HCG FAQs and Answers
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What is HCG?
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This chemical is found in the human body and is most abundant in the body of a pregnant woman. It is the first chemical to rise when a woman is pregnant, and can be detected with simple at-home pregnancy test strips. During pregnancy, a woman’s body makes millions of units of HCG.
Is HCG a hormone?
Yes, HCG is a hormone. It is the first hormone to rise in pregnancy and is readily detected with appropriate lab tests.
My doctor says that doing the so-called HCG Diet program is insane. Why do so many doctors object to this weight loss method?
Many doctors are unfamiliar with the HCG Diet process, and when told that it involves a very low calorie diet, plus daily injections or perhaps other forms of HCG, they think it is too extreme to be safe for most patients. Many health professionals have deep concerns when a patient goes on any form of severe calorie restriction. Their worries include that it may lead to rebound overeating, or worsen cravings, or worsen any tendencies towards eating disorders in people who already have those kinds of health problems.
It can also be the case that doctors have seen people put themselves on very low calorie diets without any kind of medical supervision and then get into trouble. The kind of trouble that happens most frequently when people use very low calorie diets without HCG is that their metabolism crashes; it becomes even harder for them to effectively burn fat for energy. The person gains back more weight than she lost and has an even harder time losing weight in the future. This sets up a vicious cycle of low-calorie-based dieting, then regaining any weight lost and gaining more weight than was lost with the low-calorie diet.
Why can’t I just skip the HCG, put myself on a very low calorie diet and lose weight that way?
It’s your body; you can do with it what you like. Most people who put themselves on a very low calorie diet for an extended time either don’t lose weight at all, or lose some weight and then gain it right back.
Why do people who put themselves on very low calorie diets gain the weight right back, and sometimes gain back even more than they lost?
When a person is on a very low calorie diet, without HCG, the body gets a powerful message that it needs to preserve weight and conserve fuel. This situation sends a powerful signal to the person’s body that she or he is starving. Once eating more calories resumes, the body becomes very efficient at storing the calories as fat, as a reserve for emergencies like starvation. Fat in the body is long-term storage for fueling life’s activities, as well as a back up source of energy in times of low food intake, including true starvation.
Some of my friends think the HCG Diet program is too extreme, and other friends think it makes sense. Why is there so much controversy about this weight loss program?
Friends mean well, and express their caring in a variety of ways. Friends may lack the professional medical and health background to really evaluate what makes sense for an approach to weight loss for any particular person. Weight loss is a sensitive topic for many people, and there are lots of opinions about what works and why it works. As is true in so many areas of health, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach for weight loss. Weight loss is also a category of health that has been affected by numerous scams over the years, and understandably many people are skeptical about anything that appears to be a fad diet, fad pill, etc. connected with weight loss. Controversy is typical when it comes to weight loss, nutrition and diets. Be sure to consult with a qualified health professional before deciding on a weight loss approach that is right for you. Do your own homework, and remember that just because something appears on the Internet does not mean it is automatically correct or accurate.
I’ve heard people get really sick when on the HCG Diet program for weight loss.
It’s been my professional experience to date that when people follow the actual program, they do not get sick as a result of being on the HCG Diet. That is not to say that it can never happen, just that for most people the HCG Diet does not cause them to get sick. If someone is already quite ill, then generally speaking, the HCG Diet is not appropriate to use for weight loss, unless the person is under direct medical supervision and the person’s doctor has a different professional opinion.
How does HCG work?
HCG, used in really small doses and combined with a specific, very low calorie diet, has the effect of primarily using the body’s fat stores for fuel rather than using the calories from food eaten throughout the day. The specific very low calorie diet does not contain enough calories to meet the daily calorie needs of an adult, so the body makes up for the lack of calories by using the excess, stored fat as fuel for the body’s metabolic needs.
In a pregnant woman (who makes way more HCG than is used in this weight loss program), HCG keeps fat in her blood as a fuel source for the woman and her growing baby. In overweight and obese people, a tiny amount of HCG mobilizes the stored fat and the body burns this fat as a fuel source, rather than carbohydrates. Generally speaking, carbohydrates are a much quicker source of fuel for the body’s metabolism. During the HCG Diet program, the body stays in a sustained state of burning this excess fat rather than depending upon carbohydrates for fuel.
Burning this excess unhealthy fat is the cause for the specific pattern of weight loss observed on the HCG weight loss program, where a patient can see the body achieve a more sculpted appearance, as the abdominal muscles reappear, and the buttocks, thighs and the upper chest slim down. Excess fat stored around the body such as the belly (beer belly appearance), thighs, and buttocks, in women, around the back of the arms, and in men, in the upper chest (including abnormally prominent breasts), and in the neck area, are the specific places where the weight loss is apparent.
Over the years, the chemicals made by the fat of obesity can lead directly to:
- Heart disease
- Inflammation that causes heart attacks
- Strokes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Estrogen-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine)
- Numerous other serious health problems
It’s important to lose the excess weight, return to a healthy weight and maintain it.
Won’t I lose weight anyway if I just put myself on a very low calorie diet?
People who go on very low calorie diets do sometimes lose weight, but they also are at great risk of gaining all the weight lost right back and then putting on more weight than they started with, as the body responds to a slowed metabolism.
Are there any risks if a person is on a very low calorie diet without HCG? What if it’s used for a short time (less than two weeks)? How about for a long time (more than 4 weeks)?
For most people, using (less than two weeks) a very low calorie diet without HCG leads to headaches, irritability, difficulty paying attention, poor focus, and possible constipation. Long-term use (more than 4 weeks) risks are nutrient depletion and symptoms related to various nutrient depletions, along with a seriously slowed metabolism that leads to rebound weight gain and then gaining even more weight despite preventive measures. Every person is unique and may have a different response than these general guidelines.
Are there any risks in using the HCG Diet for weight loss?
Yes, and you should be evaluated by a qualified health professional before beginning a HCG weight loss program.
Does HCG weight loss change my sex drive?
Not necessarily. You may find that your former sex drive is restored if it has been absent. If your sex drive was not a concern going into the HCG weight loss process, then it is likely that it will be fine after you finish your HCG weight loss process.
HCG is a hormone that a woman’s body makes when she is pregnant. Will a man taking small amounts of HCG while on the HCG Diet program for weight loss become emasculated or feminized?
Men do not become emasculated and are not feminized as a result of using the HCG weight loss process. Tiny amounts of HCG are used during a HCG weight loss program to specifically promote the loss of excess fat while sparing muscle mass.
HCG is a hormone that a woman’s body makes when she is pregnant. Will a woman taking small amounts of HCG while on the HCG Diet program for weight loss experience unwanted changes in her menstrual cycle? Will her periods get messed up?
Women do not typically experience unwanted changes in their menstrual cycle as a result of using the HCG weight loss process. My clinical experience to date is that women who have irregular menstrual cycles going into the HCG process usually experience improvement in their periods. Sometimes the menstrual period becomes normal and stays that way.
The very low calorie diet that is a part of the HCG Diet is too few calories to live on, right?
Yes. The very low calorie diet that is a part of the HCG Diet is too few calories to live on. The very low calorie diet that is a part of the HCG Diet is not intended for long-term use at all.
Can I continue the very low calorie diet that is a part of the HCG Diet after I am finished taking the HCG injections (or other forms of HCG – nasal spray, drops, homeopathic remedy, etc.) just to keep losing weight?
No. After the “active phase” of taking HCG injections, HCG nasal spray, HCG troche, HCG homeopathic drops, etc. is finished, you cannot continue the very low calorie diet that is a part of the HCG Diet as a maintenance plan. Bad idea.
The Systems Approach™ HCG Weight Loss Program is set up to support you in continuing your weight loss journey after you end the active “Injections Phase”.
What happens when the HCG injections stop?
Patients who’ve entered the program are given specific information on what to do once the Injections Phase has ended. At that point, it is expected that a person’s weight will be stable and that they will maintain the new weight, provided they follow the instructions they are given.
Patients who ignore the specific instructions on how to end the Injections Phase and then how to eat during the following “Lock-In Phase” do usually gain back some, or all, of the weight that was lost. The process works well for most patients, but it is not magical; if you ignore the advice, then the process won’t work without your cooperation and commitment as a patient.
Does the weight lost while on the HCG Diet program come back once the injections end?
Yes, if patients ignore the specific information on what to do once the Injections Phase has ended.
No, if patients follow the specific information on what to do once the Injections Phase has ended. Patients who ignore this specific information do risk regaining the lost weight. After going through the process, why throw away all your good work? Let your self be successful and follow the program as directed.
Where does the HCG material come from? Is it made from the urine of pregnant women?
HCG is a compounded medicine made available from certified, licensed compounding pharmacies. For my patients, I only send HCG prescriptions to compounding pharmacies that meet rigorous standards of performance, purity and quality. The HCG made by the compounding pharmacies I refer my patients to is not made from the urine of pregnant women.
Does the weight lost while on the HCG Diet program come back once the Injections Phase and the 3-week Lock-In Phase end?
Not if the specific directions are followed on what to do for maintenance. There may be some slight weight gain, typically 1-2 % (this means about 2 – 4 pounds for most people) of initial body weight, over time, but that is all that my patients have usually experienced. Exceptions can happen for those who are under chronic severe stress or who experience chronic poor sleep, as either of these situations can lead directly to weight gain.
Is HCG some kind of magic?
No.
Why does the FDA frown on the HCG Diet?
It is an off-label use of the drug to use it as a weight loss aid coupled with the very low calorie diet. The FDA, generally speaking, does not approve of off-label uses of prescription drugs.
Is HCG Diet different than a “fad diet”?
This is tough to answer. Over the years, any number of diets has been labeled “fad diet” by popular culture and in medical circles. The real issue is whether you can find a weight loss process that works well for your needs.
Why is the HCG Diet tailored for the chronically obese?
It was originally developed for helping obese people to lose weight in successive stages. For the obese, this process lets them be successful in losing weight in stages while making any needed lifestyle, exercise and nutrition adjustments. Habits are powerful and the HCG weight loss process gives people time to make shifts in their life that support keeping excess weight off.
How do I know if I am obese, or just overweight? What if I am just “big-boned”?
One indicator you can use as a guide are the BMI tables; for your convenience we provide a BMI calculator on this website as a handy reference tool. People who truly have a large skeletal (bony) frame benefit from using the upper end of the BMI index for their height as a guide to their healthy weight range. Petite people who have a truly small skeletal (bony) frame benefit from using the lower end of the BMI index for their height as a guide to their healthy weight range. People who have an average skeletal (bony) frame benefit from using the middle end of the BMI index for their height as a guide to their healthy weight range. The BMI index is a guide and not intended as an absolute, be-all, end-all number. It is important to maintain a balanced perspective when using these kinds of healthy weight range guides.
Do some people report having a changed approach to food after completing the HCG Diet program?
Yes. Patients commonly report:
- · Decreased or eliminated food cravings
- · Improved sense of when they are full – improved feelings of satiety
- · Improved awareness and much better ability to stop eating when one is no longer hungry
- · Improved food choices
- · Improved sleep and enjoying restorative sleep
I usually “cheat” when I am on a special diet. What happens if I cheat while on the HCG Diet?
You can expect that if you cheat, you will gain weight for 1 or 2 days per time you cheat. It may be up to 3 pounds or more by the next day when you weigh yourself. It may all come off that next day, or take up to a week for you to get back to the weight you were before you “cheated”, and then hopefully you will resume losing weight. You get to decide if it’s worth it for you to “cheat”.
If I cheat while on the HCG weight loss program, can I get back on track?
Yes, in most cases you can get back on track. Patients in the program are given specific information on what to do to get back on track.
Why can’t I use a different combination of foods than those allowed during the program to reach the daily total of 500 calories of food?
Over time it has been found that some foods that work well in other weight loss programs just don’t provide consistent weight loss results in this particular program. It is best to follow the program you are given.
Can I put sugar and cream in my daily coffee or tea during the HCG Diet program?
No. It will stop weight loss, specifically the loss of the excess, unhealthy fat.
Can I put cream in my daily coffee or tea during the HCG Diet program?
No. It will stop weight loss, specifically the loss of the excess, unhealthy fat.
Can I put milk in my daily coffee or tea during the HCG Diet program?
No. It will stop weight loss, specifically the loss of the excess, unhealthy fat.
I am a vegetarian. Can I substitute beans or peas for the meat portions of the daily meals?
No. Vegetarians are given a different menu to follow.
Can I eat sauces and pickles on this program?
Pickles are OK on this program, if you want to use that instead of a cucumber as your allowed vegetable portion during your meal. Sauces are OK as long as they do not contain:
- · Sugar
- · Other carbohydrates (even complex carbs like brown rice – it is a “no” during the Injections Phase and the Lock-In Phase)
For sauces, keep it simple during your program and stick to white (clear) vinegar, or the juice of up to one lemon per day.
What supplements can I take on this program?
Some supplements will be OK to continue on this program. In general, if the supplement does not have any carbohydrates or oil, it is likely to be OK. If there is carbohydrate, up to 1-gram carbohydrate appears to be OK for most people. Be sure to work with your doctor or other licensed health care practitioner so you know what supplements, if any, are recommended specifically for you. Read all labels to learn what is in your supplements so you know if there are any added sugars, carbohydrates or oils of any kind.
What medications can I take on this program?
You need to ask your doctor or other licensed health care professional about any prescription or over the counter (OTC) medications you are on and whether you need to make any changes in order to safely do this program. Generally speaking, you can continue prescription thyroid medications and prescription adrenal medications during this program. By all means, do follow the recommendation of your doctor, who has all your pertinent health information and is best able to help you with specific medication concerns.
Can I take oral contraceptives and birth control pills on this program?
Yes. Continue using your birth control medications as instructed.
Can I exercise on this program?
Yes. Exercise at the level that is comfortable for you. If you are well conditioned, you may continue to exercise. If you are sedentary and out of shape, you may begin a gentle exercise program like walking, swimming, etc. as long as you feel good doing it while on the HCG Diet. Do not start a new, really intense exercise program at this time, though. It’s important to ask your body to do only one major thing at a time. During the HCG Diet process, weight loss is the one major thing your body is doing. It is not the time to start training intensively for a triathlon, etc. Save the intense exercise for when you are done with the program. It’s OK for most people to launch a more demanding exercise program once you are finished with the Injections Phase and have resumed eating more calories in the Lock-In Phase. If you haven’t exercised in a while, you must get checked out thoroughly by a doctor to be sure that it is safe for you to begin exercise.
What do I do about social engagements on this program?
Plan your meals, especially if you are going to a party or other social event. You must take responsibility for what you eat and drink, especially while on this program. This cannot be over-emphasized; you must plan your food when you are away from home. Take the food you need with you so you have control over what you eat, or else you risk losing a day or more of possible weight loss.
What do I do about business meals on this program?
Plan your meals, especially if you are going to a business lunch or dinner, or other business event. This cannot be over-emphasized; you must plan your food when you are away from home. Take the food you need with you so you have control over what you eat, or else you risk losing a day or more of possible weight loss. If you think it will look too weird to bring food with you to a business event, here are some tips offered as work-arounds to fit your situation and set of concerns.
Tip #1. Order grilled or broiled protein, like shrimp or chicken breast (skin off). Use an amount that covers about the size of your palm as a “best guess estimate” of the needed 100 grams cooked weight of protein.
Tip #2. Leave all sauces, gravies and any thing else off of your foods. Better safe than sorry – eat simple food rather than leave to chance what was added to your food at a business event.
Tip #3. Drink more water with your meal. If every one is drinking some sort of beverage, order a sparkling water or a still water, tea or coffee to suit your needs. Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants and does contain some caffeine.