HCG Diet & Average Weight Loss

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by a woman's body during pregnancy. It is used primarily as a fertility drug and a hormone therapy. Recently it has gained attention as a weight loss aid. Though HCG for weight loss is not FDA approved, companies promoting HCG injections claim that HCG can help you lose up to 2 pounds per day.

Choosing a Program

Numerous weight loss clinics worldwide administer HCG injections. While searching for a program, try to find one that includes diet and exercise regimens as well as weekly weigh-ins with a medical professional. When you visit with the doctor, expect her to take your blood pressure and review your overall health.

Vital Solutions, a weight loss clinic in Arizona, markets HCG as part of a weight loss regimen, saying patients can lose 1/2 to 1 pound per day. While you are taking HCG you can achieve this rate of weight loss, assuming you are also on a very restricted diet. HCG injections reportedly suppress the hypothalamus, causing appetite suppression. HCG is also promoted to mobilize fat stores. However, a double-blind study published in the Western Journal of Medicine found that when compared to placebo, HCG caused no increase in weight loss.

Typical Weight Loss

HCG injections are typically combined with an extremely restricted calorie diet, sometimes as low as 500 calories per day. HCG injections function as an appetite suppressant, making it easier for you to adhere to such low caloric intake. Depending on your current weight, exercise regimen and calorie needs, you could lose up to 2 pounds per day. In general, you will need a 3,500 caloric deficit to lose 1 pound.

It is crucial that you also include exercise with any diet program. In order to achieve rapid weight loss, you will need to simply expend more calories than you take in. The amount of calories you restrict plus the number of calories you burn through exercise will determine how quickly you lose weight.

Things to Consider

Extremely low calorie diets are not encouraged by most medical professionals unless you have obesity-related illnesses that outweigh the dangers of calorie restriction. Additionally, doctors recommend weight loss at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week. This rate is considered to be the most effective in maintaining your weight loss permanently.

Side effects do occur with HCG diets. These include shortness of breath, headaches, urinary problems, depression and irritability. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Pregnant women should not take HCG. Discontinue shots immediately if you become pregnant.