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
Featured Diets
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 7 of 24, 470 total comments)Yaz
I was skeptical,and did not want to do an injection daily. Also was not interested in over the counter drops or pills. Only way was thru a dr and prescription. Dr here in Atlanta manage the program. I was at 274, always thought I was in ok shape, but finally realized I was on my way to 300 and early death. Forget willpower, exercise etc, I have it and exercise, but also believe in eating disorders, and have one. I have learned how to eat, love fish and chicken, and asparagus again. Eight weeks after starting, now weight 218.8! The six weeks on hcg droped me 40 lbs. Original goal was 200. I will make it and finish it on my
posted Jun 9th, 2011 10:37 pmown. This works, but for those saying it does not, quit lying to yourself. You must stick with the program,24/7, for 6 weeks. New George foreman grill with removable grills for easy cleaning, etc. I would not do it without a dr and the nasal spray injections. It was perfect, it was easy. The concern isn't if it is safe, I was going to die anyway doling up on 300! The scary part is do I have what it takes to continue to live a life that includes rock solid eating habits. I will eat the things that got me to 274, but need to focus on less of those things. If you need to lose 20, quit looking for an easy way and start exercising and eating better. If you need to lose 50 plus, see a dr that does this and commit. It works if you commit - 42 days. Hitting the weights again at 200, wore a suit at my sons graduation Iast wore in 2001, and have no holes left in my belt! Good luck and if you have questions, ask away. I am not a paid spokesman for hcg, just a user of it!
Jam
146 LBS. 21 MORE TO GO.
posted Jun 9th, 2011 10:33 pmJam
like
posted Jun 7th, 2011 2:29 pmAngelica Brewart
Ive been on this diet now for 3 weeks and have lost 17 pounds!!! im sooo happyy i have already lost one pant size!! this is such a great diet because you loose the weight quickly and it gets you motivated to want to loose more!! =)
posted Jun 6th, 2011 2:14 pmOlga
People, I've tried only diet WITHOUT DROPS and should say IT WORKS, you should just eat less and avoid fat, sugar etc. it wasn't even 500 kalories but 1000.
posted Jun 6th, 2011 3:05 amJam
I use hcg homeopathic drops from
posted Jun 5th, 2011 11:25 pmwww.greenwebinc.net
Jam
I started again Tuesday. Tried back in early May and was not dedicated nor disciplined enough. Starting weight Tuesday 155, now down to 147. Hoping to reach 125-130. If you can get past first three days, it does get easier. Avoid starting during any major holidays!!
posted Jun 5th, 2011 10:41 amjam
I started this diet, and quit. Started back last Tuesday at 155, and now today Sunday, I weighed in at 147. It gets easier. I am eating slightly more than 500 cal. Maybe 6-8 and I jog or speed wak.
posted Jun 5th, 2011 10:39 amJenn
@Jaclyn Floyd--your comment was
posted Jun 3rd, 2011 9:37 pm" This is like being a prsioner at Auschwitz.". comparing your weight loss experience to this is EXTREMELY STUPID and a lack of respect. At least your not led into a gas chamber afterwards.
Please use some common sense when expressing yourself.
Mike
What works better? The drops or the injections ... I don't want to inject myself if the drops will work ... I understand there are differences in the homeopathic drops. Can anyone suggest a good sourse for the drops instead of the injections?
posted Jun 3rd, 2011 5:37 pmNaomi
Can anyone with great results tell me the website they ordered their HCG from?
posted Jun 3rd, 2011 11:40 amRene
My doctor said I do not need a RX for this? If true why are companies selling at $90.00?? Phar. said the RX is very cheap but comes in tablets only. True??
posted May 31st, 2011 2:13 pmPatty
My sister and I both are on the drops, day 16. We both have had no problems, side effects or hunger. Diet is easy to stay on as we like all the required food to choose from. We have both lost weight and plan to continue. It may not be for every person, but it is working for us and we are pleased so far.
posted May 29th, 2011 3:15 pmQberry
I am a Registered/Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist with a Masters degree in Nutrition. So, as a professional, who actually is an expert on this topic, I can assure you that this diet is not a good idea. Scientific evidence HAS NOT proven hcg to be effective for weight loss, and yes, I do have the literature to back this up.
posted May 26th, 2011 3:33 pmFurthermore, a 500 calorie/day diet is a starvation diet. This will do very unhealthy things to your metabolism, and any rapid weight loss that you see is likely only water weight. One pound per day is UNHEALTHY weight loss. The recommended amount is 1-2 pounds per week at most! This starvation diet will probably cause a yo-yo effect with your weight, after which you ultimately gain it all back plus some. Your body needs calories. Your brain must have carbs to function. Eating regular, balanced meals with proper serving sizes will have a much more effective, not to mention safer, effect on your body in the long run.
Sad to see that America is so hooked on the quick-fix prescription. Kudos to whoever wrote this article! :)
Amber
I've read plenty reviews about buying from the right source. All Day Chemists is said to be a good one. However just to be sure which one are the scam sources? If I'm paying over a hundred dollars for this I do not want to be fooled!
posted May 23rd, 2011 1:30 amAngelica
Hcg is such a great diet!! Ive been on it for a week and ive already lost 9 pounds and feel great and i see results already! i recommend this diet to anyone!! cant wait to loose more weight! =)
posted May 23rd, 2011 1:09 amNAT
HCG is the best diet I have ever done. Its not for everyone, but people with willpower to get through the first week and make the commitment to stick with it, it can transform you. Once you lose the weight, you feel great and you actually feel motivated to exercise and keep the weight off for good. My husband and I did HCG last May.after the first week, our craving went away and it didnt bother us to be around food anymore. He lost 50 pounds and I lost 30 pounds and we have kept it off ever since. BUT we were only successful because we educated ourselves for a long time before we started, and read everything we could, and watch videos of successful dieters. There is a risk in any diet or excercise program. EDUCATE yourself on HCG diet and decide if its right for you.
posted May 19th, 2011 10:31 pmJAS
I have used the HCG diet to moderate my weight for almost two years. I have Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease and was at the end of my rope deperate to lose weight. It didn't matter how well I ate and how much I exercised, I could not lose weight. I started this program through a holistic internationally reknown MD. I lost 55 lbs over six months with two separate, 6 week periods on HCG. If I stay away from sugar, alcohol, and grains (which is the way I ate BEFORE HCG), I am able to easily manage my weight. However, when my body starts gaining because I get lazy with my eating, I gain weight very quickly. I just do a three week period with HCG and am able to kick the weight back off (have done this twice since the initial weight loss). I HIGHLY recommend this diet under the care of a good healthcare professional. It is the only thing that works for me BUT you have to be willing to do the work and change your habits long term.
posted May 13th, 2011 9:09 pmMichelle
Started the diet 7 days ago that includes my 2 gorge days lost 4lbs so far. I thought i would have lost more by now or at least the 6 lbs i gained on the gorge days. I was wondering will i be losing more quickly now. Had a bad day yesterday was so hungry but stuck to the diet. Today i am not hungry which is good.
posted May 10th, 2011 2:27 pmMaria
For Tanya, is there a legitimate website to order "real" HCG from??? Tanya, I would love to know a legitimate website to order "real" HCG. I have found a few, but it is hard to decipher a reliable site from a scam! I done the phentermine diet and it worked. Since then, I have had a baby and can't get the weight off, even going back to the phentermine! Thanks!