Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, or HCG, is a hormone produced by the female body during pregnancy. It was first used for weight loss the 1950s by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a British endocrinologist. Use of HCG is controversial as it involves a low-fat diet of just 500 calories a day, along with daily HCG injections. HCG is now also available in liquid form from a few online retailers. Those who support the diet say they have no food cravings, no hunger pangs or other symptoms liked with very low-calorie diets. However, side effects can include headaches, irritability and fatigue.
How it Works
The theory behind the diet is that a daily shot of HCG will burn around 2,000 calories, 1,500 from your "reserves" and 500 from your daily calorie intake. This should equate to an average weight loss of one pound per day. A minimum of 23 doses is needed up to a maximum of 40 to "correct" any malfunction of the hypothalamus. This is Phase 1. Phase 2 involves cutting out starch and sugars from the diet for 21 days.
Find a Qualified Heathcare Practitioner
Having HCG injections involves visiting a qualified healthcare practitioner daily for a period of at least one month. It is also important to follow the low-calorie diet plan. Several clinics in Georgia offer this service. Check they are "Trim You Certified" to make sure you are getting Dr. Simeons' original formula. Dr. Mark Wright, based in Atlanta, is a qualified weight loss physician works from two locations, one in the Norcross area, the other one in Marietta.
Follow the Diet
Following the 500-calorie-a-day plan is essential to success. Dr. Marion Reynolds is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and has clinics in Riverdale and Cumming. Dr Jill Ferguson is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and has a clinic in Cleveland. Both offer HCG injections and weight-loss counseling.
Pros and Cons
Supporters of the HCG diet claim is not a quick-fix diet, and those who are successful keep the weight off. However, those against, claim anyone only eating 500 calories a day will lose weight. There have also been some suggestions that HCG may cause cancer. HCG is approved and accepted for use in fertility treatments and for boys who are sexually underdeveloped. It is also a naturally produced hormone in pregnant women.
Warning
Contact the Medical Association of Georgia for a list of qualified doctors who can administer HCG safely. It is important that a professional health-care provider monitors your progress carefully when undertaking this sort of extreme weight-loss program. Always consult your doctor before starting any weight-loss program.
References
- HGC for Obesity Treatment;
- Medical Association of Georgia
- W.L. Asher and Harold W. Harper; Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on weight loss, hunger, and feeling of well-being; Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, Feb 1973;26:211-218
- M.R. Stein, R.E. Julis, C.C. Peck, W. Hinshaw, J.E. Sawicki, and J.J. Deller, Jr.; Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study; Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, Sep 1976;29:940-948.
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