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.
SCDOT will hold a meeting July 17 at the New Vision Centre in Orangeburg to discuss planned improvements to I-26.ORANGEBURG, S.C. — As South Carolina wraps up one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, traffic remains heavy on key routes across the state, including Interstate 26, a major corridor connecting Columbia and Charleston.The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is now planning significant upgrades to a heavily traveled stretch of I-26 that runs through Orangeburg and Dorchester counties. Off...
SCDOT will hold a meeting July 17 at the New Vision Centre in Orangeburg to discuss planned improvements to I-26.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — As South Carolina wraps up one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, traffic remains heavy on key routes across the state, including Interstate 26, a major corridor connecting Columbia and Charleston.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is now planning significant upgrades to a heavily traveled stretch of I-26 that runs through Orangeburg and Dorchester counties. Officials are asking for public input before construction begins.
Signs along the interstate are currently notifying drivers about the proposed improvements. According to SCDOT, the project includes widening I-26 by adding a travel lane in each direction toward the existing median, clearing the median, installing barrier walls and cable guardrails, addressing structural needs, and improving interchanges at multiple exits.
Some Orangeburg residents say the improvements are long overdue.
“I think I speak for all when I say that I think they can start small by fixing potholes, fixing that up in all different ways,” said Scott Stephens, who lives in Orangeburg and works off Exit 154.
He added that he often avoids the interstate entirely by using backroads due to congestion. Others echoed Stephens’ frustration and emphasized the need for urgent attention to road conditions.
“I-26 is a bottleneck,” said Orangeburg resident Gordon Hall. “It’s just due to the fact that it’s two lanes and they need to open it up. They need to pay more attention to what they are doing down there. There are too many potholes; get roads opened up and get more traffic down here. People coming to Charleston don’t even want to go down there anymore, and it's turning into a bottleneck.”
“Mostly when we see people travelling from I-26, it’s because of construction or accidents,” said Heriy Patel, also from Orangeburg. “They say they are stuck in traffic for almost half an hour, so it’s like, oh goodness.”
Residents said they would be more willing to use I-26 regularly if the planned improvements help alleviate persistent traffic problems.
According to SCDOT’s website, the project will happen in two phases. Phase one is expected to begin this fall and will take about five years to complete.
A public meeting is scheduled to gather community feedback on the project. It will be held on Thursday, July 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the New Vision Centre in Orangeburg.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the arrest of three suspects after an investigation led to the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons.Ravenell said deputies executed ssearch warrants at home on Oliver Road in North on Wednesday.Tavaris Pough and Jeffrey Pough, both from North, were arrested and charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine and drug conspiracy.Deputies also said 30-year-old Keosha Bailey was also charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine an...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the arrest of three suspects after an investigation led to the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons.
Ravenell said deputies executed ssearch warrants at home on Oliver Road in North on Wednesday.
Tavaris Pough and Jeffrey Pough, both from North, were arrested and charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine and drug conspiracy.
Deputies also said 30-year-old Keosha Bailey was also charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine and drug conspiracy.
“This was a long-term investigation that resulted in the seizure of the widest array of drugs in a while,” said Ravenell. “Somebody out there isn’t happy this weekend, but I couldn’t care less.”
Ravenell said that more than 1,560 grams of marijuana was seized along with 154 grams of crack cocaine, 287 grams of cocaine, 2,231 grams of THC (marijuana) liquid, 511 grams of THC wax, 114 grams of THC vape pens, 129 grams of THC edibles, four firearms, and more than $9,300 in cash.
The uncut cocaine alone is estimated to be worth more than $2,800 in street value, the sheriff said.
“Oliver Road should see less traffic with these guys locked up,” said Ravenell. “A whole lot less traffic.”
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ORANGEBURG, S.C. - It’s the end of an era for a historic Orangeburg high school.Howard Middle School, which was once Wilkinson High School and Orangeburg’s first African-American high school, is being demolished to make way for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School.Wilkinson High School alumni made their way back to walk through the school’s halls one last time on Wednesday.Former students said that the pride found within the school gave them the strength to overcome barriers, even though their edu...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - It’s the end of an era for a historic Orangeburg high school.
Howard Middle School, which was once Wilkinson High School and Orangeburg’s first African-American high school, is being demolished to make way for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School.
Wilkinson High School alumni made their way back to walk through the school’s halls one last time on Wednesday.
Former students said that the pride found within the school gave them the strength to overcome barriers, even though their educational resources were limited.
“We were segregated,” said Evia Thomas. “We had used books from the white high school, however, we were not deprived academically. Our motto was ‘strive to excel, not to equal’ and that is what promoted and encouraged us.”
While news of the historic school’s demolition created mixed emotions throughout the community, many alumni say they see the change as just another way Wilkinson High School is promoting progress.
“It’s kind of bittersweet tearing down the building,” said Debra Brunson, another Wilkinson High School alumna. “But I feel good because I know in the end that I’ve done what’s best for children, and the pride now (is) in all of the communities in Orangeburg County. They have upgraded facilities.”
The demolition process has already started. In total, it will cost $55.6 million, $40 million of which was donated through a Department of Education grant. The projected timeline for the project’s completion is December 2026.
Orangeburg School District Superintendent Shawn Foster said the new school will help preserve the history of Wilkinson High School.
“The foundation still remains, but the opportunity to merge history with the future doesn’t mean some parts have to be forgotten,” he said. " This is an opportunity for us to ensure this community that the legacy, the things that Wilkinson has meant to this community, will remain and that history will not be forgotten.”
Now, as former students look ahead to the future of the historical land, they said they’re confident Wilkinson High School will never stay ingrained in the community.
“A lot of great memories for that school, but we hold dear in our hearts the nurture that those teachers gave us. They could see potential in us that we didn’t see in ourselves,” said Judith Salley, another Wilkinson High School alumnus.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
A restaurant chain known for its sandwiches has opened a new Midlands location, and it’s introducing a new side item with the debut.Firehouse Subs, which has locations across the U.S., had a grand opening on June 16 of its new store at 133 Magnolia Village Parkway in Orangeburg. That’s just off busy North Road, near a Walmart Supercenter and across the street from a Lowe’s Home Improvement store.The new Firehouse was opened by franchisees Larry and Jody Chandler, who have 40 Firehouse locations across the Caro...
A restaurant chain known for its sandwiches has opened a new Midlands location, and it’s introducing a new side item with the debut.
Firehouse Subs, which has locations across the U.S., had a grand opening on June 16 of its new store at 133 Magnolia Village Parkway in Orangeburg. That’s just off busy North Road, near a Walmart Supercenter and across the street from a Lowe’s Home Improvement store.
The new Firehouse was opened by franchisees Larry and Jody Chandler, who have 40 Firehouse locations across the Carolinas. They are the largest franchisees in the sub chain’s system, according to a release.
The location along Magnolia Village Parkway is the first Firehouse in the Midlands market to offer french fries, the release said. The fries are “golden and crispy inside while fluffy outside,” the company said, and come with a Firehouse Hero dipping sauce.
There are more than 1,200 Firehouse subs restaurants across the U.S., according to data site ScrapeHero. The company is know for its hot sandwiches piled high with sliced meats, including the signature Hook & Ladder sandwich with turkey, honey ham, Monterrey jack cheese, mayo, deli mustard. lettuce tomato and onion.
The new Orangeburg location is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It’s in a busy commercial area, as more than 28,500 car per day travel down nearby North Road, per state Department of Transportation data.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - A massive fire late Sunday led to the collapse of a building in downtown Orangeburg, according to officials.The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety said fire crews from the city, as well as the Orangeburg County Fire District and the Office of Emergency Services, responded to the blaze on Broughton Street.Orangeburg DPS said that within five minutes of the call, crews confirmed a fully-involved two-story fire at the scene. Crews also reported that the remainder of the building’s roof and the fr...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - A massive fire late Sunday led to the collapse of a building in downtown Orangeburg, according to officials.
The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety said fire crews from the city, as well as the Orangeburg County Fire District and the Office of Emergency Services, responded to the blaze on Broughton Street.
Orangeburg DPS said that within five minutes of the call, crews confirmed a fully-involved two-story fire at the scene. Crews also reported that the remainder of the building’s roof and the front of the building had collapsed.
“Due to prior knowledge and thorough pre-planning, our firefighters identified the structure as suitable for exterior fire operations only,” Orangeburg DPS said in a statement. “Utilizing aerial trucks and master stream devices, our firefighters brought the fire under control, containing it to the building of origin. No injuries occurred during the incident.”
Officials said a portion of Broughton Street from Fischer Street to Russell Street is still closed on Monday due to debris from the collapse. It was also noted the building was scheduled to be demolished prior to the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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