The popular HCG diet is a weight loss program that combines extreme calorie restriction with hormone injections or oral supplements. The pricey injections that accompany the early phases of the diet consist of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy and extracted from the urine when the hormone is at its peak levels. However, synthetic forms of HCG are typically what is used on the diet. Promoters of the diet plan promise quick weight loss, improved metabolism and reduced body fat storage on the hips and abdomen.
Origin
The original concept for the HCG diet dates back to the 1930s and a British physician named A.T.W. Simeons. After treating children who suffered from a specific obesity syndrome, Simeons decided to experiment with the hormone injections to treat obese adults who had no known syndrome. In addition to daily injections of HCG, he had his patients follow a strict diet consisting of 500 calories a day. The calories were divided between two meals which were mainly protein, with a few leafy vegetables, a small amount of fruit and one piece of crispbread. Simeons hypothesized that the injections combined with calorie restriction allowed the patient to metabolize fat more efficiently.
Phase One
The first 30 days of the four-phase HCG diet program outlines a series of dos and don'ts. This phase of the diet is designed to eliminate food cravings, bad eating habits and underlying causes of obesity. During this phase, certain foods and substances are forbidden. For example, no artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin are allowed. In addition, nitrates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), trans fats, fast food or high fructose corn syrup should be avoided. Dieters are encouraged to drink up to 1 gallon of water throughout the day. Although there are many versions of the HCG diet now available, the original plan outlined by Dr. Simeons is restricted to tea or coffee for breakfast, 100g of lean meat with one serving of vegetables, one piece of melba toast and an apple, orange or handful of strawberries for lunch. Dinner is the same as lunch for phase one. Daily oral drops of HCG or weekly injections provide the hormone, which is designed to help stave off hunger.
Phase Two
In an effort to increase energy, phase two of the diet begins with three days of increased food and calorie intake. The dieter is encouraged to eat anything and everything he wants for three days. After three days of massive food overload, the initial plan of 500 calories a day is back in action. This phase of the diet varies a little depending on which format you are following. The original version of the diet phase two lasts anywhere from 26 to 46 days depending on the amount of weight the dieter has to lose.
Phases Three and Four
The last two phases of the diet are not as calorically stringent but focus on a daily lifestyle that can be maintained. Phase three generally lasts about three weeks which allows for an increased variety of food choices but still completely forbids fast foods, sweeteners and trans-fats. Phase four is considered the "post HCG diet maintenance program"; it includes healthy eating habits, a better and more positive relationship with food and a regular exercise regimen.
Expert Insight
The HCG diet can have drawbacks. With such drastic calorie restriction, HCG dieters may not be meeting their daily nutritional requirements. According to MayoClinic.com, no scientific research has substantiating claims that the HCG hormone has any affect on weight loss and, in fact, once off the HCG diet, you are most likely to regain any weight lost during the stringent diet.
Warning
The safety regarding HCG is uncertain. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the hormone for treating obesity or weight control. Side effects of the HCG hormone may include headaches, irritability, lack of energy and breast enlargement in males.
Member Comments