HCG Diet Plans

HCG Diet Plans are controversial diets centered around the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is a hormone found in pregnant women. This diet was accidently discovered by Dr A.T.W Simeons, while working on a cure for malnutrition. He noticed that the health of healthy mothers began to deteriorate after pregnancy. The HCG hormone is created to nourish and protect the fetus, and controls metabolic functions by using stored fat.The diet was centered around implementing the same procedure for those suffering from obesity.

There has been much controversy surrounding this particular diet, which originally was developed as a VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet), where the caloric intake was restricted to 500 calories daily, but there has been controversy surrounding almost all types of diets. Simeons noticed several important factors including the lack of symptoms expected from a patient on a very low calorie diet. For example, no headaches, hunger pains, weakness, or irritability was observed as long as the low calorie diet was combined with HCG.

With the HCG Diet Plans, the fat is metabolized by HCG leading to dramatic weight loss. There are normally three phases involved that include the loading phase, where you are allowed to load up on any amount of desired calories. This is followed by, the maintenance phase, which lasts up to 40 days where caloric intake is reduced to 500 calories per day along with the required HCG dosage, and consumption is restricted to certain types of foods such vegetables, fruit and lean meats. The stabilization phase is used to increase the number of daily calories to 800 for women, and 1000 for men. This phase usually lasts for over 21 days, before returning to normal consumption.

HCG Diet Plans have been used successfully for many years, showing dramatic weight losses of up to 1 – 2 pounds per day. The protocol, when exercised by qualified practitioners, has resulted in some life changing effects for many people.
Although not approved by the FDA, HCG is manufactured and distributed in many different forms that are now very widely available. The HCG used in the HCG diets are not the same as those used for fertility treatments, and the diet involves the hormones being administered in a much smaller doses. For all medical purposes, the HCG is produced in the labs from sterile cell cultures.

Some additional benefits disclosed from the HCG Diet Plan include a redistribution of fat, that results in the body being reshaped. Testosterone levels are slightly elevated and metabolism is increased, resulting in increased metabolic rates. Some users have reported increased libido, and a diminished craving for sweets.

The protocol is relatively inexpensive and is a simple program to follow. Diets do not work, for everyone, in fact, there appears to be no one-size-fits all diet. Diets that appear to work for one person, may have a different effect on someone else. The concept of using functions of the body instead of external substances can hold the more promise in controlling weight.

There are also some unwanted side effects that have appeared in certain individuals including Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome which can be manifested as pelvic or stomach pain; swelling of the hands or legs, shortness of breath and nausea.Some instances of multiple birth pregnancies and early puberty development in young boys have also been attributed to the use of HCG.

It is important to remember that the HCG Diet Plans are not intended for everyone. It is an extreme diet, intended primarily for the seriously obese. While there are numerous HCG Diet Plans, and several ways of dispensing HCG, such as with injections, or sublingually, where drops are placed under the tongue to be absorbed into the bloodstream, the HCG injection protocol should only be administered under the supervision of a medical doctor.

Some homeopathic HCG products have been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of regulating menstruation and as an aid in fertility and conception, but there has been no approval specifically directed for weight loss. As more studies are completed, HCG may be added to the list of approved weight loss alternatives as other concerns such as well being and safety are addressed. Before beginning any type of diet, it is always wise to check with your physician to ensure that there are no underlying medical problems.