hCG Diet
A controversial diet that calls for hormone injections.
BACKGROUND
A potential diet supplement administered through injections, the hCG Diet is a very controversial weight loss method. hCG stands for the hormone Human Choriogonadotropin, which is the same hormone that is produced by women in their early stages of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the surge of this hormone signals the hypothalamus in the brain to start moving nutrients and fat into the placenta. When used as part of a weight loss program, it is the fat-mobilization aspects of the hormone that has garnered attention for its seeming ability to help facilitate weight loss.
Even though the FDA has approved hCG shots for fertility reasons, there is no scientific evidence that shows the hCG Diet can significantly promote weight loss. Although it is used in conjunction with a very low calorie diet, any weight loss that occurs is likely to be due to the reduced caloric intake rather than the hCG shots themselves.
Many side effects have been shown in those who take hCG shots for weight loss. Blood clots, depression, headaches and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women have all been cited as common, and even deadly, side effects associated with hCG use.
Typically, the hCG Diet lasts for three weeks and is monitored by a health professional.
PRO
- May promote weight loss when used in combination with a reduced calorie diet
CON
- Not considered safe
- Weight loss is more likely to due to extremely restricted caloric intake rather than injections
- Weight loss is temporary
- Side effects can be very serious
INGREDIENTS
hCG injections contain the hormone Human Choriogonadotropin.
ADMINISTRATION
An injection of 125 iu of hCG is administered daily.
DIET and EXERCISE
Those who use hCG injections to lose weight must also follow a very strict diet that amounts to no more than 500 calories a day.
For the first two days of the injection you are allowed to eat excessively. Following the third injection, you must adhere to the 500-calorie diet until 72 hours following the last injection given. Sugars, very sweet fruits, processed foods and heavy starches are not allowed.
An hCG Diet protocol outlined by advocate Dr. A.T.W. Simeons looks like this:
- Breakfast: Coffee or tea with artificial sweetener and one tablespoon of milk. Lunch is 100 grams of lean meat, poultry or fish in addition to one low-glycemic vegetable like spinach, celery, cucumbers or cabbage. One Melba toast and one fruit like half of a grapefruit or an apple is also allowed.
- Dinner is the same as lunch.
In addition, shots of apple cider vinegar can be taken as a daily supplement. Products and make-up that contain any fatty substances like mineral oil or almond oil cannot be used.
Websites dedicated to promoting the hCG Diet contain recipes and additional protocol information and tips.
CONCLUSION
The hCG Diet is highly regimented and a very controversial weight loss program that involves the administration of hormone injections coupled with a very low-calorie diet. Popular amongst steroid users and those daring and desperate to lose weight quickly, the hCG Diet is not a weight loss program that is readily endorsed by health and medical professionals for its obvious flaws and real risks for dangerous side effects.
Common Misspellings
HCG, hgc diet, hormone diet, pregnancy hormone diet, hcg injection diet, Human Choriogonadotropin diet
Related Diets: Calorie Restriction Diet , The Pregnancy Diet, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet
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I did the HCG injections through my doctor a couple of years ago. The shot was only once a week and the the calories was 1200 or less a day. No where near as drastic as what I've been reading. It worked great, no side affects to date. I lost 50lbs in less than 6 months. It was SOOOO EASY!! I kept it off for about 2 yrs. I have regained it all, but it is completely my own fault. I am quite ashamed of myself, considering how dedicated I was and how much $$ I spent. It is definitely a lifestyle change that keeps it off. I am really wanting to try the drops because I hate needles, but am not sure about them. Any advice would be great!
Wondering, if you only have say 10-lbs, if you recommend still the 500-caloric input, or will the drops still work, if only slight diet?
so far all the good reviews out weigh the bad so i have purchased the hcg homeopathic drops i will start tomorrow phase one me and i talked my husband in to it i only need to lose 20lbs im very excited i do have anxiety attacts so i have never been on a diet where i take pills this is the first diet where im actually using something im more concerned about jitters but i was reasured there are no jitters and promised my money back if anyone is starting the program like me i would love to chat and support you please email me
I lost 40 lbs in 25 days it is awesome if you stick to the protocol.
This diet is awesome! Day 14 and 13 lbls lighter. No side affects, no hunger. It works great for those who are looking to lose 20-30 lbs and KEEP IT OFF! This diet works, which is why the criticism by other diet companies, and others who are losing $$ because this one succeeds!
Candy, like with anything, you have to be consistent. You can't go on and off the diet like that. Committ to the 23 days and see what happens. You might just find that you receive differnet results.
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Candy, like with anything, you have to be consistent. You can't go on and off the diet like that. Committ to the 23 days and see what happens. You might just find that you receive differnet results.
This is day 5 of the diet for me. As of this morning I have lost 4 pounds. I did LA Weight loss about 4 years ago and lost 30 pounds over 4 months. I was hungry and grumpy ALL the time. With the HCG I may get a little hungry sometimes, but never so bad I feel the need to cheat. I am also amazed that I have not gotten grumpy! I am very happy so far with HCG! This diet is not for everyone and make sure to go through a physician to make sure you are a good candidate.
I have been on hcg for 21 days and have lost 22lb. The diet is tough. Why? Because those of us who are overweight got that way by eating what we want, when we want. This diet makes us think about absolutely everything we do. I get hungry. I eat only what is on the list, and drink lots of fresh lemonade. I am happy so far. It's not for everyone, but it is working for me. Good luck to everyone who is doing it.
It worked just fine for me. I lost 20 pounds in a month with no hunger, problems. I used the time to detox (didn't follow the diet strictly, used UltraInflamx from Metagenics instead of food)
I just hate mentioning this to anyone because they think using hcg is nuts. You're not helping. But whatever floats your boat.
I am on day 14 and i have lost 22 =)
flippyc
>>> PC "I gotta tell you . . . when my girlfriend 1st told me about this diet I thought it was too good to be true & she was basically full of you know what. But after seeing how effectively it worked on not only her but others that we both new, I was determined to give it a try. She used the injections - but as I was just coming off of Coumadin shots in my stomach, I wasn't real down w/shots again. I found a site that sells "drops". She said they had talked to a girl that used the drops & had nothing good to say about them. "I" however, decided to give them a try, mainly f/the cost. ... etc." <<<
What site did you find your drops on?
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I have used and been supervising this diet for over a year and a half and have NEVER had anyone suffer any side effects except the need to reprogram their dietary habits. I agree with the writer who stated he got off his coumadin and blood pressure medications as a result of losing the dangerous excessive weight. I have lost 35 pounds and kept it off for 2 yrs so I will have to say it is a winner. It isn't forever and there is life after the 42 day regimine.
This is easy if you are able to follow a strict diet... A good mental exercise for sure. But! HEY. I did not get fat taking good care of myself...My hands put the wrong foods into my mouth. I feel great after one week...lost 6.5 # so far..
I have used HCG a few times, years ago to take off those last few pounds and recently to lose a large sum of weight. So far, I have lost and kept off over 40 pounds. The diet is hard, but well worth it. I have used the injections and the oral drops (I prefer the injections). Side note, it you plan to do the injections at home and not going through a doctor's office, once mixed, HCG loses its effectiveness within a few weeks. It is a pain it the butt to obtain HCG if you use an international pharmacy, but you save some much money if you do.
Hcg is a great product. I found i like the oral hcg diet drops better. i researched and found
I gotta tell you . . . when my girlfriend 1st told me about this diet I thought it was too good to be true & she was basically full of you know what. But after seeing how effectively it worked on not only her but others that we both new, I was determined to give it a try. She used the injections - but as I was just coming off of Coumadin shots in my stomach, I wasn't real down w/shots again. I found a site that sells "drops". She said they had talked to a girl that used the drops & had nothing good to say about them. "I" however, decided to give them a try, mainly f/the cost.
BOY . . . can I tell you that this diet is the GREATEST thing that has EVER hit the internet. I followed Dr. Simeon's diet & lost a wopping 32 lbs the 1st time. Although I had no trouble keeping it off, I decided that I wanted to lose a bit more. I did the diet again about 3 months later. I did NOT want to lose that much again, so I DID cheat a bit, but I still lost the 20 pounds that I wanted to. I have also found that you DON'T have to do that "steak day". I just watch what I eat f/the next couple of days & the unwanted couple of pounds come right back off.
Yea, the daily caloric intake sounds a bit drastic . . . but hey, it's only f/3 weeks & the results are awesome.
Now that I've lost the weight I wanted to, I am TOTALLY off of not only the Coumadin, but Blood Pressure medication as well & I couldn't feel better.
The site I found the drops on sells them f/only $29 DELIVERED & you only use about 1/2 of the bottle - so needless to say, I had enough to do the diet again w/o further expense.
I can't say enough about this diet & the new size clothes? YeeHaw ! ! !
i have not yet tried this. I am waiting to start it on 01/01/10! Im super excited, only have 30 to loose. My dad and step mom both did 1 round of it and got great results. And have kept it off. Neither had side effects or problems. Im a little nervous about the injections, but again ive been told after the first one, they arent that bad. I hope it all works well, ive been overweight my whole life no matter what I try, my metabolism is so low and i just platue at 180 no matter what. This will be the last thing i try to get my metabolism to work. As well as my menstral cycle and fertility!
HCG works! I lost 60 lbs in less than 4 months and kept it off for a year. However, I gained 10 lbs back recently. I'm going on a 21-day round to get my went down a little further while I'm at it....to the 115 lbs level, which is good for my height of 5 ft. 3. The only thing I will say is you have to use your own 'game plan' in terms of maintenance plan. However, HCG worked when nothing else did for me. I had a choice to be heavy or not be heavy and my whole quality of life changed---thanks to HCG!
Note: I am a vegetarian and lost with little to no exercise.
HCG works! I lost 60 lbs in less than 4 months and kept it off for a year. However, I gained 10 lbs back recently. I'm going on a 21-day round to get my went down a little further while I'm at it....to the 115 lbs level, which is good for my height of 5 ft. 3. The only thing I will say is you have to use your own 'game plan' in terms of maintenance plan. However, HCG worked when nothing else did for me. I had a choice to be heavy or not be heavy and my whole quality of life changed---thanks to HCG.
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