HCG Diet

Facts About The HCG Diet

There are different ways in which excess body weight can be lost with HCG diet being one of these methods. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and it is a hormone found in pregnant women. The HCG diet was discovered and popularized by Dr. T.W. Simeons while working in undeveloped villages to cure malnutrition. He observed that immediately after child birth, the mother’s health would begin to deteriorate.

On further investigation he discovered a hormone known as HCG that was produced naturally by the body with its main function being protection and nourishment of the developing fetus. It did this by converting the mother’s stored fat reserves and converting them to nutrition via the placenta. The HCG also ensures that the immune system does not reject the fetus. This discovery opened a novel way of dealing with obese people by using the HCG diet to have fat cells drained and transformed into positive energy.

Types of Body Fat | HCG Diet

Understanding the body’s balance of fat cells, metabolism and the side effects of weight loss are keys to using the HCG diet and remaining healthy. The human body has three different categories of body fat. The first one is the structural fat which is found between organs and the skin and is acts as the body’s protective layer. The reserve or normal fat is a layer of fat used to supply energy to the body when there is an extremely low calorie intake. The final type of fat is the abnormal fat mostly found at the hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs and is usually locked away and never used.

The HCG only consumes this particular fat. So what makes the HCG diet different from other low calorie diets? The simple explanation is that when your body is starved of vitamins and proteins, it starts using up any fat available, including normal reserve and structural fats. Therefore, once the low calorie diet is stopped, the lean muscles will be destroyed and the weight that was shed off returns; only this time as abnormal fat. The only thing accomplished with such diets is the redistribution of fat.

How The HCG Diet Works

The HCG diet is primarily based on three different phases. Phase one of the HCG diet involves building up of fat reserves through unlimited eating. This is done for two days before progressing to the other steps of the HCG diet. This is done so that before the HCG diet begins, your body has sufficient HCG circulating in it. The two days give the brain enough time to begin releasing fat and the additional fat reserves consumed allow the HCG to know what process needs to be addressed. The next phase of treatment takes around 26 days and a dose of HCG is required daily for 23 days; these can be HCG diet drops or injections.

The treatment may take longer unless 35 to 40 pounds are lost by the dieter. Regardless of the HCG diet plan, no injections are given on the last three days. This is done so that the hormone is out of the body before the patient can start a normal diet. The HCG diet should never take more than 40 days because the body starts developing an immunity to the treatment. A break of around six weeks is required so that the body is re-sensitized. On average, 1-2 pounds will be lost per day with visible results evident. While using the HCG diet, the dieter needs to cut down their calorie intake to about 500 calories per day. However, this should not be done before the third HCG diet dosage. The calorie intake should include fruits, vegetables and proteins.

The dieter does not feel the urge to eat when on a HCG diet. This is because once activated, the HCG releases stored fat which provide the body with the necessary energy to last the day. After the excess fat has been lost, the HCG diet should be stopped. This is because only stored fat is affected by HCG and once it has been depleted, the body rejects any self-imposed diet Plans limitation of 500 calories. The third phase involves maintaining the HCG diet by taking up a new way of living. The food consumed while on a HCG diet and even after should be rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, starches and fatty foods.

Pros | HCG Diet

• The HCG diet has several benefits to the dieter. The most important benefit is that the dieter gets the necessary calories and experiences no starvation since the body will be naturally fulfilled.
• Unlike most normal diets, the HCG diet does not require active participation in exercises and the fat burned does not compromise the muscle that is produced.
• The HCG diet increases body metabolism by burning fat into calories and a slight elevation in testosterone levels with an increased libido present in both males and females.
• The HCG diet also detoxifies the body and further fat loading is restricted.
• With a fat loss of 1-2 pounds per day the HCG diet reduces the body’s flabby fatty areas significantly in the shortest period possible.
• The HCG diet is inexpensive and the program simple to follow. Exercising means more energy is used up resulting in consumption of diet protein drinks which take up more money. It also saves money since you do not have to buy pricey foods to supplement the HCG diet.
• There is also a reduced craving for sweets.

Cons | HCG Diet

• The actual HCG hormone has a range of complications which may include blood clots, leg cramps, headaches, constipation, male breast enlargement, temporary hair thinning and even depression.
• HCG diet is known for its rapid weight loss which can be dangerous especially large fluctuations which can stress the heart.
• The HCG diet restricts the amount of calories taken up by the body and this can lead to dizziness, fatigue and weakness and there is also a chance of experiencing nutritional deficiencies.
• The HCG diet burns excess fat without the need of moderate exercising thereby making the dieter have a poor lifestyle.

One may not have a healthy diet or choose the right foods if they have the option of a HCG diet and they run the risk of regaining the weight.

Before deciding on whether to use the HCG diet it is advisable to see a physician to ensure there are no medical problems.