What is HCG?
If you have wanted to know about the HCG and HCG weight loss program, you have come to the right place. Human chorionic gonadotropin commonly known as HCG is a hormone found in women’s blood and urine during pregnancy. It is mainly produced by syncytiotrophoblastic cells of the placenta throughout pregnancy. Some amounts of HCG are also produced in the liver, pituitary gland, and colon. HCG is structurally a glycoprotein with 36000-40000 Daltons molecular weight. Its function is to rescue the corpus luteum till the 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, it is also a stimulus for the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum. HCG is the same hormone that is measured by home pregnancy testing. High doses of HCG can be prescribed by doctors to help patients having fertility issues, but it is also used as an off-label way for weight loss programs.
History of HCG:
HCG was first discovered in the 1920s when German scientists Selmar Aschheim and Bernhard Zondek observed that HCG stimulates ovary development in rabbits and mice and also affects the formation of the corpus luteum in humans while the HCG diet dates back to the 1950s but has gained popularity over the last 10 years. Early work with HCG and diet was done by Dr. Albert T.W. Simeon, an eminent British endocrinologist. When HCG was injected into boys with low levels of the male hormone testosterone, he first noticed that patients had lost body fat. In low doses, they found that HCG mobilizes breakdown and protects patients from the frequent loss of muscle mass that occurs with a low-calorie diet. HCG can help suppress appetite and combat the reducing energy levels that patients often feel when eating very few calories.
Many patients have seen their doctors for general checkups and have been advised to lose weight but getting help losing weight is a different story. Unfortunately, approved medications to help patients excel on a calorie-restricted diet are not very effective. The amount of weight loss is very small, and the food and drug administration (FDA) only requires weight-loss medication to help a patient lose at least 5% of their body weight. Medications are expensive as many are not covered by insurance. For all these reasons and others, many patients seek out alternative therapies and supplements for weight loss that might not be scientifically proven.
HCG Weight loss program:
HCG weight loss program includes an extreme diet, causing very rapid weight loss, up to 1-2 pounds per day. Its proponents claim that it increases metabolism and stimulates fat loss without loss of hunger. The original HCG diet protocol recommends a daily HCG injection in combination with a severe calorie restriction of around 500 calories per day. Per day the diet participant eats;
- Breakfast with a large glass of lemon water.
- 2 servings of chicken salad.
- 2 fruits.
- 2 servings of vegetables.
- No carbohydrates.
- 7 ounces of protein.
During the HCG weight loss program, avoid applying oily moisturizers and makeup products. HCG weight loss program, diet plan, and injections last from a minimum of 21 days to a maximum of 40 days. One round of HCG is around 25 to 75 days depending on how much fat a person can lose.
A typical HCG Weight loss diet plan is divided into three phases;
- Loading phase: The loading phase prepares the body for caloric restriction. During this short 2-day primer, people preparing to begin the HCG diet eat high-calorie foods (up to 250 grams of fat per day) and are encouraged to eat fat and calories. (For reference, this is 2,250 calories a day just from fat.) Daily HCG hormone supplements or injections also begin at this time. This phase stocks the normal fat cells you want to keep and prepares the body to burn abnormal fat.
- Weight loss phase: In this phase, they continue their HCG supplements while consuming 500 calories per day. The weight loss phase may last from three to six weeks, depending on an individual’s weight loss goal.
- Maintenance phase: Once they have shed their desired amount of weight during the HCG weight loss program, they gradually discontinue supplementation of the HCG hormone while slowly increasing calories.
Vegans and the HCG weight loss program:
Vegetarians are expected to lose ½ (half) the weight as compared to those who eat meat. Vegans should drink 500ml of skim milk daily for protein intake. As wheat, beans, nuts, etc. are not allowed on the HCG weight loss program diet, so vegans cannot safely participate because of too low protein intake in their diet.
HCG weight loss program costs?
HCG Diet plan costs $200-$800 for a 20-day take-home injectable kit. The HCG diet is not a long-term diet plan but is for those who want to lose weight rapidly. The average price per pound lost on a weight loss program ranges from about $170 – $550. While the cost of weight loss programs can vary widely.
What to eat and what not to eat?
Eat lean protein, approved vegetables, approved fruits, herbs and spices, coffee, tea, and water.
Do not eat dairy products, high-carb foods, fats and oils, sugary beverages, alcohol and sweets, and desserts.
When you are on an HCG diet you must?
- Seek medical advice every time.
- Drink lots of lemon water. Stay away from alcohol.
- Weigh your food before eating.
- Take HCG injections daily.
- Intake of only low-calorie foods such as one portion of lean protein, bread, vegetable, and fruits.
HCG Weight loss pros and cons:
HCG weight loss program is easy to follow with simple steps, pros include rapid weight loss, weight loss per day with no hunger, exercise is not needed to reduce weight, and many others. HCG is a natural, protein substance (hormone) that helps in detoxifying the body. It provides you with long-lasting results by helping to reset the hypothalamus. It is safe for both women and most men. HCG weight loss program may improve sleep levels in patients some studies suggest that it may lower chances of breast cancer in patients. It increases energy levels as compared to other diets with low calories. Weight loss is proportional to all areas as it re-sculpts the body. Cons may include headache, tiredness, which may promote the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. HCG causes allergic reactions. If after taking HCG you notice swelling in any part of your body or difficulty in breathing, see your doctor as soon as possible. When you are using HCG, you need to visit your doctor frequently. It is expensive.
Conclusion:
Current literature contains no serious risks about the HCG weight loss program or any other adverse events related to it, so it may seem that HCG is considered safe in connection with diet. Upon its initial discovery, HCG was beneficial in weight loss only when used in combination with a VLCD (very low-calorie diet). HCG is beneficial in this regard that it helps in weight loss without an urge to eat. Moreover, clinical studies should be conducted on HCG to assess the place of HCG diet in weight management. It varies from patient to patient whether it has any risks on our body or not hence, you should consult a professional doctor to make sure that a very low-calorie diet and HCG weight loss program is safe for you.