A Simple Introduction to the HCG Diet
The use of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for weight loss, was originally created by Dr. Simeons, a renowned endocrinologist. His research was intended to find a solution for those who suffered from the health challenges and risks of obesity.
Today however, it has been grossly misinterpreted and manipulated: sometimes for the better good, sometimes not.
The truth is, hCG has not had significant research to prove what the effects are on weight, since Dr. Simeons himself. There are however, a number of doctors and scientists who have intriguing theories on how the hormone works. There are also the millions of individuals who have successfully lost inspiring amounts of weight- a factor that continues to drive the use of hCG successfully.
How does it work? The Protocol
The original protocol had patients following a very rigid VLCD (very low calorie diet) food list, and in most cases, sticking to 500 calories. Today, it is more common for doctors to prescribe 800–1800 calories, and a more flexible food allowance.
The Hcg Diet is, and should always be, prescribed and supervised by a licensed medical doctor in the USA.
A original protocol included the following daily menu:
Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevia may be used.Lunch:
100 grams of protein, including veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird [prior to cooking.]
One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage. [See the extended Hcg Diet Foods Lists.]
One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner:
The same four choices as lunch (shown above.)
Courtesy of: Hcg Diet Info: Protocol Summary.
The Use of HCG Hormone on the Protocol
This protocol includes a daily injection of hCG hormone with a dosage that differs per person, according to the prescribing doctor overseeing their Hcg weight loss protocol.
It is important to note that “hcg diet drops” and other forms of hCG have been proven to NOT enter the blood stream as injections do. There are those however, who follow the homeopathic arts, and opt for that approach to the diet using homeopathic Hcg drops. These are NOT to be confused with “hormone free” diet drops. You can see examples of this here.
The Hcg Diet Phases
The modern version of the diet has been divided into 4 phases.
Phase 1: Loading. This phase includes 2 to 3 days of eating anything the patient wants.
Phase 2: Weight Loss. This phase lasts approximately 3 to 4 weeks; again, determined by the prescribing physician. The average is 26 days. During this time, the patient follows the allowed food list, and may exercise based on their doctor’s protocol: for example, if the patient will be continuing with an active lifestyle and workout routine, more calories are permitted and the duration of P2 may be shorter than others.
Phase 3: Stabilize. During this phase, the patient ideally sticks to the initial allowed foods, but increases calories by eating more. Additional, healthy foods, are introduced one at a time and slowly, to identify food sensitivities and avoid reversing weight loss.
Phase 4: Longterm Maintenance. While this is technically no longer a part of the Hcg Diet, many practitioners include it because a well planned healthy lifestyle can help to avoid weight gain and lead to longterm healthy living.
The Risks
When followed under the supervision of a doctor, using genuine hCG hormone from the USA (avoiding unsafe and illegal counterfeits from overseas) there are little to no risks noted. The amount of hormone injected, is significantly minute in comparison to what is safely used for fertility treatments. It is also a naturally occurring pro-hormone in both men and women. In other words, it does not introduce a foreign chemical into the body.
The risks noted are regarding the VLCD of 500 calories. In today’s version of the protocol however, only individuals with extreme obesity related health issues are prescribed this. Instead, most patients are successful with a higher, and more nutritionally dense calorie allowance.
If misused, there are significant risks involved, which you can read about here: Hcg hormone on Drugs.com.
The Results
Based on research surveys from the official Hcg Diet Info, the average weight loss for 1 month is approximately 19 pounds. The most weight lost is by seriously overweight men. It is also worth noting that larger weight loss reports are by those who are severely overweight. For example, someone who is 300 lbs typically loses fat at a significantly faster rate than than someone who weighs only 140 pounds.
It is important to note that results do vary and that again, the purpose of using this approach, is intended to help those who are suffering or at high risk for health issues caused by obesity.
Before starting this, or any other weight loss program, seek the services of a well-informed and experienced medical doctor who is familiar with the protocol and can guide you in reaching your goals.