What is hCG and how does it work?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (“hCG”) is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. In pregnancy, the hormone almost completely controls metabolic functions and acts as a “fail-safe” mechanism when energy is needed.  For weight loss, we use only minute amounts of hCG to capitalize on this same mechanism.  Using hCG in this way however does not mimic pregnancy.  In fact, hCG can be safely used by both adult women and men. 

Is hCG safe? 

hCG is extremely safe.  All women experience very high levels during pregnancy with no adverse effects.  The small amount used for weight loss has very few, if any, side effects.

How Does hCG work?

hCG used in conjunction with a very low calorie diet (“VLCD”) works in three distinct ways:

1. hCG enables the hypothalamus to mobilize fat from abnormal fat storage locations so that it can be available for use. While following a low calorie diet, the hypothalamus continually releases long-term fat stores to compensate for lower caloric intake.  As a result, each day the body uses thousands of calories of fat from abnormal fat stores to enable rapid weight loss.  This is the primary reason that hCG users may lose up to one to two pounds of fat or more per day.

2. Maintains a normal basal metabolic rate.

3. Resets the hypothalamus to prevent weight regain.

Will metabolism slow down on a very low calorie diet?

Yes, normally when we cut back our calories and fat, our bodies tend to preserve fat and metabolism slows down.  This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. When a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with hCG, however, the hormone causes the body to burn fat from long-term storage locations without affecting metabolism. Because of this, the body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day resulting in up to one to two pound loss of fat per day.

Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a very low calorie diet without hCG?

You can lose weight by simply eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose vital lean muscle before losing fat.  This causes metabolism to slow down, so in the long run it would decrease normal fat stores and lean muscle mass. You will have massive hunger and fatigue. You will not lose the problem area secure fat deposits. Your body will not be reshaped. Further, when you stop the diet you will often immediately regain the weight.

By using hCG with a low calorie diet, weight lost comes directly from the abnormal adipose fat tissue rather than from muscle mass, metabolism is maintained, and excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients are released into the blood stream to be absorbed by the body. The low calorie diet is vital in preventing immediate refilling of emptied fat cells.  You benefit by preferentially getting rid of abnormal excess fat without affecting your lean muscle and normal fat stores.

The hCG diet is very low calorie, will I get hungry?

Because hCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are consuming fewer calories, the body can access the energy stored in fat cells using thousands of calories of fat that already exists in the body each day.  After about two days, many clients notice a significant decrease in appetite.  Overall, most people have adequate energy and feel good while on the program.

Can I change the program as long as I stick to 500 calories?

NO. This protocol is successful when others aren’t for a reason. It is the unique combination of hCG, with a very strict and specific food consumption plan. The exact foods used cause specific chemical reactions in the body and, combined with hCG, cause weight loss without the loss of muscle or structural fat.

Will it help to eat even less than 500 calories a day?

The reason for the very low caloric intake is that the body will only release the abnormal fat reserves after it has burned its consumed calories. Eating lower amounts of calories do not speed up the process. Eating smaller quantities of food actually stop the fat mobilizing mechanism.

What if I am not hungry, do I have to eat everything listed in the VLCD?

Yes, whether you are hungry or not, you must eat the lunch and dinner in their complete from. You cannot have one big meal per day. You may take the fruit from either lunch or dinner and eat it at breakfast. Not other changes or substitutions are allowed as they slow or stop the fat burning process.

Will it affect my appearance? Will I get wrinkles or stretch marks if I lose all this weight?

No, not with this method. Abnormal fat deposits should disappear. Double chins, pot bellies, and fat around the thighs should be the first to go. The treatment does not deplete the subcutaneous or other essential fat. The face retains its freshness and natural appearance.

Does the diet require a lot of work in planning and preparation?

Actually, no.  Grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s make following the program easier than ever. For example, frozen fish fillets and precooked shrimp make a freshly prepared tasty meal in just minutes. And boneless chicken and lean steak help provide alternatives for a wide-range of eating options.  Sliced apples are available everywhere now and great for on the go.

What do you recommend I eat at a restaurant? 

Don’t, at all, if possible. Restaurant food is heavily processed and loaded with trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, flavor enhancers and is almost never fresh.  If you have to dine out, choose seafood and ask that it be prepared dry with no oil or butter. Steam your vegetable of choice on the list or participate in the salad bar without the dressing and extras.

What about protein and vitamin deficiencies?

The program is a very specific combination and balance of protein, carbs and fat. However, certain supplements are recommended. We recommend a multi-vitamin be taken while on the program as well as on an ongoing basis. Vitamins and minerals are the basic foundation to optimal health and generally deficient in appropriate amounts in our food due to over farming and overusing the soil. A multi-vitamin is a convenient and easy way to take all the necessary nutrients in one supplement, in order to prevent deficiencies.

Can my overweight children use this program?

No. This program is not advisable for children. Please visit your pediatrician for other methods available for these cases.

Will hCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking?  What about birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections?

hCG does not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera, so there are rarely any side effects.

Why are some people calling hCG the “Weight Loss Cure”?

hCG is also being called the “Weight Loss Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, it reprograms the body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. Or put another way, it helps maintain weight loss once a normal caloric intake is resumed.  

How much weight can I expect to lose on the program?

Much of it depends on the starting point. The more weight to lose the more weight is lost. On average, our clients lose approximately 15 to 40 pounds in about one month.  It is not unusual for some people to lose 10 to 12 pounds in the first week.

How long can I continue the hCG?

After 42 doses, the effectiveness diminishes due to the body’s ability to develop temporary immunity to the hCG. However, if necessary, subsequent courses can be resumed after a three-week stabilizing period.

Will I gain the weight back once I stop the program?

Stability of the normal weight is relatively easy because the weight loss is from storage fat and not from structural fat.

What if I am Vegetarian or Vegan?

If you are vegetarian there are a few alternatives but the weight loss is generally slower.

Will I still lose weight if I don’t exercise?

Yes, but light to moderate exercise is important in lowering stress, clearing the brain, improving strength & flexibility, controlling insulin utilization, managing weight, burning more calories, and increasing lean muscle mass. Not to mention the reshaping and recontouring it can contribute. Exercise is encouraged for those reasons but is not necessary.

What does the FDA say about hCG?

hCG is a natural substance that is produced in the human body during pregnancy. Although it is a natural substance, it is classified as a drug and available by prescription only.  The FDA has not approved hCG to be used in weight loss treatment, however, medical professionals are allowed to prescribe medications for uses that are not specifically approved by the FDA.

hCG is FDA-approved to treat many various health issues and has been in existence to do so for over 45 years by the medical community. It is considered safe and has few side effects. hCG is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women, and to increase sperm count in men.  It has been used off label in the U.S. for weight loss since the 1970s. The doses used for weight loss are miniscule compared to doses used for the other conditions.

Although there are studies to demonstrate significant weight loss and thousands of case reports regarding weight loss, body contouring and hCG, the following is the FDA’s position:

Indications and Usage: hCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decrease the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.