HCG Diet Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is HCG?

HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is a "Super Hormone", controlling other hormones during pregnancy. The HCG prescribed in the diet protocols is usually synthetic.

How much weight will I lose with the HCG diet?

Most HCG dieters report a loss of ¾ to 1 lb a day, although some people will lose more on some days of the diet. Factors that improve weight loss include adding/increasing vegetable and salads with each meal. Fiber intake is extremely important, as is water intake.

What preparations are required for HCG diet shots?

Prior to treatment, the practitioners at Medical Aesthetics of New England will request blood tests and perform a general health assessment. For individual injections, generally no preparations are required. We will teach you how to prepare and administer the injections and to minimize discomfort.

Is it healthy to lose 1 pound a day with HCG shots?

The HCG diet was pioneered in 1950 by Dr Simeons. HCG weight loss studies have shown that weight lost following the Simeons protocol comes directly from adipose fat tissue rather than lean muscle. In doing so, the weight lost comes from excess fat and does not strip the body of much needed muscle, vitamins or minerals essential to maintain good health. It also protects the essential fat between your organs and in your muscles and brain. Nutrients stored in the fat are also released back into the blood stream. HCG dieters often report a feeling of improved health and little or no hunger during the diet because of this effect.

How is 500 calories a day enough to live on without feeling miserable?

HCG diet shots cause your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the fat storage locations so that it’s available for use. While you are only eating 500 calories daily, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the excess fat stored in your body. Because of this, your body is really operating on its usual thousands of calories a day. The restrictive diet prevents your fat cells from storing new fat and new fat from being stored in your adipose tissue.

Is the use of HCG injections for weight loss legal?

A medical doctor is legally able to prescribe HCG in the US. HCG is not FDA approved for this purpose; rather its use is off label.

Will I be hungry on 500 calories a day?

It is common for mild hunger to occur during the first few days, however this will pass and by the 2nd week, you will find even very tiny servings to be completely satisfying. This is partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic rate, but largely due to the amount of calories circulating in your system from the fat being released.

Who is the right candidate for HCG Diet Shots?

The majority of men and women can use HCG injections for weight loss. We will NOT permit HCG weight loss injections for women who are pregnant or nursing.

How about safety and side effects of HCG Diet Shots?

There are rarely side effects reported while using HCG diet shots for weight loss, because of the relatively low concentrations. Some people may experience headaches in the first few days of the HCG diet protocol as your body readjusts to the how it is getting the fuel it needs to operate. They usually go away in a day or two. Make sure you stay well hydrated and you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) if needed. Some women on the HCG diet may have alterations in their menstrual cycles, including early or delayed period, heavier flow, lighter flow and/or heavy cramping. Much of this can be avoided by starting the HCG diet after the last day of their menstrual cycle.

Will I gain the weight back after the HCG diet?

After the HCG diet, you should find your appetite and your eating behavior will have changed along with losing the weight. It is essential to adopt a healthier lifestyle to maintain your weight loss, including exercising and eating at the "reset" calorie level. With your hypothalamus reset, your metabolism will be different and you will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need to overeat because of hunger. If you go back to old habits, eating junk food, over eating, not watching what you eat, eating unhealthy foods or leading a sedentary lifestyle, the weight will come back. Studies have found that yo-yoing weight (ie losing/gaining/losing/gaining, etc) seems to be more dangerous than maintaining heavier weight. Think of the HCG diet as a jump-start to a new, healthier you.

What is the hypothalamus gland?

The hypothalamus gland moderates the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage, and more importantly, your metabolic rate.

Is HCG safe for men?

HCG is naturally present in men, but in small amounts.

How painful are HCG injections for weight loss?

The HCG injections for weight loss are administered using a very fine needle and are relatively painless. We use equipment similar to that used by diabetics to administer their insulin.

Where do I get the HCG and other supplies?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, we will prescribe you with the HCG and the supplies. The HCG is taken at the same time every day, generally in the morning,

Will I be hungry on the HCG diet protocol?

No. Typically you won’t be hungry on the HCG diet protocol because the stored fat will be releasing its stored calories and helping to fuel your body while you are doing your daily activities. By restricting your calorie intake of carbohydrates and fats, you are forcing your body to use your excess stored fat for energy. This fat will be released by the HCG hormone into your blood stream and fuel your body while the excess is excreted as waste.

How long does each cycle last?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, we generally recommend the HCG diet in 21 or 40 day cycles, with varying breaks in between. By doing more than one cycle, significant additional weight can be lost.

How are food and HCG related during the diet?

When you start your HCG diet, typically you eat as much as you want the first two days "loading days". This allows the HCG to start taking effect. After that you are on a strict 500-calorie/day diet that we at Medical Aesthetics of New England will provide you. This calorie restriction is continued for 3 days after the HCG is finished, giving time to let the HCG leave your system. It is also important to gradually ease into a higher calorie diet. We have a special program that will help you with this phase also.

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