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.
HOLLY HILL, S.C. (WCSC) - The Orangeburg County School District celebrated the grand opening of its new multi-million dollar school Friday with a ribbon cutting.The new East Lake Elementary School was built off of Old State Road in Holly Hill.Several community members, future students, school district officials as well as city and county council members came out to kick off the opening.Everyone who came out had the chance to tour the new facility and see all it has to offer.Officials say the two-story facility is ...
HOLLY HILL, S.C. (WCSC) - The Orangeburg County School District celebrated the grand opening of its new multi-million dollar school Friday with a ribbon cutting.
The new East Lake Elementary School was built off of Old State Road in Holly Hill.
Several community members, future students, school district officials as well as city and county council members came out to kick off the opening.
Everyone who came out had the chance to tour the new facility and see all it has to offer.
Officials say the two-story facility is about 110,000 square feet. Some of its features include teacher suites in several of the classrooms, which are similar to a kitchenette and have their own bathrooms, a STEM lab, turf playgrounds, a large gym, and outdoor patios.
Orangeburg County School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster says that this new school marks a historic milestone for the school district.
“I went through and I started to do some research and this is the first new, complete, elementary school in the eastern part of the county in 70 years, so that’s a tremendous accomplishment,” Foster says. “But, it’s also a facility that will allow us to serve our kids for the next 70 years.”
Foster says that the school cost $46 million to build. He says it was funded through a $190 million bond referendum that was passed by voters back in November 2022 for improvements throughout the school district.
Officials say that East Lake Elementary School will serve more than 700 students from Pre-K to 5th grade.
Holly Hill, St. James-Gaillard, and Vance-Providence Elementary Schools will all merge into this new facility.
However, Foster says that only Holly Hill Elementary School, which is located directly next to East Lake Elementary School, will start class on Monday. This is because the Holly Hill Elementary School building is being torn down to make room for parking and a parent drop-off loop for the new school.
St. James Gaillard and Vance-Providence will move in for the 2025-2026 school year.
Foster says that the Town of Vance will take over the Vance-Providence school building and the Town of Eutawville will take over the St. James Gaillard school building. Both will be repurposed into buildings for community use.
First-year teacher Joyden Glover is one of many teachers moving from Holly Hill Elementary School to the new building and she is prepping her classroom for her students this Monday. She says that she believes this change will have a positive impact on them.
“It has been a blessing to watch these kids grow and I know that being in a new environment with new furniture, new appliances, like they deserve it and I can’t wait to see how much they flourish and grow in this new environment and in this new beautiful space,” Glover says.
The principal of East Lake Elementary School, Wendee Evering, says although she is looking forward to welcoming some of her students on Monday, she is especially excited to have everyone under one roof this August.
“Can you imagine just what we can accomplish when we bring all the talents and skills of the students and the teachers and all the staff? The sky is the limit,” Evering says.
One future East Lake Elementary School student, Alaina Callender, says she can’t wait to start at her new school.
“It’s really big and I’m very excited because I get to see new people at my school and a lot of people are coming,” Callendar says.
Orangeburg County School District Chair Ruby Edwards says that this new facility is something their students deserve.
“Their mascot is going to be the eagles, so just to see them soaring, and just for them to come and participate today because they did not have school today, so for them to come that lets us know that they are very excited,” Edwards says.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A Swedish company synonymous with the Midlands economy and zero-turn lawn mowers has found someone to handle the yard work.Husqvarna Group last week said it turned over its longtime Orangeburg manufacturing operation to a global outsourcing business that plans to keep the assembly line running.The company announced Feb. 4 that the deal with Singapore-based Flex Ltd. was effective immediately under what was described a "divestment" and a "strategic partnership."Financial terms were not disclosed....
A Swedish company synonymous with the Midlands economy and zero-turn lawn mowers has found someone to handle the yard work.
Husqvarna Group last week said it turned over its longtime Orangeburg manufacturing operation to a global outsourcing business that plans to keep the assembly line running.
The company announced Feb. 4 that the deal with Singapore-based Flex Ltd. was effective immediately under what was described a "divestment" and a "strategic partnership."
Financial terms were not disclosed.
All 900 workers at the 1.9 million-square-foot South Carolina site, which makes or assembles lawn tractors, mowers, tillers and yard-and-garden gear, have been offered jobs with the new operator, Husqvarna said.
"Flex will manufacture Husqvarna's products in the factory under a long-term supply agreement, ensuring continued production of the company’s wheeled products and assembly of handheld products for the North American market," according to a written statement.
The Stockholm-based industrial company said it will continue to design the equipment that's made at the plant.
The venture with Flex's U.S. office in Austin, Texas, is expected to "increase profitability, improve capital efficiency, enhance production flexibility and strengthen the group’s competitiveness in North America," Husqvarna said.
It was estimated the deal will generate savings about $32 million over five years. The transaction also will require Husqvarna to book a $23 million onetime expense against its earnings this quarter.
Founded in 1990 and listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, Flex describes itself as "the advanced, end-to-end ... partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build, deliver and manage innovative products that improve the world."
The switch stems from an overhaul Husqvarna announced last year for its critical North America division, which includes the Midlands factory and accounted for about a third of total revenue last year.
The stated goal "to improve results."
"Low-margin business has been discontinued, and the production structure has been consolidated," the company said last week.
Husqvarna historically has been among the biggest employers in Orangeburg, requiring more than 2,000 workers during peak seasonal production runs.
It's also a survivor that's accustomed to turnover.
For much of the 1960s the plant was the home to another local job anchor — a 650-worker Smith-Corona typewriter factory that lost the price war to overseas competitors and went dark in 1970.
It was reopened within a few years by Roper Outdoor Power Equipment, a Midwest company that was making lawn mowers for Sears and for itself.
Successive operators included American Yard Products, Frigidaire and Electrolux before Husqvarna — named for the town where it was founded in the late 1600s — hung out its shingle in 2006.
The company expanded its footprint on Old Elloree Road in 2016 by adding a $29 million, 513,000-square-foot distribution center. More recently, all of its North America manufacturing work was transferred to South Carolina from other sites, including an Arkansas factory that was idled last year.
In keeping with the times, Husqvarna has been phasing out some of its gas-fueled equipment for battery-powered equipment, which led to more than 200 job cuts in Orangeburg about 18 months ago.
In a written statement, CEO Pavel Hajman said the outsourcing deal with Flex "is a significant step toward driving long-term profitability and enhancing our operational efficiency within the Husqvarna Forest & Garden division.
"The partnership secures our manufacturing of important products for the North American market, while enhancing flexibility and customer focus,” he said.
Eight schools in Orangeburg County were classified as underperforming, and one was labeled unsatisfactory.More VideosORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County School District is creating a plan to improve the performance of several schools after the state’s recent school report cards classified eight schools as underperforming with one labeled unsatisfactory.Bethune Bowman Elementary, Middle, and High, Carver Edisto Middle, Hunter Kinar...
Eight schools in Orangeburg County were classified as underperforming, and one was labeled unsatisfactory.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County School District is creating a plan to improve the performance of several schools after the state’s recent school report cards classified eight schools as underperforming with one labeled unsatisfactory.
Bethune Bowman Elementary, Middle, and High, Carver Edisto Middle, Hunter Kinard Tyler Elementary and High, Lake Marion High, Marshall Elementary, and Sheridan Elementary schools were all classified as underperforming by the South Carolina Department of Education’s annual school report cards. Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School received an unsatisfactory rating.
In 2023, Orangeburg had four underperforming schools. The number has now grown to eight.
Sandra Jenkins, a parent of four children in the district, said she was not surprised by the poor ratings. “No I’m not surprised because after they had COVID and they had homeschooling, that is when it all started,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins, who has a special needs child, hopes for more support. “I hope that they can be a little bit more supportive with, I have a special needs child, and that they can just accommodate him for more activities for him, things that he can do to help him improve his motor skills,” Jenkins said.
In response to the report cards, Orangeburg County is working on an improvement plan. The district discussed its plans at a recent school board meeting, focusing on enhancing academic achievement, preparing students for success, improving graduation rates, and better preparing students for college and careers. Some of the proposed initiatives include quarterly counselor advisement sessions, summer graduations, learning walks, SAT and ACT workshops, and offering credit and attendance recovery sessions.
At a recent school board meeting, the district showed some of those plans to the board members. Orangeburg School Board Member Sylvia Bruce-Stephens said there has to be an urgency in the district’s efforts. “We can’t afford to keep failing, we can’t, " she said. "And you know that, you can’t flunk for two years straight without the state coming in. The state cannot do a good or better job than your people that are involved in their community. I don’t care how hard they try, because they are outsiders. So we gotta get where we need to go. I know we’re looking good and I know there are a lot of, sometimes things happen, but we gotta get where we need to be."
News19 reached out to the district for comment, but did not receive a response before publication on Thursday.
The new school, which will serve hundreds of students, is set to welcome its first group of learners on Monday, with even more expected in the fall.More VideosHOLLY HILL, S.C. — The Orangeburg County School District celebrated the opening of East Lake Elementary School on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.The new school...
The new school, which will serve hundreds of students, is set to welcome its first group of learners on Monday, with even more expected in the fall.
HOLLY HILL, S.C. — The Orangeburg County School District celebrated the opening of East Lake Elementary School on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new school, which will serve hundreds of students, is set to welcome its first group of learners on Monday, with even more expected in the fall.
The $46 million East Lake Elementary School will accommodate 700 students from Holly Hill, St. James Gaillard, and Vance Providence elementary schools. It features state-of-the-art amenities, including suites for teachers and classrooms equipped with full-sized refrigerators.
Wendee Evering, the school's principal, shared her enthusiasm.
“I believe that this is a new beginning, a new opportunity for us to just come together. All of our strengths and all of our wonderful things that we have as individual schools—can you just imagine what that will mean when we come together as one?" Evering said. "I think this will allow kids to really discover who they are. We’ll have the platform to just have them take off and soar and just accomplish any goal they have for themselves.”
Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster explained that the consolidation of the three schools into one facility was a financial decision that benefits the district.
“With the maintenance costs from having an old facility, it made more sense to bring students into this state-of-the-art facility that will allow us the opportunity to have new programs but also the infrastructure to expand," Foster said. "But then bringing it here and making sure we have better utilization, which is a better use of taxpayer dollars and the operational costs to service and function with only one school, as opposed to three older facilities that are underutilized.”
The excitement was visible as students and parents toured the new 110,000-square-foot building.
“I think it’s going to be a fun experience, to talk to some friends, laugh, learn, get my grades up and stuff, so I think it will be fun,” student King Jackson said.
Parent Lakeeta Boyd expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m very excited, grateful, blessed to have it. The other school has been here for a very long time, so I’m from the community, born and raised, so it’s very exciting to see a new school being put here.”
Mindy Wilson, another parent, added, “I think it’s great. I was so happy to hear about this. This is a great move for Holly Hill.”
To make room for a new parking lot and student drop-off loop, the old Holly Hill Elementary School will be demolished. Students from the old school will begin classes at East Lake Elementary on Monday, and those from St. James Gaillard and Vance Providence will join in the fall.
The town of Eutawville plans to transform the St. James Gaillard Elementary School into a new town hall.
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