by Randy Augsburger

Created on: December 12, 2010   Last Updated: December 15, 2010

The HCG Diet

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone found in pregnant women. The body uses it to divert nutrients to the growing baby early in the pregnancy. This is a time when the woman may not know she is pregnant. Therefore, HCG makes sure the baby will get what it needs by taking nutrients from the mother's fat supply if her diet is lacking in any way.

HCG is also a Gonadotrophic (something that helps develop genitals) Dr. A.T.W. Simeons was treating a group of boys with under developed genitals back in the 50s. He noticed that the boys lost weight on a restricted diet without the usual hunger pangs. After this he changed the emphasis of his practice to weight loss by using HCG injections.

Today, HCG is a FDA approved fertility drug. Lack of FDA approval does not prevent many doctors and clinics from prescribing it for weight loss. Claims of over one pound per day are common for this treatment.

A round of treatment lasts up to 40 days with a daily injection of the hormone. After the third injection (it takes three days to take effect) the dieter is restricted to 500 calories a day. The food should be high in protein and low in carbs, fats and starches. The diet continues three days after the last shot.(again it takes three days to leave the dieters system.)

There are some possible side effects or risks. These include.
- Blood Clots
- Headaches
- Depression
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

HCG is not covered by most insurance and treatment averages about $10 a shot.

HCG vs Placebos

Several clinical trials were held in the 50s and 60s. In almost all cases the groups given HCG and groups given a placebo injection lost weight at the same rate when the 500 calorie diet restriction was maintained. After the round of treatment the rate of weight regained by each group was also nearly identical.

Weight loss occurs when you consume less calories than your body burns each day. That is the basis for all diets. The 500 calorie diet of HCG undoubtedly will allow the user to lose weight, but the weight will come right back when the dieter resumes their normal eating habits.

For any diet to be effective in the long run, it must be one that is a life long change of lifestyle.


Sources;
Discovery Health “How the HCG diet works” by Tom Scheve
Discovery Health “HCG diet was largely discredited long ago” by Elena Conis

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