Does HCG Really Help Lose Weight?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone associated with dramatic weight loss when Dr. A. T. W. Simeons linked successful weight loss to HCG injections and a low-calorie diet. The Simeons studies gained popularity, but many reputable organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic, report that there is not conclusive evidence connecting HCG with weight loss.

The Facts

Many claim that HCG injections can help individuals lose 1 to 2 lbs. per day when used with a very low-calorie diet. Simeons discovered patients injected with 125 UI of HCG who also followed a 500-calorie-day diet experienced weight loss in the hips, bellies and thighs. However, several randomized studies suggest otherwise, says George A. Bray, chair in nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and Claude Bouchard, Ph.D. Bray and Bouchard note that Dr. Simeons' studies "have shown HCG shots are no more efficacious than the diet alone."

History

HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy. In 1954, Simeons conducted his famous survey and concluded HCG injections were helpful in weight reduction. Simeons is a University of Heidelberg graduate. His discovery is interesting because he claims that with HCG injections, his subjects did not suffer from the typical side effects as those on low-calorie diets alone. The diet is limited to 500 calories a day.

Theories/Speculation

Journalist Kevin Trudeau writes that the there is truth in Simeons' studies. In properly conducted studies, the group that received HCG lost more weight than those that received the placebo. The "HCG group saw a dramatic reshaping and re-sculpting of their bodies," Trudeau writes. They lost in problem areas including hips, thighs and stomachs. In addition, they had no hunger. Trudeau maintains the NIH, Food and Drug Administration and drug companies are "simply lying to us in order to protect the profits of the food companies, the pharmaceutical companies, and the diet industry." Trudeau is not a medical doctor nor does he have medical training.

Considerations

The effectiveness of HCG as a weight loss tool should be viewed along with the knowledge that patients followed a restrictive diet of 500 calories per day. Studies since 1954 indicate inconclusive results, says the Mayo Clinic. It's also worth noting that the injections "seemed to be no more effective than were placebos in promoting weight loss," reports the Mayo Clinic. The National Institutes of Health also state that HCG has "not been demonstrated to be effective therapy in the treatment of obesity" and there is "no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction."

Warnings

HCG as weight loss management is very risky. The NIH reports that serious adverse reactions to using the drug are ovarian hyperstimulation, ovarian cyst ruptures, multiple births and arterial thromboembolism. The NIH strongly urges that HCG should with be used with human menopausal gonadotropins and only by physicians treating infertility problems.

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How to Build Muscle Mass Using HCG

HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a role in the development of an ovum (egg) and in stimulating the release of the ovum during ovulation. It can be used to increase fertility in women, increase sperm count in men, and also to stimulate the dropping of the testicles in boys who do not see this naturally occur by puberty. HCG is typically injected with instructions from the prescribing physician. An alternative use for HCG has been suggested in the areas of weight loss and muscle building, based on research by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons.

Things You'll Need

• HCG (injection or sublingual)

Tips For You

1. Combine a low-calorie diet with HCG sublingual drops, taken twice per day. The low-calorie diet is often suggested to be dangerously low, around 500 calories per day, which is meant to stimulate weight loss while the HCG helps muscles grow faster, burning even more fat. If you are using the sublingual drops, it is suggested that liquids be avoided for at least 30 minutes following the application of the drops beneath the tongue to allow time for complete absorption. If fat loss is not a major concern, a healthy balanced diet can be consumed, and is more widely preferred by medical professionals.
2. Engage in weight training at regular intervals, usually three times a week with a day of rest in between each hard workout. Be certain to drink sufficient water throughout each workout, and throughout the day, to ensure the muscles do not become dehydrated. Muscles are made up of protein and water primarily, and as such, require adequate nutrition and water for proper functioning, maintenance and growth.
3. Continue the HCG regimen for about three weeks, or 21 days. This is the average recommended time for HCG diets and muscle-building routines. Although this substance is called "safe" by diet companies, and is used safely for infertility treatments and to assist in the testicular dropping of boys nearing puberty, it is considered a performance enhancer by professional sports organizations and is banned by Major League Baseball.

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How HCG Works

How is HCG Derived?

• HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is produced by women who are pregnant. It is obtained from their urine. It is sterilized and processed until it becomes a substance that is usable in injection form.

Fats and HCG

• The human body contains three different types of fat. One type of fat is called structural fat and it protects the vital organs of the body. The fat that the body uses when nutritional values are low is normal reserve fat. This type of fat is actually a healthy fat for the body to reserve. Abnormal fat gathers in areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips and arms. Even the buttocks, knees, ankles and neck can be areas that store abnormal fat. The fatty deposits stored in these areas can grow to become a permanent part of the body causing obesity. These fatty deposits are not a source the body can draw from. The HCG hormone is now being used to release these deposits of abnormal fat and make them a source of fat that the body can consume. This in turn, leads to weight loss.

How It Works

• Tiny amounts of HCG are administered by injection. The amount used is much less than what is present during a woman's pregnancy. The HCG then takes abnormal fat that has been stored and changes it into an energy that the body can use. This is equal to burning 200 or more calories in a day. Continuous dieting or yo-yo dieting damages the body's natural ability to regulate weight. HCG stimulates the part of the brain that regulates weight and works to restore this ability. This prevents regaining the weight that is lost. As HCG makes the stored abnormal fat available for consumption, the body starts using the fat to live off of. The fat is now providing a source of energy similar to the energy provided by food consumption. Patients are instructed to consume no more than 500 calories from food intake per day. Because the abnormal fat has been turned into energy, the reduced calorie intake is not noticed, and hunger is not a side effect. The new energy source is equal to 3,500 calories being consumed on a daily basis.

  For the process to work, the individual must stay on a strict diet and remain under medical supervision. While about one pound of weight is lost per day, the weight loss does not always happen in an even manner.

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HCG Injections & Weight Loss

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone found in pregnant women and, according to Weight Loss Guide, it allows women to metabolize nutrients. HCG injections are used as a method of weight loss by men and women because proponents say the hormone allows dieters to lose a large amount of weight quickly. HCG is not available in the United States without a prescription, so you must speak with a physician or weight loss clinic to obtain it.

History

• In the early 1960s, Dr. Albert T. Simeons suggested that injected HCG would curb the appetite and allow dieters to eat a very low calorie diet. However, the FDA ruled in 1975 that HCG products must carry a label stating that the hormone is not a proven weight loss drug. According to dietscam.org, the use of HCG decreased but made a comeback in 2007 after Kevin Trudeau promoted the injections in a book he wrote.

• Function

• You are allowed a maximum of 500 calories per day on the HCG diet. Your food choices are limited to lean proteins and certain fruits and vegetables. No carbohydrates, sugars or fats are allowed on the plan; however, you may have unlimited coffee and tea. According to Weight Loss Guide, dieters will lose 1 to 2 lbs. per day on the HCG diet.

Types

• The most popular method for taking HCG is injections. Intramuscular (in the upper thigh or buttocks) and subcutaneous (the fat on the stomach) injections are available. For the dieter cautious of needles, most clinics offer a sublingual---under the tongue---formula for drops. In addition, many online vendors offer homeopathic HCG (HHCG) drops. Speak with a certified clinic before purchasing HHCG as some dieters claim the homeopathic method does not always work.

Time Frame

• Dr. Simeons suggests two plans for HCG injections: 26- and 43-day programs. You can stay on the plan for less than 26 days; however, Dr. Simeons advised not to go past 43. The first two days of each plan consists of "loading" on unlimited fatty foods while taking HCG. You continue administering the hormone once the very low calorie diet begins. For the last three days of the plan, you must stop taking HCG but continue the low calorie diet so the hormone will leave your body.

Considerations

• Always consult your primary physician before starting the HCG diet as the hormone may interact with other medications. If you choose injections, it is essential that you let certified health care professionals administer the HCG to prevent harming your body. As of 2009, the HCG diet is still not recognized as a method of weight loss by the FDA.

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HCG Weight-Loss Program Side Effects

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, is a hormone produced once an embryo is present in a woman's uterus for the production of progesterone. This hormone is crucial in creating a safe environment for the fetus to attach and grow. Production of HCG is either synthetic or from pregnant women's urine. HCG is also used by some as part of a weight-loss program, and injecting this hormone can cause side effects.

Approved Uses

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved HCG for fertility issues, for doctors to prescribe to women having difficulty becoming pregnant. The FDA did not approve HCG for weight reduction. Studies in the 1970s did not conclude that the use of HCG for weight loss was effective.

• The Diet

• In order to lose weight using HCG injections, a strict 500-calorie diet must be followed. The persuasive argument is that anyone will lose weight on such a diet, even if not obese. A safe diet is generally not less than 1,200 to 1,500 calories.

  The common statement in most clinics and websites marketing HCG is that your body will be using fat instead of muscle in the weight-reduction process. HCG supposedly resets the hypothyroid gland, causing the metabolism to burn stored fat faster. While this sounds good, there are no studies proving this is true.

• Safety Issues in Fertility

• Although the dose given for fertility is higher than the dose used in the diet, it is important to note the safety issues. Some women using HCG for fertility purposes have reported allergy symptoms such as hives, breathing problems, and swelling in the lips, throat, face and tongue.

  Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, is a life-threatening condition linked to injections of HCG. Symptoms of OHSS include intense pain in the pelvis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decrease in urination, or swollen legs, hands or stomach. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using HCG and call your doctor.

Side Effects in Dieting

• The significant side effects of HCG injections for weight loss include depression, swollen or sore breasts, headaches, and edema, which is retention of fluid. The future effects from taking daily doses of HCG for dieting are unknown.

Pregnancy

• To avoid birth defects, do not use HCG for weight loss if you are pregnant. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while using HCG. Nursing mothers must not use HCG.

Using HCG Safely

• It is recommended that you purchase HCG from a clinic, where you will be shown how to use and dispose of the syringes properly. In addition, you will learn what to look for in case your medication has gone bad, such as particles in the liquid.

Drug Interactions

• Your doctor is best suited to advise you of any possible drug interactions if you are taking medication or herbal therapy. If you a history of cancer, heart or kidney disease, or ovarian cysts, your doctor may advise against HCG for weight loss.

  As with the introduction of any new diet, consult your family physician and go over all the possible safety concerns prior to taking HCG.

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HCG & Exercise

HCG is a hormone secreted by the body during pregnancy. Abbreviation for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG is found in both men and women. During pregnancy, this hormone is produced in excess and controls the metabolism of the woman. Once the placenta is formed, the hormone is then produced by the placenta through the course of the pregnancy. HCG diet involves taking these hormones synthetically in the form of oral medication or injections to trigger metabolism. This hormone is used in small portions as part of this diet strategy.

HCG Diet

• In relation to the hormone secretion levels during pregnancy, this diet uses a very small portion of this hormone for triggering metabolism. As a result it is recommended for both men and women and is said to be safe.

  The important aspect of making the HCG diet work is a very low calorie diet of 500 calories. With the HCG shot, the hypothalamus is triggered to mobilize the fat and release that for energy. As a result the body burns stored fat losing up to 1-2 lbs of stored fat every day.

HCG and Exercise

• With many weight loss plans, diet and exercise go hand in hand. However in traditional HCG Diet, exercise is discouraged. It is suggested that this will negatively impact the stamina of the individual on a 500 calorie diet .

  Intense workout is not recommended as this will reduce the effects of the HCG. The body when it burns more calories already on a low calorie diet goes into starvation mode. As a result the body starts storing fat instead of burning it. The mixed signals sent to the body will reduce the effectiveness of the HCG Diet. Intense exercise while on a HCG Diet can be very dangerous and the risk of the individual passing out or becoming dehydrated rapidly is very high.

  During the diet, walking is considered to be the most suitable exercise if it is for shortened duration of about 20 minutes or 1 to 2 miles. However caution needs to be exercised while walking and care needs to be taken that the intensity is not increased to even jog. Remember, it is very important to stay hydrated and monitor heart rate during the workout.

  Another recommendation is to practice Yoga with the diet. This will help increase strength and flexibility. Also a focused mind invokes renewed dedication to the diet. Yoga also helps build lean muscle and simultaneously HCG helps lose fact. So Yoga, is in fact recommended to complement HCG Diet.

  Even though exercise is restricted, HCG Diet is motivating to those that stick to it and lose weight as a result. At the end of the diet period, with better weight loss results, and renewed energy, the motivation to exercise is higher, and with elevated energy levels, the results are far more effective.

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How to Know If Your HCG Is Real?

HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. As a prescription medication, it is also used to help non-pregnant people lose fat. On an HCG diet, you receive injections of HCG and are put on a very low calorie diet. The HCG maintains your muscle tone so that you are predominantly losing fat. In more recent years, many companies have come out with over-the-counter versions of the hormone. You can also buy unregulated HCG online, but there are no guarantees that what you get will be the real thing. Using a pregnancy test is a fast way to tell if your HCG is real. 

Things You'll Need

• HCG
• Clean syringe
• Pregnancy test

Tips For You

1. Take the pregnancy test out of the container and read all the instructions. Pay particular attention to any graphics that show the difference between positive and negative results.
2. Use a syringe to draw out 1 milliliter of HCG liquid from its bottle.
3. Put the syringe needle up against the strip located at the end of the pregnancy test. Slowly spray the liquid onto the strip until the strip is wet.
4. Wait 5 minutes or the time recommended by your pregnancy kit instructions.
5. Read the result of the pregnancy test. If the test is positive, your HCG is real. If the result is negative, this indicates that there is no HCG present in the liquid you used on the pregnancy test, so the product you have is not real.
6. 
   

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How to Use Phentermine & HCG to Lose Weight

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is used together with a nutritious diet and moderate exercise to aid in weight loss. Phentermine is similar in its makeup to an amphetamine, so it must be taken with extreme caution and under the supervision of a health care professional. HCG is a hormone produced by pregnant women during the early stages of pregnancy. When injected into the muscles of a person, it is believed to result in weight loss. It should be noted that phentermine and HCG should not be used simultaneously to promote weight loss. Serious and fatal side effects can occur if the two diet supplements are not used correctly.

Tips For You

1. Take a tablet of phentermine on an empty stomach in the morning before breakfast. One pill can suppress appetite for up to 12 to 14 hours, so it's best taken early in the morning. If taken at night, phentermine can cause insomnia. Also, taking it on an empty stomach will allow the drug to absorb faster into your bloodstream. Swallow the pill whole; do not break it in half or crush it.
2. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner after the taking the phentermine tablet as you normally would. Make sure to eat a nutritious meal full of lean meats and vegetables. Also, make sure to exercise at least 30 minutes a day about three times a week. Light to moderate cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, bike riding, dancing or taking an aerobics class are great options because they will help you lose the weight faster than with the pill alone.
3. Mix the powdered HCG with sterile water obtained from a pharmacy using a syringe to combine 25 ml of sterile water with your particular dosage of HCG in a sterile glass vial. Follow the directions on the HCG mixing kit closely.
4. Swirl the glass vial to make the HCG powder dissolve in the vial. Do not shake the vial.
5. Using a sterile needle, inject the HCG into the buttock or thigh muscles. Make sure you understand the correct procedure for injection before you attempt to do this.

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How to Mix HCG

Human Choriogonadotropin, also known as hCG, is actually a hormone produced in the beginning stages of pregnancy and has now been found to aid in weight loss. Injecting hCG over the course of 40 days is said to bring drastic weight loss to men and women, especially for those who are obese. 

The most important aspect to this type of diet is knowing how to mix the hCG for the correct dosage in order to achieve optimum results.

Things You'll Need

• HCG - in the form of a powder concentrate
• Bacteriostatic water or sterile water
• Syringes for mixing, size large
• Sterile needles
• Alcohol prep pads
• Sterile vials

Instructions

1. • 1
     Before you begin it is important that you know what your dosage is. The standard is generally between 175 IU and 200 IU however, it is important you talk this over with your doctor so you are sure to know the exact dosage for yourself.
   • 2
     Prepare to mix the hCG. This process needs to be done in a sterile environment. Lay all the supplies on a sterilized counter or table. (You can use alcohol to clean this area and then let the area air dry). Wash your hands and dry with paper towels.

     Before opening the glass vial of the hCG powder concentrate, clean the top of the vial with a sterile alcohol pad and clean the top of the sterilized water bottle as well.
   • 3
   • Take a sterile needle and a large syringe to draw out 25 cc of the bacteriostatic or sterile water. Throw that needle away and put a new sterile needle on the syringe.
   • 4
     Inject 1cc of the sterile water into the vial of hCG concentrate. Make sure you do this slowly and do not let the needle touch the inside of the vial - if that happens you will need to throw that needle away and replace it with a new sterile needle immediately.

     The powder will begin to dissolve. Gently swirl it; never shake.
   • 5
     The remaining 24 cc of sterile water is to be injected into the sterile glass vial. Using a new syringe, draw out 1 cc of hCG and then replace the needle.
   • 6
     Sterilize the glass vial with a new alcohol pad and inject the hCG into the sterile glass vial which contains 24 cc of sterile water.

     You will now have 25 vials of 1 ml doses that can then be used for injections.

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Food Allowed on the hCG Weight Loss Protocol

Before deciding to go on the hCG diet protocol, you may be wondering if there are enough choices of foods that you would like to eat or you may have food allergies to consider. Doctor A. T. W. Simeons developed the protocol after observing pregnant women in India who despite low food intake gave birth to healthy babies. He isolated the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, as the key element in the successful utilization of stored body fat while dieting. The protocol has a limited selection of foods to choose from. Especially limited are choices for vegetarians. Some have tried additional foods with reported successes.

Food Portions

Inject a daily dose of hCG during the weight loss portion of the protocol, and consume only about 500 calories a day. Eat two portions of each per day, no two of the same type to be eaten at the same time: 3.5 ounces of lean protein, 3.5 ounces of vegetable, and fruit. Cook food by steaming, broiling, baking or grilling, but do not add any extra fats. Season your food with lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, chili, garlic or any herbs.

Proteins

Consume protein sources from lean meats, such as lean beef and chicken breast, seafood such as shrimp, lobster and crab, white fish such as tilapia, halibut and striped bass, or one whole egg with three additional whites. You can add other lean meats such as bison and venison to your diet. Eating egg is the most recommended meat substitute for vegetarians. Other accepted vegetarian options are a 16-ounce glass of skim milk or 3.5 ounces of fat-free cottage cheese, though often at the cost of slower weight loss. Some vegetarians also use protein powders derived from hemp, whey or rice to replace animal protein.

Vegetables

Choose from spinach, chard, chicory, beet greens, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, radishes, cucumbers, asparagus or cabbage for your vegetable servings. Do not mix different types of vegetables in a serving. Some people eat broccoli while on the diet with no ill affects, while others find that this vegetable inhibits their weight loss. Add peppers, mushrooms, green beans, or alfalfa sprouts to the list if you want some updated choices. Some people mix different vegetables in a serving, though the original protocol instructs you not to do so.

Fruits

Choose from an apple, an orange, six strawberries or one half grapefruit for your fruit serving. Do not replace an orange with a tangerine, as tangerines are higher in sugar. Add blueberries or melon to the list if you want to try some new alternatives. Eat fruit that is fresh and not dried, canned or precooked, but you can cook it yourself.

Beverages

Drink about 2 liters of fluids per day. Choose from black, green and white teas, coffee and water. Include caffeinated beverages, but drink additional caffeine-free beverages to make up your fluid quota for the day. Add lemon juice or stevia extract to flavor water.

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What Are the Benefits of HCG Injections?

Human chorionic gandotrophin, or HCG, is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women. There are many speculated benefits associated with the use of HCG. Some claim that it is a highly effective tool in the fight against weight loss. This is not only an unproven claim, but the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration position is that it is untrue. However, the medical community does concur that there are some benefits to HCG in the treatment of certain conditions, including infertility and various hormone related problems

Identification

HCG is a water soluble hormone produced by the placenta. It is found in the urine of pregnant women, primarily during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is part of a class of glycoprotein hormones, which include FSH (follicle stimulating hormones), TSH (thyroid stimulating hormones) and LH (luteinizing hormones). It contains both alpha and beta amino acids.

Benefits

HCG can help to increase an infertile woman's chances of becoming pregnant, and it can help women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles. It also aids in the production of testosterone and sperm. Finally, male children who are born with cryptorchidism (an abnormality in the testes present at birth) are aided by HCG.

HCG and Obesity Claims

Between the late 1950s, when first introduced by Dr. Simeons, and 1976, when the FDA and Federal Trade Commission took steps against HCG injections, HCG injections were the most popular method of obesity control in America. Dr. Simeons claimed that the drugs allowed people to live on as few as 500 calories a day, and that the drugs distributed stored fat and helped the body to metabolize fat.

Some speculate their popularity was aided by doctors who wished to have the promise of patients returning for a weekly injection. Due to lack of proven results and the government action, HCG injections lost popularity until they were revived in 2007 by an infomercial and book by Kevin Trudeau claiming that HCG injections were the cure to obesity and that the American Medical Association, FDA and other medical groups were part of a conspiracy to suppress the truth.

FDA Position on HCG and Obesity

Many doctors will no longer perform HCG injections due to the lack of proven results and the potential side effects and risks associated with the drugs. Furthermore, since 1975, the FDA has required a warning to be affixed to HCG products stating that they have not been proven to be an effective therapy in the fight against obesity, that no evidence shows that they fulfill any of the promised claims.

Side Effects

In males, side effects of HCG include breast enlargement, height increases, and/or the sudden development of facial or pubic hair when administered to adolescents. When used as a treatment for fertility, HCG can cause indigestion, vomiting or nausea, uncontrollable passing of small amounts of urine, difficulty breathing, bloating or rapid weight gain.

If used as an obesity aid in conjunction with a very low calorie diet, risks of drastic calorie reduction exist, as doctors warn that eating a 500 calorie diet may not be enough to sustain vital organs within the body.

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HCG Hormone for Weight Loss

There are many different kinds of weight loss pills, powders and creams available on the market that promise to shed the pounds, but in reality they just shed your money. One such miracle cure is the HCG hormone diet. A diet that has been around for decades and still pops up in the headlines. This hormone has been proven to not be affective in weight loss.

What is HCG Hormone?

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and is produced in great amounts during pregnancy. In fact, it is one of the tests a doctor will do to check to see if you early pregnancy is developing normally. A pregnant woman should increase her HCG levels quickly and steadily and it will continue to climb throughout the pregnancy.

What Does HCG Do?

HCG is made by the body to help feed the developing fetus by converting fat into food for the fetus and also helps in the creation of progesterone, which strengthens the uterus. While HCG is most commonly found in large amounts in pregnant women, it is present in small amounts in both men and women. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the fertility problems in both sexes.

The HCG Diet

The HCG weight loss diet fad began in the in 1950s and was a coupling of HCG injections and a 500 calorie per day diet. Since the HCG stimulates fat cells in pregnant women, the idea was it would do the same thing for anyone that takes it and would be a cure for obesity. The diets very strict 500 calorie diet is very strict on how much carbohydrates and fat can be taken in a day.

HCG and Weight Loss

Since the diet has been around since the 1950s, there have been a number of studies examining HCG's role in weight loss and the overall conclusion has been it has no effect on weight loss. The FDA and the Journal of American Medical Association have both said that there is no evidence to suggest HCG has any role in weight loss. Instead, the 500 calorie diet is the real reason why people lose weight and has nothing to do with the HCG injections.

HCG Diet Today

There are still several weight loss websites and institutions that support the HCG diet and offer it as part of their overall weight loss treatment. It should be noted that the FDA has not approved HCG hormones injections or pills for the purpose of weight loss. It is important that you talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss system, especially any that involve such a low calorie diet and hormone injections.

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About HCG to Lose Weight

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It's a hormone that's produced in the placenta and is most commonly found in the urine of pregnant women. Its purpose is to "regulate embryo development and influence the levels of other hormones" during pregnancy, according Dr. David L. Katz in his article "Are HCG Injections a Good Way to Lose Weight?" published on O, The Oprah magazine's website. Many doctors and other weight-loss specialists have suggested that taking HCG injections will curb your appetite and help you stay on a low-calorie diet.

History

HCG injections were first used as a treatment for obesity by a British physician named Dr. A. T. W. Simeons. Simeons spent years studying obesity and weight loss. He noticed that after giving his patients HCG injections, they lacked the "symptoms one would expect from a patient on a very low-calorie diet. For example, his patients had "no headaches, hunger pains, weakness or irritability." Simeons published a report detailing these findings in 1954.

Function

Simeons observed that, during pregnancy, obese woman were able to lower the amount of calories in their diet without becoming hungry or irritable. Simeons posited that due to the increased levels of HCG produced by the body during pregnancy , a woman's "diencephalic banking capacity seems to be unlimited, and abnormal fixed deposits are never formed," according to Hcgdietinfo.com. For this reason, Simeons believed that taking HCG injections would help to curb a person's appetite.

Considerations

Despite these claims, HCG injections are probably not the best weight-loss aid. A study conducted in 1990 by the Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch, South Africa found that patients receiving HCG injections did not lose any more weight than those on placebo, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. According to the Mayo Clinic, many other medical researches have studied the effectiveness of HCG injections on weight loss. The results of these studies "weren't promising."

Warning

Manipulating the amount of HCG in your body by taking HCG injections could cause health problems. HCG is designed to stimulate the ovaries. It causes the amount of estrogen and progesterone in your body to fluctuate. Supplementing your natural level of HCG with an injection could lead to the formation of ovarian cysts according Dr. Katz in his article on the O, The Oprah magazine's website.

Expert Insight

Because of these concerns, you'll probably be better off trying to lose weight the old-fashioned way. The only surefire way to lose weight is to live a healthy lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should "take an honest look at your eating habits and daily routine." The best thing to do is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

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