What
is the hCG Diet?
The hCG weight loss protocol consists of a very low calorie diet (VLCD), accompanied by treatments of hCG, usually
injected or applied topically. The average hCG dieter experiences
rapid weight loss averaging around 1 to 2 pounds per day. In
addition to loss of unwanted fat, the true benefit of the hCG protocol
is its ability to help modify the dieter's relationship with food and
eating, resulting in easily maintained, long-term weight loss.
Dr. A.T.W. Simeons' (the physician who developed the hCG weight loss
protocol) research suggests a small, daily amount of hCG (approx. 125 IU
to 200 IU), results in an average weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs a day when
accompanied by a VLCD (very low calorie diet).
What is hCG and how does it result in rapid weight loss?
hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone present in both
men and women, but which is produced in great amounts in pregnant
women. During pregnancy, the substance almost completely
controls the woman's metabolic functions. In non-pregnant persons,
research suggests hCG similarly increases the metabolism similar to a
pregnant female. Thousands of calories in stored fat are released,
and are used by the body for energy or eliminated through the bowels. To keep the
fat cells from immediately taking in more fat, a very low calorie diet is
necessary and personal care products, such as lotions, are prohibited.
Care products made from coconut oil or mineral oil are allowed, however.
How
much weight will I lose with the hCG diet?
Most hCG dieters report a loss of 1 to 2 lbs a day. At the very
least, 1/2 pound a day, and at the most, 3 + lbs a day. Factors that guarantee faster
weight loss include adding/increasing vegetable intake and mixing salads
with each meal. Fiber intake is extremely important, as is water
intake
Is it healthy to lose 1 to 2 pounds a day with hCG?
hCG weight loss studies have shown that weight lost following the
Simeons' protocol comes directly from adipose (fat) tissue rather than
from lean
muscle. In other words, the hCG allows the loss of fat tissue and
prevents the body from losing the much needed muscle tissue and the
stored vitamins or minerals
essential to maintaining good health. For this reason, hCG dieters report a feeling and
appearance of great health and marvel at the loss of negative health
risks they had as an overweight individual.
Why the low calorie diet - VLCD (very low calorie diet )?
The hCG diet
causes your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the fat storage
locations so that it’s available for use. While you are only
consuming between 500 to 1000 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the
fat stored in your body. Each pound of stored fat releases
approximately 3500 calories. These calories are readily converted
to energy...the reason
hCG dieters lose 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more, per day.
What
preparations are required for hCG diet?
Prior to treatment, your physician will usually request blood tests and
perform a general health assessment. The hCG diet requires a
great deal of
stick-to-itiveness
. It's effectiveness relies on your willingness to stay
committed to the protocol.
Is
hCG safe for men?
The hCG used for the hCG weight loss protocol is actually already found
in men. In fact, it is present in every human tissue, including
males and non-pregnant women as well as pregnant.
Will
I be hungry eating only 500 to 1000 calories a day?
It is common to experience mild hunger during the first few days into
the second week, however this will pass and by the 2nd week, you will
find even very tiny servings, to be completely satisfying. This is
partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic rate, but
largely due to the amount of calories circulating in your system from
the fat being released. Recall
that there are around 3500 calories per pound of body fat. It is common
that hCG dieters feel as though they are stuffing themselves in order to
reach that 500 to 1000 calorie limit!
Who is a right candidate for hCG Diet?
The majority of men and women can use hCG for weight loss. The
physician will NOT permit hCG weight loss for women who are
pregnant or nursing.
How about safety and side effects of hCG Diet?
There are rarely side effects reported while using hCG diet shots or
cream for weight loss. When the hCG is used for fertility reasons
in much higher amounts, the larger amount is known to cause occasional
headaches, and pregnancy symptoms. However, the amount differences
between the hCG diet protocol and hCG used for fertility purposes is
significantly different in quantity.
The diet itself often results in low-grade headaches,
constipation, and various other mild symptoms.
These symptoms are a natural side effect of a diet low in
calories and will pass around the 2nd week.
Many of the symptoms are the result of the body in a state of
detoxification, caused by the breakdown of fat in the body.
Will I gain the weight back after the hCG diet?
After the hCG diet, you will find your appetite has changed, your eating
behavior will be changed and your body will of course, have changed.
This is the perfect opportunity to adopt that healthy lifestyle
to maintain your weight.
You will find a minimum amount of exercise will be sufficient for
maintaining a very healthy body; from yoga, to 30 minutes of cardio a
day, or whatever you enjoy, that gets your muscles and heart moving.
With your hypothalamus reset, your metabolism will be different
and you will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need to
overeat.
