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 Union, 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 Union, 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.
Good evening, we need your help!Since 2015, The Wire has fearlessly delivered independent journalism, holding truth to power.Despite lawsuits and intimidation tactics, we persist with your support. Contribute as little as ₹ 200 a month and become a champion of free press in India.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 15) slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and said that it will not tolerate legal submissions made on behalf of the Union of India which are “contrary ...
Good evening, we need your help!
Since 2015, The Wire has fearlessly delivered independent journalism, holding truth to power.
Despite lawsuits and intimidation tactics, we persist with your support. Contribute as little as ₹ 200 a month and become a champion of free press in India.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 15) slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and said that it will not tolerate legal submissions made on behalf of the Union of India which are “contrary to law.”
“We will not tolerate conduct on the part of Union of India to make submissions contrary to statute,” said a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan while disapproving an argument made by the ED that Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act will not apply to a woman, reported LiveLaw.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had offered an apology for an earlier submission made on behalf of the ED in which the agency had argued that the stringent bail conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA Act were applicable to a woman as well.
After the Supreme Court had pulled up the agency for the submission, Solicitor General Mehta on Wednesday said that the previous submission had happened because of “some confusion due to miscommunication.”
“No question of miscommunication. We will never appreciate such submissions by the Union of India,” said Justice Oka.
“This is a clear intention on part of Union of India that by hook or by crook bail is to be denied. Therefore, such submissions are made. If people who appear for the Union of India do not know basic provisions of law why should they appear in the matter? And to file counter at the 11th hour? This shows that this is final that a person who is arrested under PMLA has to be denied bail under any circumstance,” added Justice Oka.
The court subsequently granted bail to the accused after considering that she has been under incarceration since November 2023 and there was no likelihood of an early completion of the trial.
“If government counsels who appear before the court are to proceed on the footing that the court is not aware about basic provisions and make such admissions, what do we do? How do we conduct the proceedings? We accept that we don’t know the entire Law but sometimes we do know few provisions of law,” said the court.
Updated: Dec. 20, 2024 at 4:15 PM PSTNORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Following the end of a nearly two-month factory worker strike on the West Coast, one union is eyeing South Carolina’s Boeing workforce for potential support.The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers released a statement on Dec. 13 connecting the s...
Updated: Dec. 20, 2024 at 4:15 PM PST
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Following the end of a nearly two-month factory worker strike on the West Coast, one union is eyeing South Carolina’s Boeing workforce for potential support.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers released a statement on Dec. 13 connecting the strike and contract offer with District 751 workers to recent incentives within the Palmetto State’s non-unionized workers.
The local union accepted a contract at the beginning of November to end the strike with a 59% approval rate. The contract offers a 38% wage increase, improved 401(k) contributions and a $12,000 ratification bonus.
“We’ve been able to raise wages, we’ve been able to improve safety conditions, retirement, job security. That’s something I believe every worker would benefit from,” District 751 President Jon Holden said.
The international sector linked a recent 9% standard wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus in South Carolina to the recent movements out west, regardless of whether being unionized or not.
“This agreement is more than a contract—it’s a statement about the value of labor and the role unions play in securing economic fairness for all aerospace workers,” IAM International President Brian Bryant said. “Our members fought courageously for what they deserve, and this victory proves the power of collective bargaining. IAM Boeing workers will help make the case to Boeing South Carolina workers on how we helped raise their wages and benefits at Boeing and the entire industry. We look forward to the conversations on the ground in Charleston about how the IAM can make their workplace stronger. ”
South Carolina was implemented as a right-to-work state in 1954, meaning employees are not required or forced to pay work dues or join a labor union. Right-to-work laws apply to 26 states, as of 2023.
Boeing has experienced several attempts to unionize without success, the most recent in 2017. Boeing officials reported 74% of votes against joining the IAM group, with 2,097 votes no and 731 votes yes.
A union can only petition for an election if it receives enough signatures from teammates who say they are interested. If the petition goes through, it will then need to be voted on by teammates, meaning floor workers or mechanics.
“To our workers in South Carolina, we are just like them and they are just like us. We’re working for the Boeing company, building airplanes, trying to make a living safe for our families and work our way towards retirement. Negotiating has served our members well for generations,” Holden said.
Boeing is in the process of informing its workers of what a union means for South Carolina. In a written statement, the aerospace company reflected on its movement as a non-unionized entity.
“We’re proud of what our teammates have achieved at Boeing South Carolina without a union. We look forward to continuing to build a bright future for our team, site and community.” - Boeing South Carolina.
When South Carolina’s Boeing opened around 15 years ago, IAM International pushed back on the company’s presence on the East Coast.
In a press release from 2011that, Boeing referenced a complaint from the union which challenged the introduction of an assembly plant in the Palmetto State. The release then claims IAM International hoped to place its final 787 assembly line in Puget Sound in Washington instead of the Lowcountry.
The challenge came 17 months after the company announced its plans for expansion. At the point of the filing, Boeing claimed they had nearly completed construction and hired more than 1,000 workers, just months prior to the assembly of its first airplane.
Boeing South Carolina provides employment for thousands of workers across its North Charleston and Orangeburg facilities. More than 10,000 Boeing-built commercial jetliners are in service worldwide, almost half of the world’s fleet.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Employees with Boeing South Carolina aren't members of the International Association of Machinists, but they're seeing more in their paychecks due to concessions the aerospace giant made to get the union's West Coast workers off the picket line and back on the production line.Now, the IAM is using those indirect benefits as a way to recruit workers at Boeing's 787 Dreamliner campus and other North Charleston sites.Roughly 33,000 IAM members at factories in Washington, Oregon an...
Employees with Boeing South Carolina aren't members of the International Association of Machinists, but they're seeing more in their paychecks due to concessions the aerospace giant made to get the union's West Coast workers off the picket line and back on the production line.
Now, the IAM is using those indirect benefits as a way to recruit workers at Boeing's 787 Dreamliner campus and other North Charleston sites.
Roughly 33,000 IAM members at factories in Washington, Oregon and California last month ended a seven-week strike after Boeing agreed to bump their wages by 38 percent over a four-year period, provide a bonus, increase retirement fund contributions and other perks.
The union says Boeing also gave its South Carolina workers a 9 percent standard wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus, even though they weren't included in the new labor pact.
The IAM thinks that pay and bonus package could be a tipping point in its long-running campaign to get Boeing workers in the Lowcountry to join the ranks of organized labor.
"IAM Boeing workers will help make the case to Boeing South Carolina workers on how we helped raise their wages and benefits at Boeing and the entire industry," Brian Bryant, the union's president, said in a written statement. "We look forward to the conversations on the ground in Charleston about how the IAM can make their workplace stronger."
Boeing would not confirm details of compensation given to its South Carolina workers.
“We continually invest in great pay and benefits for our Boeing South Carolina teammates and their families, in addition to the significant financial investment we recently announced for our site," said a company spokesperson, referring to last week's announcement of $1 billion in expansions and upgrades at the North Charleston facilities.
"All of this helps us attract and retain the best team for the long haul as we steadily increase 787 production," the spokesperson said.
Jon Holden, the president of IAM District 751, which covers workers in Washington state, said Boeing workers in South Carolina "deserve the same opportunity to improve their lives" as union membership has brought to their counterparts on the West Coast.
“Imagine the powerful changes we can achieve together: strengthening our work lives, ensuring fair treatment and making Boeing successful by upholding the highest quality and safety standards," Holden said in a statement. Joining the IAM union means joining a united voice that fights for a better future for everyone."
Boeing isn't taking the IAM's recruiting efforts lightly. The company has held voluntary "education sessions" for workers to learn about the legal and privacy implications of joining a union. Boeing said those meetings are in response to questions some employees have expressed about recent organizing activity at the Dreamliner plant off International Boulevard.
The IAM also set up a website aimed at Boeing South Carolina workers, promising better wages and benefits and more job consistency and security. It includes a link where employees can sign a card expressing interest in a union vote.
The union has been trying to recruit those workers for nearly a decade. An initial campaign that started in 2015 finished two years later with an election in which nearly three-fourths of Boeing South Carolina employees rejected IAM representation.
"During the two years leading up to the vote, management spent millions of dollars on their anti-union effort," the website states. "This made it impossible for us to have an election free from intimidation and harassment."
Boeing has denied charges of intimidation and harassment leading up to the 2017 vote.
A smaller group of flight line workers voted to join the IAM in 2018, but the National Labor Relations Board voided the election because the employees weren't considered a distinct group from those who had previously turned down the union.
South Carolina has not been friendly to organized labor. The right-to-work state has the lowest percentage of union members in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But attitudes toward unions might be changing. The International Longshoremen's Association, which represents dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas, including the Port of Charleston, recently negotiated a 61.5 percent pay raise over a five-year period for its members. And a Gallup poll shows nationwide support for organized labor tops 70 percent, up from 53 percent a decade ago.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2024 — In a recent victory for workers, 33,000 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 and W24 members working at Boeing in Washington state, Oregon, and California recently ratified an industry-leading contract. The agreement, reached after a nearly two-month strike, not only secures historic wage and benefit gains for IAM members but has also set a new benchmark for aerospace workers nationwide, including non-union workers.In Boeing South Carolina, ...
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2024 — In a recent victory for workers, 33,000 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 and W24 members working at Boeing in Washington state, Oregon, and California recently ratified an industry-leading contract. The agreement, reached after a nearly two-month strike, not only secures historic wage and benefit gains for IAM members but has also set a new benchmark for aerospace workers nationwide, including non-union workers.
In Boeing South Carolina, non-union employees have benefitted from this ratified agreement by receiving a 9% standard wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus. This recent pay increase and retention bonus payout demonstrates how union contracts are a rising tide that uplifts all workers in an industry, whether unionized or not.
“This agreement is more than a contract—it’s a statement about the value of labor and the role unions play in securing economic fairness for all aerospace workers,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our members fought courageously for what they deserve, and this victory proves the power of collective bargaining. IAM Boeing workers will help make the case to Boeing South Carolina workers on how we helped raise their wages and benefits at Boeing and the entire industry. We look forward to the conversations on the ground in Charleston about how the IAM can make their workplace stronger. ”
The ratified contract IAM Union District 751 and W24 members secured helped deliver a 43.65% compounded wage increase—38% before compounding—over its four-year term and a $12,000 ratification bonus. The deal also included significant improvements, such as enhanced retirement security and increased paid leave, while protecting healthcare benefits.
Highlights of the contract include:
Further details of the negotiated resolution can be found at iam751.org/2024StrikeProposal.
“Workers at other Boeing facilities deserve the same opportunity to improve their lives that the IAM Union has brought us,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “Imagine the powerful changes we can achieve together: strengthening our work lives, ensuring fair treatment, and making Boeing successful by upholding the highest quality and safety standards. Joining the IAM Union means joining a united voice that fights for a better future for everyone. A future where every Boeing worker is treated with dignity and respect.”
The strike and eventual agreement received international attention, underscoring IAM Union members’ critical role in the aerospace industry. The groundbreaking contract is expected to have lasting positive effects not only on Boeing workers but on the entire aerospace industry, union and non-union alike.
The IAM International is looking to make inroads at Boeing's non-union South Carolina factories after a contract win on the West Coast.Credit: KINGCHARLESTON, S.C. — The union representing West Coast Boeing machinists is looking to make inroads at the company's non-unionized factories following an "industry-leading" contract agreeme...
The IAM International is looking to make inroads at Boeing's non-union South Carolina factories after a contract win on the West Coast.
Credit: KING
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The union representing West Coast Boeing machinists is looking to make inroads at the company's non-unionized factories following an "industry-leading" contract agreement for workers in Washington, Oregon and California.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) released a statement Friday linking a wage increase for non-union workers at the company's South Carolina factories to the two-month-long strike and subsequent contract agreement with IAM District 751 workers.
Charleston Boeing employees received a 9% wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus - although an IAM press release did not specify when. The union claims that the pay boost is a ripple effect of the bargaining that took place across the country.
IAM International President Brian Bryant said representatives plan to speak with non-union workers in South Carolina about how unionizing could benefit them.
"Our members fought courageously for what they deserve, and this victory proves the power of collective bargaining," Bryant said. "IAM Boeing workers will help make the case to Boeing South Carolina workers on how we helped raise their wages and benefits at Boeing and the entire industry. We look forward to conversations on the ground in Charleston about how the IAM can make their workplace stronger."
In a statement, a Boeing spokesperson touted investments made in the region, as well as employee compensation.
“We continually invest in great pay and benefits for our employees and their families, in addition to the significant financial investments we continue to make here in the Puget Sound region," the spokesperson said. "All of this helps us attract and retain the best team for the long-haul as we steadily increase airplane production.”
The contract secured by the IAM District 751 for more than 33,000 machinists on the West Coast included a 43% compounded wage increase, improved 401k matching funds, improved healthcare and disability options, improved overtime rules and job-security provisions, among other improvements.
IAM said the "groundbreaking contract" is expected to have lasting positive effects on the entire aerospace industry, union and non-union alike.
Overall, the IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members of the aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transit, healthcare and automotive industries.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
