bank Road aims to meet growing demand in Orangeburg County.ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County Council is set to have a second reading Monday night for a subdivision on Red Bank Road. With over 300 acres, the development will have 400 single-family homes, pickleball courts, walking trails, dog parks, a pool and more.Preston McClun, the Planning and Zoning Director for Orangeburg County, sa...
The new housing development on Red Bank Road aims to meet growing demand in Orangeburg County.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County Council is set to have a second reading Monday night for a subdivision on Red Bank Road. With over 300 acres, the development will have 400 single-family homes, pickleball courts, walking trails, dog parks, a pool and more.
Preston McClun, the Planning and Zoning Director for Orangeburg County, says there is a need for more housing.
“Orangeburg needs housing. Everywhere across South Carolina needs housing right now," said McClun. "South Carolina is one of those few states that’s seeing a tremendous amount of growth, and Orangeburg is seeing that due to our proximity to the interstates and the lake that we have.”
In addition to providing housing options to the Orangeburg community, the development is expected to bring retail and service opportunities to the area to support the growing population.
“You’re going to have about 1,200 people come, and with those people, you’re probably going to see more grocery stores, more restaurants," McClun said. "Development comes on the back end that you don’t actually see on the front end with the creation of the subdivision.”
Orangeburg County Council approved the rezoning of the property from forest agriculture to residential single-family. Councilwoman Latisha Walker met with local residents to hear their feedback.
“I met with the neighbors here in the community to inform them as to what was going to take place. I got a lot of input from them," said Walker. "Most neighbors were very excited about the growth. They were looking forward to it, and they’re just fully committed to this project.”
Justine Inebinet lives next to where the development is set to be constructed. She says after 45 years, it would be nice to have a grocery store right down the road.
“I just really think it will bring more people around, more people around," said Inebinet. “I wouldn’t have to bother the children, you know to come and get me, and I can ride in my chair and I can put my stuff in my lap, so I would really like for them to bring a grocery store and a clothes store.”
County Council will have their third and final reading on the project on December 16th.
Orangeburg County man Bowen Turner, 22, loses appeal COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled the Orangeburg County man accused of sexually assaulting three teenagers in three counties will have to stay registered as a sex offender.Bowen Turner, 22, appealed having to register as a sex offender. The state Court of Appeals has been weighing the decision since a hearin...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled the Orangeburg County man accused of sexually assaulting three teenagers in three counties will have to stay registered as a sex offender.
Bowen Turner, 22, appealed having to register as a sex offender. The state Court of Appeals has been weighing the decision since a hearing on Sept. 10.
The three-judge panel rejected both of Bowen Turner’s main arguments. Instead, the judges confirmed the probation court’s decision to keep him on the sex offender registry.
Turner was first accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls in 2018. While out on bond for the second case, he was charged with sexually assaulting a third teenager. A Live 5 Investigation also uncovered he violated bond dozens of times to go to golf courses, restaurants, and across state lines.
As part of a sweetheart plea deal, Turner pleaded guilty to assault and battery and was given probation. The circuit court judge ordered that any violation would land Turner on the sex offender registry.
A month after that hearing, Turner was arrested again for a separate incident and charged with disorderly conduct, possession of alcohol by a minor and threatening a public employee. Court documents show Turner threatened to bite off the finger of an Orangeburg County deputy when the deputy informed him of the jail’s COVID-19 protocols which required Turner to wear a mask.
Turner was subsequently required to register as a sex offender, but he disagreed with the decision and appealed.
In the Appellate Court’s opinion released, which was released on Wednesday, the judges disagreed with Turner’s argument that the probation court was wrong to refuse a request to postpone proceedings for him get a psychological evaluation.
“Turner contends the probation court erred in refusing his request for a continuance. We disagree,” the opinion states. “The probation court acted within its discretion in denying Turner’s motion for a continuance. Any opinion evidence that would have been obtained from a medical evaluation should have been presented to the sentencing court at Turner’s guilty plea.”
The appellate judges also disagreed with Turner’s argument that the probation court did not have the authority to require him to register as a sex offender.
“The probation court correctly declined to alter Turner’s sentence,” the opinion states. “Turner signed a plea agreement when he pled guilty, notifying him of his placement on the registry if he violated the conditions of his probation. Condition eleven of the Standard Sex Offender Conditions signed by Turner at the guilty plea stated, ‘I will not consume alcoholic beverages.’ Turner was arrested after using fake identification to purchase alcohol in a bar and drinking three whiskey sours. Therefore, the probation court did not err in revoking Turner’s probation and requiring him to register as a sex offender. The sentencing court’s order was final.”
The Appellate Court has still not issued a decision on a second appeal in the Turner case. That appeal involves the rights of one of Turner’s victims to be heard in court.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Up to two inches of rain could fall in an already saturated portion of the midlands, and residents from Orangeburg county voiced concerns about how much more heavy rainfall the area can handle.Twenty roads are still closed from last month’s flash flooding in Orangeburg County.With large portions of Oakmont Drive washed out, residents are worried more of the road...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Up to two inches of rain could fall in an already saturated portion of the midlands, and residents from Orangeburg county voiced concerns about how much more heavy rainfall the area can handle.
Twenty roads are still closed from last month’s flash flooding in Orangeburg County.
With large portions of Oakmont Drive washed out, residents are worried more of the road may wash away.
“If it breaks loose here, you can forget about the house at this point,” said Ballard Williams.
Ballard told WIS the commute from North Road to his home typically takes about five minutes to get home.
A 9-miniute detour sent him and other residents onto a dirt road that leads to neighboring communities.
“If an emergency happens, an emergency vehicle needs to get in here, the road is blocked off,” said Oakmont Drive resident Bonita McCoy. “If the fire department or the ambulance needs to get in here, they’re not going to know how to go around or it’s going to take longer,”
South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) said they have not been able to give a timeline on when road repairs will start, saying they will have to install new drain systems after consulting with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to help the water flow.
“The main drain has been stopped up for eight years now,” said Williams. “Only thing that’s open is that little secondary drain which can’t handle disposing that water out of that little small drain.”
As he bears down for the weather, Williams said he feels like his options are limited.
“At this point they’re telling me that it’s not safe for me to be here,” he said. “Where am I going to go? Who’s paying for that?”
SCDOT estimates it will cost roughly $20 million to repair damages in Orangeburg and surrounding counties as a result of last month’s flood.
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