What Is the HCG Diet?

The HCG Diet is a weight loss program that combines calorie restriction with Human Chorionic Gondaotropin (HCG) injections. HCG Diet founder A.T.W. Simeons, M.D., claims HCG injections eliminate fat from the shoulders, hips, upper arms, thighs and buttocks, allowing people to target trouble areas while losing weight rapidly. According to Simeons, people can lose up to 5 pounds per week on the diet. 

Features

According to HCGDietInformation.com, the HCG Diet requires dieters to eat 500 calories per day and to administer a daily HCG injection. The HCG Diet also has a strict daily diet to follow. Breakfast only allows tea or coffee at any quantity, lightly flavored with 1 tablespoon of milk. Lunch and dinner only allows 100 grams of a lean meat, one type of non-starchy vegetable, one bread stick and a small, raw fruit. No snacks are permitted.

Time Frame

The HCG diet lasts until the person reaches her weight-loss goal. On average, dieters utilize the HCG diet for two to three months. Many dieters are unable to stay on the diet for more than three months because of the strict dietary restrictions.

Science

The HCG diet is based on obesity research conducted by Simeons, who believes that HCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy, helps obese people lose weight quickly. According to his research, small quantities of HCG release stored fat into the bloodstream.

Side Effects

According to Yahoo Health, HCG causes stomach discomfort, bloating, irritability and headache. In rare cases, it caused a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), causing the ovaries to enlarge and cause pregnancy-like symptoms, such as abdominal distention, weight gain and vomiting.

Theories/Speculation

Most of the facts, claims and benefits reported by Simeons come from his own research, not independent studies. There are no studies conducted by the FDA or other reputable health organizations that report the same benefits. Skeptics of the HCG Diet also believe calorie restriction is the cause of rapid weight loss, not the HCG injections.