Frequently Asked Questions About HCG Weight Loss

What is HCG and how does it work?
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. HCG is a hormone produced in high amounts by the placenta during pregnancy. It is not otherwise present in men or women and when prescribed for this diet does not mimic pregnancy in any way. In very low doses, HCG stimulates fat cells to release the hormone leptin, and leptin is what regulates hunger, thyroid function, and how much fuel is available from fat. If leptin levels stay elevated, the hormonal need for food is significaly reduced.This allows patients to safely eat less than 500 calories in food, without experiencing symptoms of starvation. As the very low calorie protocol is strictly followed and leptin levels stay controlled, patients experience improved energy, reduced hunger, and over time, a significant loss in body fat.

Why can't I just follow the very low calorie diet without taking HCG?
Of course you will lose weight eating only 500 calorie per day! However, without keeping leptin levels adequatley elevated, you'll experience severe hunger, and your fat won't supply sufficient amounts of fuel to the body. Muscle and organ tissue will have to break down to provide the fuel that fat doesn't supply. Your metabolism will slow down because as leptin levels decline, the signal from your thyroid will weaken. You'll feel tired, lethargic, and irritable. This makes gaining weight easier after returning to a normal calorie intake.

What if I "cheat" while on the diet?
All food when eaten, stimulates leptin release from your fat, and too much leptin is not better. Too much leptin causes fat gain! Specifically, fat gain in the stomach area. Excess leptin is why fat is associated to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, symptoms of adrenal fatigue, sleep disturbance, menopausal symptoms, breathing disorders, inflammation, and much much more. Leptin levels that are too high explain why women gain fat easily during menopause and pregnancy. HCG, and other gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH), strongly stimulate leptin from fat, which makes eating food hormonally less necessary. Consequently, if you cheat, you will not only put yourself at risk for hormonal imbalances, but you're likely to gain a significant amount of fat. All it takes is just a bite, and you could gain 2-4 pounds of fat.

Is HCG safe?
Yes - If you properly follow the very low calorie protocol. HCG has been used with this diet protocol for over 60 years with no history of serious adverse side affects. HCG is a proven safe and effective hormone that should only be prescribed and used under the supervision of a licensed physician. Prescription HCG should not be confused with homeopathic-HCG or HGH (Human Growth Hormone).

Is HCG approved by the FDA?
Yes - HCG has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in treating many medical conditions. It has not, however, been submitted for approval as a weight loss aid and is therefore not sanctioned by the FDA for this purpose. It's use is considered "off label" which is a common practice for numerous medications. It's proof, as a means to prevent starvation during the very low calorie protocol, is seen through the success of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Why shouldn't I buy HCG off the Internet?
HCG is a prescription medication in the United States and without a valid prescription cannot be bought off the Internet. Many of the HCG medications sold on the Internet are herbal or homeopathic preparations that have no demonstrated effectiveness and are not equivalent to the real HCG. You cannot be assured of the safety or content of any medications bought over the Internet. HCG is a hormone that influences your entire endocrine system, and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician.

How did the HCG Diet originate?
Dr. A T W Simeons was studying the affects of starvation on pregnant women in India, when he hypothesized that HCG mobilized stored fat to be used as nutrition for the fetus. It was from this discovery that he determined that very low doses of HCG, along with his very low calorie diet, would enhance weight loss in overweight patients. Dr. Simeons also believed that HCG acted in the brain to suppress appetite and increase a feeling of well-being. He also theorized patients would lose the abnormal, unwanted, unhealthy fat reserves without experiencing symptoms of starvation.

Will HCG affect any other medications I am currently taking?
No - HCG does not interact with ANY other medications. However, it is very important you disclose any medication you are taking and consult with your prescribing physician before choosing to stop any medication.

Can I continue to exercise during the diet?
Exericse in moderation is highly encouraged during the hCG protocol. Although, we do not suggest weight-lifting or strenuous exercise because of the nutritional demands that will not be met by the strict diet. We encourage light exercise like walking and yoga. Strenuous exercise will cause water retention, protein deficiency, and may disrupt the hormonal balance of the protocol, which would increase hunger and other symptoms of starvation.

Will I regain weight after finishing the HCG Program?
Only if you return to the eating behavior that was why you gained fat in the first place. This is why we focus on changing your desires to eat excessively, in order to prevent the recurrance of obesity. You have the option of working more often with our Mind:Body Method Specialists who are trained to hold you accountable and to encourage you to end your desires to eat excessively. Our goal is that you like eating less, and you don't need weight as motivation.