How does HCG aid in weight loss?

The HCG diet was discovered in the 1950s and was found to assist with weight loss, practiced from 2001 in Nexus Clinic Kuala lumpur, Malaysia. It consists of 2 main components :

• HCG hormones administered either via injection
• Ultra low calorie diet with 500 calories / day

Nowadays, HCG is sold in various forms like oral drops, pellets and even nasal sprays. The combination of a calorie intake at starvation level and HCG intake leads to dramatic weight loss.

What HCG does in the body

HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a protein based hormone which is secreted most commonly during pregnancy. It informs a woman’s body that she is pregnant. HCG also helps the body maintain the production of essential hormones such as progesterone and estrogen which are essential for pregnancy continuation and fetal development. After the first 3 months, the human chronic gonadotropin levels start dropping as the placenta takes over.

How long does it take to lose weight after HCG?

The effects of HCG and the ultra low calorie diet causes weight loss that is seen imminently within the next few days. The semi starvation state allows the body to burn up the fat stores and also use up more calories. The weight loss and changes to body composition occur within a few days and continue to occur as long as the diet is maintained.

Phases of HCG weight loss

HCG weight loss plan is generally divided into 3 phases :

• Loading phase  : start with the HCG treatment and concurrently consume a high fat, high calorie diet for 2 days
• Weight loss phase : continue with the HCG treatment and consume only 500 calories per day for 3 to 6 weeks
• Maintenance phase : Stop the HCG treatment and gradually increase the food intake but avoid food and starchy substances for 3 weeks.

For a less drastic weight loss plan, 3 weeks are recommended. Whereas for those who require a more drastic weight loss plan, a diet length of 6 weeks is required and if necessary the cycles can be repeated several times until the targeted weight is achieved.

After the weight loss phase, only 2 meals a day are allowed, usually lunch and dinner. The HCG meal plan should contain at least one portion of lean protein, a vegetable, a piece of bread and any fruit to maintain its balance and reduce the vitamin and mineral deficiencies as little as possible. Foods such as butter, oil and sugar should be avoided. Drink plenty of water throughout the diet.

What are the side effects of HCG?

The human chronic gonadotropin diet comes with its own side effects and risks. A semistarvation diet has  health risks such as gallstones in the gallbladder, irregular heartbeat or arrythmias, limited intake of vitamins and minerals leading to deficiencies, and an imbalance of electrolytes which can cause heart problems.

Other side effects of the diet are fatigue, irritability, restlessness, depression, fluid buildup, and at times thromboembolisms. Always consult a doctor before starting the diet.

Is HCG safe?

Human chronic gonadotropin is considered relatively safe in specific cases but comes with its own set of side effects and risks. FDA in Kuala lumpur, malaysia has advised that a HCG diet plan should only be taken after consultation with doctors and take into consideration the individual’s requirements. The side effects and risks are as mentioned above.

What are post treatment care?

Following each cycle it is advisable to stay away from sugar and carbohydrates for at least 3 weeks. Following treatment it is also advisable to exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to avoid unnecessary weight gain.