BLOG 78 HCG

BLOG 78 HCG

The HCG diet has taken the weight loss world by storm. This human chorianic gonadotropin is the hormone women make during pregnancy. Claims of rapid weight loss resulting from HCG injections combined with a low calorie diet, have stirred up a lot of attention. However, we know that patience is a virtue on our fitness journeys (easier said than done), but we hear of this gimmicks that seem the solution to our problems. So let’s explore this quick fix method and why it has attracted so many folks to use it. 

Here’s how it works: “The HCG diet limits you to 500 calories a day for 8 weeks while taking HCG, either by getting a shot or by taking a ‘homeopathic’ product, such as oral drops, pellets, or sprays, which you can buy at the store” (http://www.webmd.com/diet/hcg-and-weight-loss#1). The plan involves eating just 2 meals per day which include a protein, vegetable, fruit, and bread. There are extreme restrictions on the choices amongst these. This is meant to re-set your metabolism. This can result in losing up to 1 pound per day.

 It is important to note that this is an FDA approved drug.  The truth is that, “As a prescription medication, HCG is used mainly to treat fertility issues. HCG is not approved for over-the-counter use, nor has it been proved to work for weight loss. Companies that sell over-the-counter HCG weight-loss products are breaking the law” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/hcg-diet/faq-20058164). And in all honesty, taking medication for fertility issues to lose weight seems a little odd. The question begs whether it’s the low calorie intake or the drug that is causing the weight loss. 

Here’s the science behind all this according to Dr. Oz (http://www.doctoroz.com/article/new-hcg-diet?page=1):

• By patient report, HCG reduces feelings of hunger. This allows them to eat very little comfortably. Why? It is believed the presence of HCG in the bloodstream takes the appetite away. In pregnant women, HCG often causes feelings of nausea in the early stages of pregnancy.
• HCG is a pro-hormone which helps the body make more hormones. Since hormone deficiency or imbalance is usually part of the reason for weight gain, whether it’s your thyroid, or menopause (or andropause), this hormone offers help. 
• Only HCG injections have been shown to raise blood levels of HCG, so that is the only acceptable way of taking HCG at this time. Any other way of taking HCG, such as drops, pills, or sprays, are likely dissolved before ever reaching the blood, and they do not raise blood levels; this would be like taking nothing at all. An injection is the only proven method of taking HCG at this time. Injections should only be taken with a prescription from a doctor, and under medical supervision. 

The side effects can vary. Here are the most common: “Side effects have also been reported with the HCG diet and include fatigue, irritability, restlessness, depression, fluid buildup (edema), and swelling of the breasts in boys and men (gynecomastia). Another serious concern is the risk of blood clots forming and blocking blood vessels (thromboembolism)” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/hcg-diet/faq-20058164). 

I have personally known people who have used this. They have attended weight loss clinics for injections. Results vary and it is a short term, quick fix that does make a person much less hungry for the time being. Our bodily functions just aren’t meant to be toyed with like this. Always consult a doctor before taking anything like this and if you are not comfortable doing that, it’s a strong sign you probably shouldn’t take it. Long term side effects may arise. The choices for weight loss methods are plenty, but in the end when we eat less and move more, the best results are bound to happen.