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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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.
Sammy Esposito PB SC Director of ScoutingWest Ashley High School PreviewPROGRAM INFORMATIONHIGH SCHOOL NAME West Ashley High SchoolMASCOT WildcatsCLASSIFICATION 5AREGION Region 8HEAD COACH Brian WillisTWITTER West Ashley Baseball (@WAHS_Baseball)INSTAGRAM westashleybaseballHOME FIELD: Wildcat Park 4060...
Sammy Esposito PB SC Director of Scouting
HIGH SCHOOL NAME West Ashley High School
MASCOT Wildcats
CLASSIFICATION 5A
REGION Region 8
HEAD COACH Brian Willis
TWITTER West Ashley Baseball (@WAHS_Baseball)
INSTAGRAM westashleybaseball
HOME FIELD: Wildcat Park 4060 W Wildcat Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
PROGRAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
2014 AAAA Region VII Champs 2024 AAAAA District 5 Champions
PRESEASON EVENT:
2/12/25 Vs. Lowcountry Leadership Charter (Home) 2/18/25 Vs. Bishop England (Home)
SPRING BREAK:
Hanahan Invitational Tournament (April 14-17, 2025/ HOME)
STARTERS RETURNING: 2
RETURNING PITCHERS: 1
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Expected Team Strength - We believe that our defense will be the strength of our team. Although we are young, we have worked very hard at making routine plays around the diamond. Our team has bought in to doing the little things at the plate and we hope to limit strikeouts and do as much as we can in creating chaos on the offensive side.
QUOTE FROM THE COACH:
After losing 8 starters and other key players from last year's District 5 champions, we look forward to the growth of returning role players and younger athletes. They have worked extremely hard in the offseason and are excited about their opportunity to compete in a very tough league.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kevin Elias, SS, 2025, Uncommitted, Kevin is our unquestioned leader and is ready to make a big leap this year as our starting SS and leadoff guy. He has elevated his already solid defensive skills and has shown incredible growth at the plate this offseason. One of our two returning starters.
Kory Brame, INF/P, 2026, Uncommitted, Kory is expected to lead us on the mound and handles the bat extremely well at the top of the lineup and makes consistent contact while having a great feel for the game.
Tyler Burnette, CF, 2025, Uncommitted. One of two returning starters. Tyler will be manning CF for us this spring and hit in the top of our lineup. He handles the bat very well and is consistent at putting the ball in play. He is our lone returning outfielder, switching from LF to CF.
Brooks Mullinax, C/OF, 2027, Uncommitted. Brooks will step into a tough role as our starting catcher. He provides great athleticism behind the dish. Additionally, he is one of our fastest guys on the team and we expect for him to make great strides at the plate from a year ago. We look forward to his growth and maturity over the next few years and we see him having a bright future.
Tyler Morey, INF, P, 2028, Uncommitted. Tyler has tremendous upside and has worked extremely hard in the weight room. We will look for him to move around between 1B and 3B defensively and be a major piece in the middle of our lineup. Tyler has big upside at the plate and makes loud contact.
Listen to this articleFoot traffic is just as important as vehicle traffic in a city as populated and beautiful as Charleston.In efforts to increase accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in the region, the City of Charleston broke ground on construction for Ashley River Crossing.“The connection between parts of the city and tying everything together is critical,” Mayor William Cogswell said during a gro...
Listen to this article
Foot traffic is just as important as vehicle traffic in a city as populated and beautiful as Charleston.
In efforts to increase accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in the region, the City of Charleston broke ground on construction for Ashley River Crossing.
“The connection between parts of the city and tying everything together is critical,” Mayor William Cogswell said during a groundbreaking event Wednesday at the site of construction. “This bridge is going to be not only a physical connection between West Ashley and the peninsula, but a symbolic connection that I think is long overdue.”
What once started as a $6 million project, the $74 million Ashley River Crossing will connect West Ashley and downtown Charleston, Michael Seekings, a councilmember for Charleston City Council, said.
The bicycle and pedestrian bridge will connect not only the two regions, but create a connection between West Ashley Greenway, Brittlebank Park and the Ashley River Walk.
Seekings said Ashley River Crossing was a passion of his when originally running for election for the council.
After 15 years, the project has begun construction.
“To me, this really is the most important transportation mobility infrastructure project that’s been undertaken in my time as a city council member, and probably longer,” Seekings said.
Ashley River Crossing is expected to be completed in June 2027. Seekings said people will be able to see the progress from the Ashley River Bridge, but it will not interrupt traffic.
Related: Charleston County marks historic year with $1.28B of capital investment
Related: MUSC to break ground on $175M downtown Charleston facility
LS3P and SeamonWhiteside will serve as the architects for the project. The general contractor is MasTec Civil with COWI Engineering, JMT, TranSystems and ESP as the engineers. HDR Engineering is the project manager.
“Mayor, there is only one day that’s better than the day you break ground, and that’s the day you cut the ribbon,” Ron Mitchum, executive director of Berkley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government, said. “I look forward to coming back with you so we can start to watch people start to enjoy what I know is going to be a beautiful first-class facility.”
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A Lowcountry couple faces thousands of dollars in repairs after they say water in diesel fuel purchased in West Ashley damaged their vehicle.Adrienne Lett and her partner Uriel Salazar contacted the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to request diesel fuel be tested after they filled up their 2023 GMC Truck at the Circle K on Ashley River Road on New Year’s Eve. Lett said they were able to make the short drive home, but the next morning was another story.“We tried to drive the c...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A Lowcountry couple faces thousands of dollars in repairs after they say water in diesel fuel purchased in West Ashley damaged their vehicle.
Adrienne Lett and her partner Uriel Salazar contacted the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to request diesel fuel be tested after they filled up their 2023 GMC Truck at the Circle K on Ashley River Road on New Year’s Eve. Lett said they were able to make the short drive home, but the next morning was another story.
“We tried to drive the car. I guess we tried to drive the truck out of our driveway and it stalled almost immediately. It completely stopped working,” Lett said.
Salazar’s truck started to make an erratic rattling noise and he got a notification saying water was detected in the gas tank.
“That’s when I started freaking out because I have this $100,000 asset that I’ve been taking like pristine care of over the last two years and to have it just not work anymore. It was very frustrating,” Salazar said.
The SCDA’s report listed traces of water and sediment in the fuel. While waiting for the results, they both continued to contact Circle K for answers, but say they haven’t received much in return.
“For us, we’re lucky we have multiple cars, but if this was one family truck and you relied on it for work and now you’re out of work for over a week, that’s very frustrating for a lot of families,” Salazar said.
Since the SCDA report came back, the diesel pumps now have zip ties and red tags saying they’re not for use.
“Ultimately, we shouldn’t have to pay for this,” Lett said. “This is it’s not our fault as this is the gas station’s fault and they should have coverage for this and whatnot and it shouldn’t be on us.”
Lett and Salazar both said they want to spread this news because they’re now starting to wonder how many people have had this problem.
Circle K did not respond to a request for comment.
Anyone who thinks they have purchased contaminated should contact SCDA at 803-737-9700, the number listed on the SCDA inspection sticker attached to the pump, the agency’s website states. The receipt from the purchase or the type, grade, date and pump number will help investigators trace potential issues with the gasoline.
“Consumer Services, a division of SCDA, investigates complaints on motor fuel quality and/or quantity issues,” the website states. “Customers can assist in this process by contacting SCDA as soon as possible after the purchase so that we may dispatch an inspector to visually inspect and collect a sample for lab analysis while the product is still available.”
The SCDA can provide a copy of the lab analysis that consumers can use to support their claims.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A Charleston insurer marking its 100th anniversary has been ordered to stop issuing new policies in South Carolina after regulators determined its financial condition to be "hazardous" under a directive that is now on hold.Atlantic Coast Life, which is headquartered in West Ashley and once owned the iconic downtown building that now houses the Wentworth Mansion, had been operating under confidential state supervision since last spring, along with the affiliated Southern Atlantic Re Inc.The S.C. Department of Insurance...
A Charleston insurer marking its 100th anniversary has been ordered to stop issuing new policies in South Carolina after regulators determined its financial condition to be "hazardous" under a directive that is now on hold.
Atlantic Coast Life, which is headquartered in West Ashley and once owned the iconic downtown building that now houses the Wentworth Mansion, had been operating under confidential state supervision since last spring, along with the affiliated Southern Atlantic Re Inc.
The S.C. Department of Insurance recently released details of its investigation into the companies "as part of our ongoing efforts to protect the consumers of South Carolina,” said Michael Wise, the agency's director.
“We will continue to work with our fellow state regulators to ensure companies conducting insurance business are adequately funded in compliance with the law,” Wise added in a written statement.
The public disclosure drew a sharp rebuke from Advantage Capital, the owner of the two insurers.
“While we remain committed to working with our regulatory counterparts, we completely disagree with South Carolina’s assertions and their sudden decision to breach confidentiality," a spokesman for New York-based A-Cap said in a written statement.
The state last month directed Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic to stop writing new business, including life insurance policies and income-producing annuities. The order was put on hold Dec. 30, a day before it was to take effect.
The South Carolina crackdown follows nearly identical actions that Utah announced last year against three other carriers that A-Cap owns. The two states have been working together on a "full examination" since last January.
Regulators are concerned that A-Cap has heavily invested money from policyholders into businesses under its control, raising potential conflicts of interest.
South Carolina flagged to a credit-rating report issued in February that questioned the company's risk-management practices. The analysis from A.M. Best pointed to the "uncertainty of the quality of assets" backing the capital reserves for A-Cap's insurance operations, including Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic.
The state put the carriers and their owner under confidential supervision April 10. It cited their close financial ties to a Miami private equity firm called 777 Partners with "extensive" interests in airlines and sports teams, as well as insurance businesses.
The department then disallowed more than $660 million in investments Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic provided to help measure their financial strength and ability to pay claims. It also determined the two insurers were severely undercapitalized once the numbers were recalibrated.
A-Cap said it stands behind the financial information it has submitted. Atlantic Coast Life and Southern Atlantic "will continue to be strong," it added.
"South Carolina’s conclusions are incorrect based on an apparent misinterpretation of their own statute. ... We look forward to correcting the errors in South Carolina’s position on this matter," the spokesman said in the prepared remarks.
A-Cap bought Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. in 2015 from the family that co-founded the business in Charleston 90 years earlier.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to show the S.C. Department of Insurance's order was put on hold effective Dec. 30.
Published: Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A long-awaited project that would make the City of Charleston more accessible and connected for pedestrians, cyclists and other nonmotorized users will finally become a reality Wednesday.The Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge project has been in the works for almost 15 years now and after undergoing several changes and design revisions, the plan is complete, so the project will begin Wednesday afternoon. Leaders for the City of Charleston will break ground an...
Published: Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A long-awaited project that would make the City of Charleston more accessible and connected for pedestrians, cyclists and other nonmotorized users will finally become a reality Wednesday.
The Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge project has been in the works for almost 15 years now and after undergoing several changes and design revisions, the plan is complete, so the project will begin Wednesday afternoon. Leaders for the City of Charleston will break ground and begin construction on this massive project.
This bridge will connect West Ashley to downtown Charleston.
Project leaders plan to start construction on the West Ashley side and build across to the downtown side, connecting to Brittlebank Park, Bee Street and Lockwood Drive and then eventually tying into the City Marina.
Chief Policy Officer for the City of Charleston Logan McVey said that they plan to connect many projects within this one including the Ashley River Walk and the Battery extension with one goal in mind: making the City of Charleston one, connected city.
“That’s what’ll be really important is the idea of the City working together and us viewing the City not as different places - as West Ashley versus Downtown or Downtown versus West Ashley - but as one city that is connected with just a little bit of water in between,” McVey said.
In theory, once this project is complete, it would be possible to bike or walk all the way from outer West Ashley to the Isle of Palms.
The vision is that pedestrians and cyclists could take the West Ashley Greenway to the Ashley River Crossing then ride around the peninsula using the Battery extension to ultimately hop on the Ravenel Bridge. It is all about connectivity within the city, which is something leaders have been really trying to prioritize.
This project originally began under the city’s former leadership, but City Council approved the suggestions Mayor Cogswell made to the project and it will now also include a viewing platform of the Ashley River.
The project in total will cost about $90 million, which will mostly come from federal funding.
As it is such a big project, McVey said that city leaders wanted to make sure they were making the best use of this money. He said they decided to be intentional in connecting this with several other pedestrian and mobility projects in the area.
“The idea is that you’ve got something that is going to be a pretty big investment… how can the city connect that investment to other investments we are making? That’s the battery extension, that’s the Lowline, that’s all of the bike and pedestrian improvements that we are making downtown. How do all of these tie together to create a system that allows people to get around without getting into a car, takes pressure off our roads, but also makes us a healthier, better, more connected city,” McVey said.
City leaders will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the beginning of construction for this project Boulevard from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The groundbreaking will take place at the construction site on the West Ashley side located at 25 Folly Road Blvd.
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