The hCG weight loss program has gotten a lot of attention recently. You may have seen articles in national publications, your local news, or even on Dr. Oz. Well, what is all the buzz about? Find out below some factual information about hCG weight loss in this engaging question and answer format.

What is hCG?

HCG is the acronym for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone naturally produced by the placenta of pregnant women. This hormone almost completely controls the metabolic function of the hypothalamus gland during pregnancy. All hCG used for medical purposes is natural. It is created in laboratories as a sterile extract from urine.

What is the hypothalamus gland?

The hypothalamus gland is the “master hormone” gland located in the brain. It moderates thyroid and adrenal gland functions, fat storage, and metabolic rate. The hCG Weight Loss Program helps to reset the hypothalamus and restore an improved metabolism.

How much weight will I lose with the HCG Weight Loss Diet Program?

Most hCG dieters report weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a day. At the very least, ½ pound per day, and at the most 3+ pounds per day. Weight loss tends to be quicker at the onset of the process and slows somewhat toward the end of the program. Factors that ensure faster weight loss include increasing vegetable intake and mixing salad with each meal. Fiber intake, adequate water intake, adequate exercise, and taking the required supplements are big factors for successful long-term weight loss.

What preparations are required for the hCG Weight Loss Program?

Prior to treatment, a physician should perform a review of your medical history, perform a physical examination, and provide a general health assessment. As a patient you need to understand all aspects of the program and be prepared for a significant change in your eating patterns. Success on the hCG program requires a commitment and willingness to follow the rules of the hCG program completely.

How is the hCG administered?

There are two common routes of hCG administration – injectable or sublingual. The injectable route involves a small subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once daily. The sublingual route (under the tongue drops) requires several drops to be placed and held under the tongue twice a day. The amount of weight loss is identical with either form of hCG.

Is it healthy to lose 1 to 2 pounds of weight per day?

Studies have shown that hCG weight loss following the traditional Dr. Simeon’s protocol comes directly from adipose (stored) fat rather than lean muscle. In doing so, the weight loss comes directly from unhealthy and unneeded fat and does not strip the body of much needed muscle, vitamins, or minerals essential to maintain good health. At the same time, the fat that is consumed to produce calories will release stored nutrients into the blood stream and may be used to support energy production. For these reasons, hCG dieters report a feeling and appearance of great health and marvel at the loss of negative health risks they may have had as an overweight individual.

Why do you need to follow the 500 calorie diet (very low calorie diet)?

The hCG medication causes your hypothalamus gland to mobilize the fat out of the fat storage locations so that it’s available for use. While you are only consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the fat stored in the body. Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day. The result is your body utilizes thousands of calories of stored fat each day. This is the reason that you will experience a 1 to 2 pound weight loss or more each and every day.

Is the use of hCG for weight loss legal?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hCG as a medication available by prescription in this country. The approved indications for hCG are for a variety of infertility issues in women. The use of hCG for weight loss is “off-label” but is completely legal and legitimate for use by licensed physicians in the United States.

Will I be hungry on the very low calorie diet – just 500 calories per day?

You may experience some mild hunger initially on the program but typically this passes quickly. In addition to the fat burning effect of hCG is the fact that hCG tends to suppress your appetite.

How about safety and side effects of the hCG Program?

There are rarely side effects reported while using hCG either in the injectable or sublingual form. Some patients do report mild headache, nausea, or acne. These symptoms tend to resolve as the program continues or resolve when the hCG is stopped. There have been no significant safety concerns encountered when hCG is used appropriately.

Are there some people who should not be on the program?

Certain medical conditions prevent the safe use of hCG. This is why a thorough medical evaluation and supervision is essential for safe and effective weight loss.

Specific medical concerns that may preclude use of hCG include insulin requiring diabetes, pregnancy, gout, active gall bladder disease, or large uterine fibroids.

Will I gain the weight back after the hCG Program is completed?

After the hCG program is completed, not only will you have lost physical weight, but individuals also report a change for the better in appetite and a natural course of modified eating behavior. They also report this as being an ideal situation for easily transitioning into a healthy relationship with food.

You should not regain the lost weight as long as you have replaced any former negative eating and lifestyle habits with a new healthy perspective on food and exercise.

Is hCG safe for men?

The hCG hormone is actually found in men. In fact, it is present in every human tissue, including males, non-pregnant and pregnant females. No issues arise when used by men.

How painful are the hCG injections?

The hCG injections for weight loss are administered using a very fine needle placed just under the skin. The entire process of administration is quite easy and essentially painless.

What are the various phases of the hCG Weight Loss Program?

Different programs may be found from different practitioners. A typical program includes the following phases:

• Phase 1 – Detoxification. This phase allows for your liver and intestinal tract to cleanse or detoxify. This sets the stage for the rapid weight loss that will be experienced on the next phase that includes hCG. This phase helps reduce or eliminate food cravings, such as sugar or salty foods, and improves energy. You will typically lose 5 to 10+ pounds during this phase which typically lasts 10 days.
• Phase 2 – hCG Rapid Weight Loss. This is a very structured phase that involves daily administration of prescription strength hCG along with a very low calorie diet (VLCD). Only certain proteins, vegetables, and fruits are allowed during this phase. Typical weight loss on average is one pound per day. This phase lasts a minimum of 23 days or as long as 40 days.
• Phase 3 – Reset. This phase allows the hypothalamus gland to reset and helps you maintain your new weight set point. During this phase you have completed the hCG administration and will increase your daily calorie intake but still limit certain types of foods.
• Phase 4 – Maintenance. This phase will work you into a more “normal” day to day eating program and allow you to maintain your reduced weight. Most comprehensive programs will provide you with a number of suggestions on how to prevent regaining any weight.

The hCG program is a unique and exciting way to achieve long-term successful weight loss. A comprehensive program involves a physician’s oversight and support. Most hCG dieters find that the weight loss is quite easy even if they have struggled with other programs in the past.

Once you know the truth about the hCG Weight Loss Program you may find all you have to lose is that extra weight! Maybe the hCG Weight Loss Program is for you?