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.
A plume of moisture from Hurricane “Rafael” moved northward into the Southeastern United States and collided with a stationary front over South Carolina, causing intense rainfall in Orangeburg County on November 6 and 7, 2024. The extreme rainfall, totaling 180 – 380 mm (7 – 15 inches) in 24 hours, overwhelmed local ponds and dams, leading to failures that sent water downstream, damaging bridges and roads near Norway, South Carolina.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, b...
A plume of moisture from Hurricane “Rafael” moved northward into the Southeastern United States and collided with a stationary front over South Carolina, causing intense rainfall in Orangeburg County on November 6 and 7, 2024. The extreme rainfall, totaling 180 – 380 mm (7 – 15 inches) in 24 hours, overwhelmed local ponds and dams, leading to failures that sent water downstream, damaging bridges and roads near Norway, South Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, between 180 – 250 mm (7 – 10 inches) of rain fell in the Orangeburg area on October 6 and 7, with some localized areas receiving up to 380 mm (15 inches).
“Earlier tonight, the North Fork of the Edisto River crested at a record level of 4.67 m (15.34 feet). This led to significant flooding in and around the city of Orangeburg. River levels will begin to fall, although the river will likely remain above flood stage through the weekend,” meteorologists at the NWS office in Columbia reported at 02:21 LT on November 8.
The resulting flood prompted Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency.
Authorities used boats to rescue stranded people, assisted several trapped in buildings in downtown Orangeburg, and rescued at least one person from a nearly submerged vehicle in Norway.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation closed 35 roads in Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties on November 7 due to flooding and flood-related damage. Drivers were advised to avoid traveling through affected areas, especially after dark, and to refrain from driving through flooded roadways or around barricades.
The city’s public utilities department reported power and water outages linked to the flooding, and the city opened its public gym as an emergency shelter. Orangeburg County Schools were closed on November 7 and 8 due to road closures.
“The flood water is finally starting to recede in Orangeburg after reaching a record flood level late Thursday at 4.67 m (15.34 feet). Over 0.3 m (1 foot) of rain and several small dam failures within the North Fork Edisto Basin pushed the river above both the 1928 record and the 2015 flooding level,” NWS said.
At 08:00 LT on November 9, the NWS reported ongoing flooding along the Edisto River, with flood conditions anticipated to continue through Monday.
While the river is receding at Orangeburg, flooding is expected to persist, and downstream at Branchville, the river levels are still rising. The NWS advised exercising caution around the Edisto River.
Featured image credit: SCDOT
If you only have one day to visit Orangeburg, South Carolina, you’re in for a treat. This charming small town is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway. The city of Orangeburg was named after William IV, Prince of Orange, who was married to Princess Anne, the daughter of King George II of England. But today, Orangeburg is known for being home to two historically Black colleges, Claflin University, a liberal arts college, and South Carolina State University, a public university....
If you only have one day to visit Orangeburg, South Carolina, you’re in for a treat. This charming small town is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway. The city of Orangeburg was named after William IV, Prince of Orange, who was married to Princess Anne, the daughter of King George II of England. But today, Orangeburg is known for being home to two historically Black colleges, Claflin University, a liberal arts college, and South Carolina State University, a public university.
Beyond visiting these two campuses, here is everything you absolutely can’t miss during your visit.
Start your day at the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, where you can delve into the town’s vibrant history through fascinating exhibits that showcase local art, artifacts, and stories. Through powerful exhibits, photographs, and artifacts, the museum honors the struggle for equality and justice while educating visitors about South Carolina’s role in the movement.
Next, head to Edisto Memorial Gardens, a stunning escape featuring beautiful azaleas, camellias, and a picturesque view of the Edisto River. The gardens also have walking paths and a lovely gazebo, perfect for a peaceful stroll or reflection. With over 4,800 rose plants within, this is the place to be to see some of the best blooms in town.
After enjoying the gardens, make your way to downtown Orangeburg, where you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Stop for lunch at one of the local eateries, such as Squeaky's Grill, known for its hearty Southern fare. Don't miss trying the fried chicken or a classic Southern BBQ sandwich—both are local favorites. It's comfortable, casual, and just good food.
As the sun begins to set, return to downtown Orangeburg to unwind at a local café or grab a sweet treat Whipped Sweets & Treats on Rodriguez Street. If you really want to indulge in a classic, the banana split is one of the most popular items.
With its blend of history, nature, and Southern charm, Orangeburg offers a delightful experience for any visitor. Make the most of your one-day adventure by exploring these must-see attractions that showcase the best of this underrated gem in South Carolina.
Want to explore Orangeburg, SC soon? Check out these South Carolina hotels and start planning your trip today!
Residents face ongoing road closures and delays as SCDOT continues to repair after floodsMore VideosORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County is still recovering from the aftermath of last week's historic flooding, which has left many roads impassable. Five days later, emergency services reports that 76 major roads remai...
Residents face ongoing road closures and delays as SCDOT continues to repair after floods
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County is still recovering from the aftermath of last week's historic flooding, which has left many roads impassable. Five days later, emergency services reports that 76 major roads remain closed.
Orangeburg County Director of Emergency Services Billy Staley says recovery might take some time.
“We have some roads that are going to be months to be repaired, and we have some roads that are going to be a week or two," Staley said.
Jordan Dempsey is the assistant chief at the Edisto Fire Department in Cope. He says that several key routes in the district have been severely damaged, making it difficult for them to access parts of their fire district.
"Today, we're just surveying the area that was damaged during the rain, making sure we have access to all of our fire response areas, which alternate routes were having to take due to the washouts in the roads so that we are not in the immediate action of trying to get to someone to either rescue them, extinguish a house fire or get to a medical call or any other vehicle accident so that we have a better route to get there as quickly as possible,” said Dempsey.
RELATED: Orangeburg County schools to return to class, but with a schedule change
The South Carolina Department of Transportation does not have a timeline as yet on when repairs will be completed but in a statement to News19, SCDOT said, “SCDOT is expediting these repairs. Crews have been working since last week and will continue to work until we get those roads repaired and reopened. We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to work to make repairs.”
RELATED: Town of North floods catch residents by surprise, cleanup continues
Staley is urging residents to avoid driving around barricades and roadblocks.
"Please do not move the barricades, the cones, or the barrels and drive around them. We're still in the process of evaluating and repairing roads, and that's super critical," said Staley. "This morning, an 18-wheeler had tried to drive around a barricade and got stuck."
Orangeburg County Office of Emergency Services is asking residents who sustained damage to their properties or businesses due to the flooding to report their losses for possible assistance through FEMA.
Gov. Henry McMaster on Thursday declared a state of emergency for portions of the Midlands and Lowcountry after several inches of rain flooded roads, causing damage."Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent...
Gov. Henry McMaster on Thursday declared a state of emergency for portions of the Midlands and Lowcountry after several inches of rain flooded roads, causing damage.
"Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day," McMaster said in a statement. "The state of emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts."
Between 7 and 10 inches of rain dropped on parts of South Carolina after a weather front stalled over the Southeast starting Wednesday, resulting in long periods of rainfall.
Some areas of the Midlands reported up to 15 inches of rain, the governor's office said.
The flood water is finally starting to recede in Orangeburg after setting an all time record flood level late Thursday of 15.34'. Over a foot of rain and several small dam failures within the North Fork Edisto Basin pushed the river above the 1928 record and the 2015 flooding. pic.twitter.com/BqcCW6D73p
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) November 8, 2024
The governor's office said river flooding is likely along portions of the Edisto River into next week, though the state is not set to get significant rainfall over the next few days.
More than 35 roads in Calhoun and Orangeburg counties were damaged because of the heavy rainfall, the S.C. Department of Transportation said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"As the waters recede, SCDOT crews will assess the damaged areas and prepare to make repairs as quickly as possible," DOT said.
The DOT and law enforcement have urged people not to drive through flooded waters.
This is the reason why we preach DO NOT DRIVE AROUND THE BARRICADES ‼️‼️A diver with Cannan Fire Department ending up having to dive to search for people that drove around the barricade . Luckily they were not hurt in this incident. pic.twitter.com/QMD5LJy05e
— Trooper Brittany SCHP (@SCHP_Troop7) November 8, 2024
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.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
