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.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - State authorities are still investigating after a fight at an early voting location in Orangeburg County.Video sent to WIS shows a man wearing a hat, arguing with poll workers at the early voting location Wednesday at the old Orangeburg County library.According to an incident report from Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the man involved told officers the argument started over the hat he wore to vote that said, “Let’s go Brandon.”The man – who filed the report...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - State authorities are still investigating after a fight at an early voting location in Orangeburg County.
Video sent to WIS shows a man wearing a hat, arguing with poll workers at the early voting location Wednesday at the old Orangeburg County library.
According to an incident report from Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the man involved told officers the argument started over the hat he wore to vote that said, “Let’s go Brandon.”
The man – who filed the report with ODPS – claimed he was “punched in the face by a county employee that was working the polls,” the incident report said.
While the incident report contained a great deal of the man’s account, as well as the person who took the video, almost the entirety of the poll worker’s account to officers was redacted.
The incident report also showed the poll worker was issued a summons for third degree assault and battery but was not arrested.
You can read the incident report here:
24-02609_Redacted by Bea Parrillaa on Scribd
WIS is trying to learn more about what led up to the fight at the polls.
Officials with the Orangeburg County Voter Registration Office wouldn’t comment.
The man in the video also declined our request for an interview.
WIS spoke to his neighbor, who said although he thought he was mistreated, he should have left his hat at home.
“Be more aware of the situation; my neighbor did not walk in there with the hat on and intention to stir up trouble yesterday,” the neighbor said. “His mother and his wife were with him, and nobody was allowed to vote; they were all asked to leave.”
State law prohibits people from wearing or distributing campaign material in a polling place or within 500 feet of its entrance.
TJ Lundeen with the State Election Commission said the message ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ has a political meaning behind it and shouldn’t be worn to vote.
“Anything that references political parties, candidates, those kinds of things,” Lundeen said. “We are trying to avoid any of those situations so if you have a question about it, I would air on the side of caution and pick something else out.”
ODPS said the case has been turned over to SLED.
WIS tried to contact the poll worker in the video but couldn’t get in touch with her.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.
Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.COLUMBIA, S.C. — Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw, Laurens and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.Kershaw CountyKershaw County Government Center515 Walnut St.Camden, SC 29020Open Nov. 1-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.Laurens CountyLaurens County Public Librar...
Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw, Laurens and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.
Kershaw CountyKershaw County Government Center515 Walnut St.Camden, SC 29020
Open Nov. 1-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Laurens CountyLaurens County Public Library1017 W. Main St.Laurens, SC 29360
Open Nov. 1-3, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Nov. 7-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Nov. 4-6.
Orangeburg CountyOrangeburg YMCA2550 St. Matthews Road NEOrangeburg, SC 29118
Open Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 3, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.
To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.
FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Heavy overnight rains in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties have led to flooded roads, damaged bridges, and over 100 road closures. That's in addition to a disruption of water services in western Orangeburg County and schools in both counties either being delayed or closed on Thursday.Rain began moving through the area Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning with some radar estimates suggesting 12-15 inches of rain could have fallen in some areas of Orangeburg County within a 24 hour period....
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Heavy overnight rains in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties have led to flooded roads, damaged bridges, and over 100 road closures. That's in addition to a disruption of water services in western Orangeburg County and schools in both counties either being delayed or closed on Thursday.
Rain began moving through the area Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning with some radar estimates suggesting 12-15 inches of rain could have fallen in some areas of Orangeburg County within a 24 hour period.
At one point a flash flood warning was issued for much of Orangeburg and part of Calhoun County.
Thursday morning, Orangeburg County Emergency Operations released a list of over 100 roads that have been closed throughout the county due to flooding issues. Here is a link to that list. There are unconfirmed references in that list to possible damage to dams and bridges.
1 / 5
BELLE DAVIS
Davis Pond off Pond View
News19 talked to Adam Livingston, with the Silver Springs Water District, after reports of a disruption of water service in Neeses in Orangeburg County. Silver Springs supplies water service and fire protection to rural areas of western Orangeburg County, including the towns of Livingston and Neeses.
Livingston said crews were out assessing the damage to the water system caused by the heavy rain and flooding. He said the main damage is coming from overflow of ponds and dams where rushing water has cause lines to break. Crews are having to wait for the water to recede before they can begin repairs to the main water lines that are visible. Then, he says, the water company will have to wait for the county or SC Dept. of Transportation to being repairing the roads before repairs to the lines that are buried under the roads.
There will also be a period where service will have to be cut to customers so that pressure can build back up in the lines, returning service to normal.
Livingston says the entire process could take days to complete. He asks for patience while repairs are made.
Earlier Thursday morning, the heavy rains also led school districts to change their plans. Orangeburg County School District administrators first announced a three-hour delay Thursday morning in an email around 7 a.m. The district then updated conditions to close schools for the day:
Due to ongoing weather conditions, challenging roadways, and the condition of some school buildings, all Orangeburg County School District schools will be closed today. This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide any additional updates regarding school operations as necessary.
Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Calhoun County School District was on a two-hour delay, administration citing they are experiencing washed-out roads and flooding across the county. Out of an abundance of caution, and to allow for travel during daylight to avoid hazards. Buses will be on a 2-hour delay and car riders can proceed as safely as they can. Schools will be open for car riders at normal times.
Rain is forecast to continue throughout the morning, ending sometime around 3 p.m. Thursday. For the latest weather forecasts, check out wltx.com/weather or download the free weather app.
WLTX will continue to update this story as details become available.
A fight erupted at a South Carolina polling station after a man was told to remove his “Let’s Go Brandon” hat by poll workers before voting, shocking footage shows.The man attempted to cast his vote at the old Orangeburg County Library on Wednesday while wearing a camo hat with the expression widely used as shorthand for “F–k Joe Biden.”He began cursi...
A fight erupted at a South Carolina polling station after a man was told to remove his “Let’s Go Brandon” hat by poll workers before voting, shocking footage shows.
The man attempted to cast his vote at the old Orangeburg County Library on Wednesday while wearing a camo hat with the expression widely used as shorthand for “F–k Joe Biden.”
He began cursing at poll workers who told him he had to take it off under South Carolina state law.
Video obtained by WIS-TV shows poll workers asking the man to take the cap “outside” before he begins cursing at them.
“You f–cking bitch,” he tells one woman, as the other workers tell him to calm down.
“Shut the hell up and let me vote!” he yells.
Another female poll worker explains again that they cannot let him vote, and the man removes his hat and hurls it at the person next in line, the clip shows.
The man points his finger in the woman’s face and says something to her, who then begins to hit him.
The poll workers separate the pair initially but the man swings his arms and breaks through and starts to go after the woman who hit him, who exits through a door, video shows.
“Take him outside!” one poll worker repeatedly yells.
Under South Carolina Law, voters are not permitted to wear anything that displays a political party, candidate name or ballot issue.
Although the hat did not name the president — who is not up for reelection — the phrase has been common shorthand since 2021, when an NBC reporter interviewing NASCAR driver Brandon Brown thought chants of “F–k Joe Biden” were “Let’s Go Brandon.”
“The poll manager shall use every reasonable means to keep the area within five hundred feet of any such entrance clear of political literature and displays,” the law states.
“The county and municipal law enforcement officers, upon request of a poll manager, shall remove or cause to be removed any material within five hundred feet of any such entrance distributed or displayed in violation of this section,” it says.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed to the Post that it investigating the incident but declined to provide additional details.
Early voting in the Palmetto State kicked off on Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 2.
South Carolina's top law enforcement agency is investigating following an incident at an Orangeburg County early voting center Wednesday morning.The confrontation took place at the Orangeburg County Library voting center when a man, identified by public safety officers as Mark Allen Morris, 54, was turned away from voting and argued with poll workers. According to a redacted incident report from Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, ...
South Carolina's top law enforcement agency is investigating following an incident at an Orangeburg County early voting center Wednesday morning.The confrontation took place at the Orangeburg County Library voting center when a man, identified by public safety officers as Mark Allen Morris, 54, was turned away from voting and argued with poll workers. According to a redacted incident report from Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, released by Columbia news station WIS10, Morris told the responding officers that the argument started over his hat, which read “Let’s Go Brandon,” a conservative slogan opposing President Joe Biden.
South Carolina voters are prohibited by law from wearing political attire, including attire with candidate or party names or associated slogans, to the polls.
Learn the dos and don'ts of voting:Poll security, early voting top of mind for Upstate election officials, organizations
The incident was recorded by a witness, who saw the argument turn physical with Morris poking a poll worker in the forehead and being struck by her in response.
The incident is under investigation by SLED, according to spokesperson Renee Wunderlich. The investigation is ongoing. The South Carolina Democratic Party released a statement Thursday following the incident. “The law is clear: no campaign materials or attire is allowed within 500 feet of the poll to ensure a fair, intimidation-free voting environment. It’s outrageous to see this type of aggression escalate to physical confrontation toward poll workers, especially when many of our Poll Managers are dedicated, older volunteers simply there to make our election process run smoothly. The incident highlights the need to engage more people to work with our full-time election officials to ensure our elections run efficiently and are free of physical intimidation,” South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said. “We urge everyone to remember the importance of respect in our democratic process and to show consideration for the people working hard to make sure everyone in South Carolina has the right to vote.”Orangeburg County Sherriff Leroy Ravenell released a statement on the office’s Facebook page Thursday. “The safety and security of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, is paramount to me. As public servants, it is our desire that everyone has the freedom to exercise their right to vote free of intimidation and fear, along with our poll workers being able to do their civic duty-free of violence and harassment. I, along with my team, have developed a plan to make sure there is a visible presence around the county beginning tomorrow throughout November 5th as our county goes to the polls. The increased presence will allow us to have an expedited response for calls of service by Poll Managers should they arise”.
Early voting will continue through Saturday in South Carolina.
Samantha Swann covers city news, development and culture in Spartanburg. She is a University of South Carolina Upstate and Greenville Technical College alumna. Contact her atsswann@shj.com or on Instagram at @sam_on_spartanburg.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
