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 Sumter, 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 Sumter, 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.
SUMTER — The sixth veterans’ nursing home in this military-friendly state officially opened Friday less than 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility offers veterans low-cost care complete with a barbershop and salon, community game rooms and large public and private courtyards.“This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and to our veterans in our community,” House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said at the ceremony. “I look forward to this...
SUMTER — The sixth veterans’ nursing home in this military-friendly state officially opened Friday less than 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.
The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility offers veterans low-cost care complete with a barbershop and salon, community game rooms and large public and private courtyards.
“This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and to our veterans in our community,” House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said at the ceremony. “I look forward to this facility being here for years to come.”
South Carolina is home to more than 68,000 active-duty and reserve military members, 400,000 veterans and eight military bases.
“There is still sort of this rebel spirit in the heart of the South Carolinian. Military folks, that sort of draws us into the profession,” said Sen. Jeff Zell, R-Sumter, who was stationed at Shaw for eight years before retiring with 20 years of service.
“We feel at home here,” said the freshman senator.
Shaw Air Force Base, located outside Sumter city limits, has been training pilots since World War II, opening six years before the Air Force was established as a separate military branch. Last September, Sumter was designated the state’s only World War II Heritage City.
More than 13% of Sumter County’s residents are veterans, according to census data, the highest percentage of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
Yet, Sumter wasn’t initially slated for a veterans nursing home.
When the state sought a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant in 2015 for additional nursing homes, the state was looking at opening a second one in Columbia.
Then Smith became chairman of the powerful budget-writing committee in 2019 and started publicly asking why the homes weren’t being located in other cities with military bases. The three existing nursing homes at the time — all at capacity — were located in Columbia, Walterboro and Anderson.
“I asked the question, ‘Why not Sumter?'” Smith, who became House speaker in 2022, told the crowd. “Why not put them in the military communities across the state?”
What had been planned for Columbia became Patriot’s Village near Shaw.
Zell said he was impressed by what he saw Friday.
“I didn’t realize the complexities of it,” he told the SC Daily Gazette. “This isn’t just a little building.”
The other two veterans nursing homes that opened ahead of Patriot’s Village are in Gaffney, home to Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, and Florence, home of his powerful predecessor, the late Sen. Hugh Leatherman.
Future facilities in Orangeburg and Horry counties are set for completion over the next several years, said Robert Hoskins, the deputy director of facilities management for the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sumter named SC’s WWII Heritage City, recognizing military history
Gov. Henry McMaster is asking legislators to put an additional $20.6 million next fiscal year toward running the six veterans nursing homes.
The additional annual commitment would help ensure veterans are “well taken care of,” Lt. Gov. Pam Evette said Friday about the governor’s budget recommendations for 2025-26.
“I can hope you see our passion, not just in today, not just in what we’ve done, but our passion moving forward,” she said.
Veterans’ cost to live at Patriot’s Village is $68 a day, the same price as the locations in Florence and Gaffney. The three other facilities are priced at $45 a day, said Heyward Hilliard, the state’s director of veteran homes.
“It’s a great value,” he said.
All honorably discharged veterans who served full-time are eligible for the home, Hilliard said.
The facility can accommodate up to 104 veterans and will have 130 full-time employees. Its amenities include areas for physical, occupational and speech therapies, dining areas, an on-site pharmacy and a pool hall.
Admissions are expected to begin in late February or early March.
However, one resident is already known.
Ernest Martin, an 82-year-old veteran, will be moving from the veteran nursing home in Florence County to Patriot’s Village, so he can return to Sumter.
“Everything looks so modern, so good, so up to date,” Martin said. “It’s outstanding.”
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SUMTER, S.C. —The last day anyone saw 18-year-old Jackson Brent Garcia was on Dec. 26, 2020. As the fourth anniversary of his disappearance approaches, deputies and the Garcia family continue to search for answers.Deputies said he was last seen that night at a home on Ithica Drive in Sumter.Brent's mother, Angel Brown, told Dateline in 2023 that Brent went to ...
SUMTER, S.C. —
The last day anyone saw 18-year-old Jackson Brent Garcia was on Dec. 26, 2020. As the fourth anniversary of his disappearance approaches, deputies and the Garcia family continue to search for answers.
Deputies said he was last seen that night at a home on Ithica Drive in Sumter.
Brent's mother, Angel Brown, told Dateline in 2023 that Brent went to his cousin's house that afternoon.
"It was cold that night and the cousin and Brent were outside with the dog," Brown said. "The cousin went inside, took the dog in and then Brent was never seen since then."
She recalled that nothing about Brent's behavior that day struck her as unusual.
On Dec. 30, 2020, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post that deputies "conducted aerial, foot and K9 searches for Jackson at his last known location and in the Highway 15 South area near that location."
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On Friday, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said "We can only imagine Brent’s family’s pain since he disappeared. Our investigators and I have unfinished business, and we will not rest until we find out what happened to him."
Deputies said although there are details of the investigation that cannot be released to the public without compromising the case, the sheriff’s office continues to follow every lead, interview every person related to the case, and examine every piece of evidence.
Sheriff Dennis implored those with information to come forward. "We know there is someone who could give Brent’s family closure and help to heal their broken hearts. Every day they wait to step forward, which makes it harder for those who love and miss him."
“At the same time, the guilt someone must be feeling for not coming forward must be maddening. As a God-fearing, religious person, I don’t know how they can live with themselves,” he added.
Those with information can remain anonymous and earn a reward. People are encouraged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Veterans in need of care now have a new place in South Carolina to call home.Patriot’s Village, the sixth veterans' nursing home in South Carolina, will accommodate 104 veterans and create 130 full-time jobs to help take care of those residents.“It builds a deep friendship when you’re retired military,” said Air Force veteran Mike Stanislawczyk. “Vietnam era, World War Two era, whatever, it bonds that friendship and that’s the big benefit of having veterans here.”...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Veterans in need of care now have a new place in South Carolina to call home.
Patriot’s Village, the sixth veterans' nursing home in South Carolina, will accommodate 104 veterans and create 130 full-time jobs to help take care of those residents.
“It builds a deep friendship when you’re retired military,” said Air Force veteran Mike Stanislawczyk. “Vietnam era, World War Two era, whatever, it bonds that friendship and that’s the big benefit of having veterans here.”
This is one thing Air Force Veteran Mike Stanislawczyk said his father-in-law, Ernest Martin, will have as he moves into Patriot’s Village.
Before Patriot’s Village, it would take any family from Sumter about an hour to travel to any of the other five veteran nursing homes in South Carolina.
Martin says this is what his family had to do when visiting him at the Veteran Village in Florence, SC. Now, he’s relieved that the journey is just a short trip down the block.
“Relief you can’t explain; it really hits me hard,” Martin said, “It’s about an hour and a half drive (for them) to come see me. This is going to compare to the five minutes to ten minutes away (now).
South Carolina’s sixth veterans' nursing home expects to start admitting residents at the end of February or early March 2025. The facility is 125,000 square feet, and the project cost more than $71 million to complete.
Amenities the facility has include bistro dining, a pool hall, a beauty salon, and places where veterans can get physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Martin’s daughter, Mary Stanislawczyk, says she’ll worry a little less about her father at night now, knowing he’s a few minutes down the road.
“If something happens, we can get to him quicker,” Mary said, “we’ll be able to come to him more during the day (and) we’ll be able to bring his little dog Benji who means the world to him, so, we’re very excited.”
Admission to the facility is limited to Veterans who have been separated from the U.S. Armed Forces under general or honorable conditions and qualify as South Carolina residents who are in need of skilled or intermediate nursing home care.
It will cost $68 a day to live there for service-connected veterans.
Veterans can apply to live in Patriot’s Village on the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs website.
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SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - A family in Sumter County was surprised with one of the best Christmas presents ever on Friday.Sgt. Jamar Rowden reunited with his family Friday morning, after being apart from them for almost three years while serving in Korea.He wanted to catch his mom and sister off guard by surprising them where they work, at High Hills Elementary.“I couldn’t believe it,” said Hannah Breeden, Jamar’s sister, “I saw her run over and I was like ‘oh he’s here, he’s her...
SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - A family in Sumter County was surprised with one of the best Christmas presents ever on Friday.
Sgt. Jamar Rowden reunited with his family Friday morning, after being apart from them for almost three years while serving in Korea.
He wanted to catch his mom and sister off guard by surprising them where they work, at High Hills Elementary.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Hannah Breeden, Jamar’s sister, “I saw her run over and I was like ‘oh he’s here, he’s here.’”
Hannah Breeden and her mother, Lindsey Breeden were both overwhelmed to see him home after nearly three years serving overseas in Korea.
Sergeant Rowden has been serving in the marines for more than six years. With the help of American Red Cross, he made the 7,000-mile trip home from Korea.
Lindsey is overjoyed to have the whole family together this Christmas.
“Even on regular holidays, coming home isn’t always an option; it’s too far or cause it’s too expensive, or you can’t get the time off, so, as a family, we’ve spent many holidays apart at different times,” Lindsey Breeden said, “Having them home at these times when all the other families are together is really great.”
Rowden says celebrating in 2024 is even more special because his family is also celebrating his dad’s retirement from a 20-year career in the United States Army.
Rowden says serving overseas has made it hard for him to keep in touch with his family... and being able to celebrate with his dad now is priceless.
“Living overseas in Europe and Asia, you’re traveling a lot; you travel to a lot of different countries, so you don’t always have that leave (and) it’s difficult,” Rowden said, “But, today, being back for these holidays is nice.”
The American Red Cross’ Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) program worked with United Airlines in coordinating the 7000-mile trip home.
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -The search for a missing Sumter man, Brent Garcia, continues more than 1,450 days after he first disappeared.Saturday, December 26, 2020, was the last day anyone saw 18-year-old Brent Garcia, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.Garcia’s mom, grandma, and aunt say there isn’t a day that goes by they don’t miss him. They’ve spent the last four years waiting for answers, as the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office continues to search.“Brent was my world; ...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -The search for a missing Sumter man, Brent Garcia, continues more than 1,450 days after he first disappeared.
Saturday, December 26, 2020, was the last day anyone saw 18-year-old Brent Garcia, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Garcia’s mom, grandma, and aunt say there isn’t a day that goes by they don’t miss him. They’ve spent the last four years waiting for answers, as the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office continues to search.
“Brent was my world; He was my everything,” said Jean Brown, Brent’s grandma.
Brent’s family says they have worked to keep his name alive through community events and gatherings throughout the years. This included having a float in the Sumter Christmas parade honoring Brent in December 2024.
His aunt, Nikkie Brown, says he loved fishing and was a friend to everyone he met.
“Brent was the type of person that never met a stranger,” Nikkie said, “He loved everybody he met, stray animals, so whenever he went missing, the whole community came together and started searching for him.”
As the Sumter County Sheriff’s office continues to investigate, Brent’s mom, Angel Brown, hopes he is still alive. She is still asking for any information about where he could’ve been going could help find him.
“We just urge you to please, anything that you know, hear, (or) see,” Angel said, “Even if you think it’s small, please just come forward with it because that may be the one missing piece of the puzzle that we need to find out what exactly happened to Brent.”
Garcia’s family says he was last seen on Ithica Drive in Sumter on December 26th, 2020.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said, “We know there is someone who could give Brent’s family closure and help to heal their broken hearts. Every day they wait to step forward, which makes it harder for those who love and miss him.”
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says those with information can remain anonymous and earn a reward.
They urge anyone with more information at this time to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department at 803-436-2000 between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on weekdays.
Information can also be relayed to investigators anonymously and earn a reward by using the website, www.p3tips.com, or downloading and using the “P3” mobile app.
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