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.
Canva How gas prices have changed in Sumter in the last week Drivers will find prices at the gas pump are slightly lower than last month, on average, but conflict in the Middle East and hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico could change the situation quickly in the weeks ahead.Oil prices surged late last week on the news of Israel's ...
Canva
Drivers will find prices at the gas pump are slightly lower than last month, on average, but conflict in the Middle East and hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico could change the situation quickly in the weeks ahead.
Oil prices surged late last week on the news of Israel's intent to launch a retaliatory strike on Iran, just the latest in a series of escalatory actions taken by the nation to assert its power in the region since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas one year ago. Israel, which carried out strikes against northern Gaza and southern Lebanon over the weekend, is reportedly considering striking Iran's oil production facilities. Iran accounts for 3% of the world's oil supply.
Also, this year's busy hurricane season forecasted by weather experts continues to unfold. Hurricane Milton is expected to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall in part of the same region still reeling from Helene's destruction in the last few weeks.
The U.S. is producing more oil than any country at any time in history, and some analysts believe the U.S. has enough inventory to withstand any shocks to supply.
Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Sumter, SC metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of October 7.
Sumter by the numbers- Gas current price: $2.90--- South Carolina average: $2.87- Week change: +$0.03 (+1.0%)- Year change: -$0.35 (-10.7%)- Historical expensive gas price: $4.65 (6/14/22)
- Diesel current price: $3.38- Week change: +$0.06 (+1.8%)- Year change: -$0.97 (-22.3%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.75 (6/11/22)
Metros with the most expensive gas#1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.23#2. Napa, CA: $5.00#3. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.00
Metros with the least expensive gas#1. Catoosa-Dade-Walker, GA: $2.53#2. Henderson, KY: $2.54#3. Dalton, GA: $2.57
This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Hurricane Helene will continue to strengthen and is expected to bring rounds of heavy rain, gusty winds up to 55 mph and a few tornadoes that could affect Sumter County.As of right now the initial arrival of showers and storms from Helene will arrive into Thursday afternoon with the worst impacts being late overnight into early Friday morning!By t...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Hurricane Helene will continue to strengthen and is expected to bring rounds of heavy rain, gusty winds up to 55 mph and a few tornadoes that could affect Sumter County.
As of right now the initial arrival of showers and storms from Helene will arrive into Thursday afternoon with the worst impacts being late overnight into early Friday morning!
By the time people are settling into a later Friday morning commute, more impacts could already be passed.
With isolated wind gusts that could be over 55mph into Friday and rainfall rates around 2 inches, this is a system we need to monitor closely!
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.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The area we’ve been talking about since last week remains as ‘Tropical Storm Helene’ as of Tuesday night. Additional tropical development will occur overnight as it enters the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
For now, we expect intensification to a hurricane by Wednesday, with Helene potentially reaching Major Hurricane status on Thursday. If it makes landfall as a Major Hurricane, it would pack a punch of 115 MPH sustained winds.
Here in the Midlands, we’ll watch closely as this system moves farther inland. As of now, most of our rainfall will occur late Thursday and into Friday morning. Our latest computer guidance would suggest widespread amounts of 1 to 3 inches of rainfall are likely, with totals of 5 inches or more closer to the Upstate.
We’re tracking one other system deep in the Atlantic, a cluster of thunderstorms moving off the African coastline. This complex will encounter conditions that are favorable for further development by this weekend. The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center gives this disturbance a high (80%) chance of development by next week.
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.
Sumter officials encourage residents to vote yes for Penny for Progress sales tax.More VideosSUMTER, S.C. — Sumter city leaders encourage voters to vote yes on the "Penny for Progress" sales tax referendum.It would raise $124 million if approved, which would go to capital improvement projects.Ed Bynum, chairman of the 2024 "Penny for Progress" campaign, said this is ...
Sumter officials encourage residents to vote yes for Penny for Progress sales tax.
SUMTER, S.C. — Sumter city leaders encourage voters to vote yes on the "Penny for Progress" sales tax referendum.
It would raise $124 million if approved, which would go to capital improvement projects.
Ed Bynum, chairman of the 2024 "Penny for Progress" campaign, said this is the third time the referendum will appear on the ballot, and if the voters say yes, they plan to continue the work the city has started.
“There were things that were put in place in 2008 and 2014 that now we are looking back at those successes, and we want to do it again in 2024," Bynum said.
According to Bynum, the tax funds will be used in rural areas and throughout the county, including for quality-of-life improvements, economic development, infrastructure and public safety.
“For public safety, some projects include community-wide radios, pagers, fire trucks for different fire stations, improving fire stations and EMS,” Bynum said.
This referendum allowed Sumter County to levy a temporary sales tax, which was implemented in the Spring of 2009 and funded 16 capital projects.
Proponents said this $75 million investment in the regional economy resulted in several improvements and large-scale projects now known throughout the Southeast.
A lifelong resident of Sumter, Bobby Ives said he has voted for the tax in previous elections and seen improvements. He plans to do the same in November, hoping to see more roads fixed.
“I want to see more of the roads being paved more, and I want to see more work done to the parks, things like that,” Ives said.
According to Bynum, this common request from residents will be resolved, along with stalled projects that were not completed after the tax didn’t pass in 2022.
“The infrastructure includes 25 miles of roadwork; some of it is just repaving, others are dirt roads throughout our community that have never been paved, and so, there is a big piece for the rural areas within this penny sales tax, which is a real plus,” Bynum said.
City officials said that if approved for the next eight years, this tax will impact the city now and continue to do so.
“Not only will it impact us that live here now, but it’s going to impact our children and our grandkids, and I think people realize that we need to get the penny back going to invest in these different projects,” Bynum said.
Chairman Bynum said the tax does not apply to groceries or medical supplies and would run for eight years.
However, not everyone supports the referendum. Several Sumter residents have posted on the city’s Facebook page that they will vote “no” in November.
The tax, if approved in November, will take effect in 2025.
Visit the city's webpage to learn more about "Penny for Progress."
Call Now: 843-705-1515
