Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Weight Loss Program
What is HCG?
HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone naturally produced in women during pregnancy. It has many functions and is used medically to treat men & women for many different conditions including infertility and hormone regulation.
HCG Weight Loss Program Overview
HCG therapy involves daily injections of the hormone combined with a very low calorie diet of 500 calories per day. Average weight loss is 1/2 to 1 pound per day.
How does HCG work?
The mechanism of action is still not clear, but the diet’s founder, Dr. ATW Simeons believed that the hCG diet “reset” the hypothalamus (“central hormone control station” in the base of the brain) improving metabolism and allowing the body to release abnormal fat stores and use them for fuel.
What You Can Expect From HCG Injections
The weight loss stage begins with the first injection and includes a “forced feeding,” or consuming as much fattening food as you can for 2 days to increase the body’s fat reserves. These reserves are lost within the first 3 days, and help limit discomfort during the initial phase of the diet. Patients can expect to have normal energy and activity levels during the diet, but should not engage in unusually strenuous exercise. The self-administered injections, are given in the mid-thigh daily for 40 days. The diet must be continued for 3 days past the last injection. Patients are closely monitored with Bioimpedance analysis (body composition test), lab tests and weekly meetings with a nutritionist. At the end of week 6, patients follow a low-carb diet for an additional 3 weeks, then begin a maintenance program to help them maintain their ideal body weight for life.
Who is eligible ?
Men and women who have at least 20 pounds to lose are eligible. Patients with significant chronic diseases will require a visit with one of our physicians before they can begin the program.
Are there any side effects?
The most frequently experienced side effects are pain at the site of injection and bruising. Headache, irritability, fluid retention, breast tenderness and depression may occur infrequently. Allergic reactions are possible but very rare.
A word about this program:
HCG in this program is being used “offlabel” for the treatment of obesity, which means it was originally not intended for weight loss (but can be used legally by any physician who feels it is clinically effective). We have found HCG to be an effective tool for our patients desiring significant weight loss. However, it is important to note that results may vary between patients.
Keeping the Weight Off :
Losing weight is exhilarating and brings with it a new found confidence and optimism for the future. But it is also an accomplishment that must be treasured and protected. Learning to maintain your ideal weight is an important skill, and an effective maintenance program is just as important as an effective weight loss program.
We ask you at the beginning of the HCG diet, to let us help you maintain your weight loss when you are done. Our lifetime maintenance program is called “First Line Therapy”. It is a healthy eating plan that reduces inflammation, optimizes insulin and blood sugar levels, and decreases the risk of developing chronic disease.
