hCG Diet
A controversial diet that calls for hormone injections.
QUICK FACTS
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- Established: 1950s
- Founder: Dr. A.T.W. Simeons
- Accessibility: Injections and drops
- Diet Type: Extremely low calorie along with hCG drops or injections
- Gender: Male and female
- Celebrity Endorsements: Snookie (Jersey Shore), Jenni Farley, Britney Spears
BACKGROUND
See our interview: hCG Diet Reviewed by FullBar's Dr. Michael Snyder
A potential diet supplement administered through injections or oral drops, 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 or drops 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. HCG drops avoid the inconveniences of a daily injection, but no clinical studies have been conducted to determine if hCG drops have any change in side effects.
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 or drops
- Weight loss is temporary
- Side effects can be very serious. According to the Mayo Clinic, side affects associated with hCG include fatigue, irritability, headache and male breast enlargement.
INGREDIENTS
hCG injections and drops contain the hormone Human Choriogonadotropin.
ADMINISTRATION
An injection of 125 iu of hCG is administered daily or a daily dose of oral drops.
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 either hormone injections or oral drops 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
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Related Diets: Calorie Restriction Diet , The Pregnancy Diet, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet, hCG Ultra Diet Drops, Your HCG, HCG Diet Made Simple, HCG Easy Gourmet Diet Cookbook, HCG Guide, HCG Safe Start Method
User Feedback
(Page 5 of 24, 470 total comments)SteVenus
This was the best fast acting diet I've ever been on. I took the injections & lost 35lbs in 30 days. No side affects and maintaining my weight. No more cravings. Makes you aware of your calories when going out to eat. Best place to purchase is at a vetinarians office. Farmers use it widely for animals that are breeding. Go for it. Dont be scared. You'll thank yourself later.
posted Sep 10th, 2011 6:19 amkim goodwin
I lost 20 pounds in 26 days. I am so excited and you lose in places that you don't nomally lose in too. I went from a 14 to 1 10 a loose 14 to most 10's. I feel so much better about myself i 26 days. I am a dairy carb lover but this made me crave nothing and I wasn't hungry. It had such great success so fast that it kept you motivated to follow it fully. You can't mess up on this diet or you will gain so fast so follow it and you will be amazed.
posted Sep 9th, 2011 12:57 pmKent
My sister did this diet, and it put her in the emergency room. It is nothing but dangerous malnutrition wrapped up in a bunch of fake science.
posted Sep 2nd, 2011 4:53 pmMy advice is Don't even THINK about doing HCG!
Jolynn
I am on the first day of the diet after the load. Going good so far, I have had a craving for carbs, but I hear that the first few days are the hardest. I am taking hcg pills that disolve under the tongue in a few seconds and taste like mints. I haven't had any weird side affects like feeling cracked out like I have with other "diet" pills. I'm hoping to have the same results as others who have posted. The diet is strict and cuts a lot of vegetables I eat normally such as peppers and squash. That part will probably be hard not cheat on. I get my pills from a local weight loss center.
posted Aug 24th, 2011 4:42 pmmichelle
where can i get the real hcg drops that actually works and what does the drops taste like?
posted Aug 23rd, 2011 10:39 amDebbi
Have been on hcg diet for 1 week lost 9.2 lbs. Have no cravings of carbs, sugars or salt. Eating healthy. At 5'11 was not going to submit to just 500 cal a day.so eating about 800 and still doing yoga and surfing.I look at it as a lifestyle change not just a diet.
posted Aug 22nd, 2011 3:07 pmGina B
I am currently on the HCG diet and it is the best thing I have ever done. I have lost a total of 16lbs in 10 days. It is a very strict diet, but believe me if I can do it anyone can. As far as the above side effects, I can tell you that I have absolutely no side effects whatsoever. I have more energy, happier and can definitely see the results.
posted Aug 22nd, 2011 12:04 pmchristinemos314
I would like to try this diet also. Like others, I would like to know if anyone can suggest a reputable site to purchse from.
posted Aug 21st, 2011 2:52 amcathy k
I have been on the hcg shots and have been consuming between 600-800 calories a day for 8 days and have lost 8 lbs. You are actually eating more calories because when you count your protein calories, you have to times this by 4 then subtract that number from the calories. For example: total calorie 150, total protein 30, 30x4=120........150-120=30 TOTAL CALORIES. I have only 1/2 a thyroid and it has been so hard for me to lose weight so the fact that this has been working is incredible. I highly recommend this.
posted Aug 13th, 2011 10:21 amckidner
I have been taking the hcg shots once a week and have been following the diet. I eat between 600-800 calories a day and work out 3x a week. I have been on the diet 8 days and have lost 8lbs. It has been so hard for me to lose weight but this diet has been working for me! I have had no side effects but get tired earlier then usual. The appetite suppresants work well to. I go to a weight loss clinic in bc to get my shots and pills.
posted Aug 12th, 2011 11:57 pmTiffanyK
Ive gained a good amount of weight and im NOT happy about it. Ive tried many diets and they dont work for me. So why not give this on a try?
posted Aug 12th, 2011 9:54 pmSo what my question is, whats the 411 on these drops, and WHERE can I get some that arn't a scam! HELPPPP!!!
Danielle
This is WILLPOWER IN A BOTTLE. I am 49 and want to get the "baby weight" off before I go through menopause. Tried 1,000 calories a day for a month without drops and lost 6 pounds and couldn't stick to it. I'm now eating about 650 calories and AM NOT HUNGRY. I chose the Dr. that Dr. Oz had on from Miami - Dr. Lipman an endroconologist that's been working with it for 25 years. THIS WORKS. Do you research and don't knock it until you have tried it.
posted Aug 12th, 2011 12:51 pmTracy
I lost 6 lbs. on this diet in only 3 days, which was great. That is, until the 4th day when I was feeling so weak my legs were about to give out. I felt terrible: headaches daily, weakness, dizziness, nauseated, and I was starving despite that you aren't supposed to be hungry on this diet while eating only 500 cals. per day. I felt like I had morning sickness every day just like I had while pregnant twice before. It wasn't worth it to me...plus you get sick of eating the same things everyday. Good for a short term fix for a few days but definitely not long-term success. Feeling sick everyday was not worth being skinny to me.
posted Aug 12th, 2011 12:04 pmDrew DiNardo
It's working for me. Using the shots, program was prescribed by Doctor. On it for 12 days now and have lost about 14 pounds. Don't feel hungry (still have some cravings) and do feel more alert. Have not exercised. I do have a total of 40 pounds to lose so.....
posted Aug 12th, 2011 9:06 amDick Gazinya
Great post. Here's a link to another HCG Diet post which I think your readers will enjoy: http://www.drbillofhealth.com/nutrition/hcg-diet-review-does-it-work-no-evidence-for-safety-and-efficacy/
posted Aug 12th, 2011 8:51 amRyan C
I lost 26 pounds on the HCG diet and I loved it! I could have lost more but I did not follow a strict 500 cal a day diet. I did change my eating habits though and have been able to keep the weight off. You just really need self control on this diet and a support system to not tempt you to eat whatever you want! I suggest it to anyone, and I am definitely doing round 2 after I get done with my maintenance and 4wks off. My sister and mother tried to do it to, but they couldnā??t stick with the diet. I love it and cannot wait to start my next round. HCG actually works when nothing else did!
posted Aug 11th, 2011 9:56 amErin
I have 4 kids all about 2yrs apart and I have tried everything to get the extra 60lbs off and have had no luck with anything, I have tried it all. After finding out I have a slow thyroid I decided to give the HCG diet drops a try after being on the diet for 4 weeks I lost 27lbs and now have lost 2 more since being off of them and I plan on doing it again and am hoping to be down to my goal by December. The HCG drops are the best thing I have ever found!
posted Aug 7th, 2011 2:35 amDeborah
This stuff really works. I have tried every diet out there and nothing worked as well or as dramatically. I lost 50 pounds in 9 weeks last year and have kept it off. I am now a size 6/8 and have hCG to thank. The diet is not easy and you cannot cheat. But with results that show every day, why would you?
posted Aug 5th, 2011 10:46 pmbabyboomer1001
It is advertised as "you will lose one pound per day". Not so. Before I started, the Naturepath said I would lose 35 lbs in 6 weeks. It was supposed to be a 6 week diet. I only lost 18 lbs. I was happy to lose that but it fell short of my goal. I would highly recommend the diet because it works but, not to the extent of all of the claims you may read. You do still have to use willpower but since you don't feel hungry most of the time, it is easy to lose a significant amount of weight.
posted Aug 4th, 2011 1:54 pmsandy
I am going with the doctors on this one. If the hormone is produced by PREGNANT women during PREGNANCY then it has a specific purpose at that time, not to help people lose weight. Just common sense to me. I have a cousin who did this diet and shots for one month and lost 65 lbs and got extremely sick and wound up in the hospital. She only needed to lose 30#. I have had breast cancer, ya, I need to lose about 30#, but not going to screw up my metabolism or endanger my physiology by injecting myself with a hormone produced during pregnancy. Just my two cents for whoever has reservations, those who have already bought into it are probably not going to re-think it.
posted Aug 3rd, 2011 7:04 pm