Using human chorionic gondadotropin, or HCG, for weight loss has become one the most popular ways to slim down, according to the University of Idaho. The so-called HCG Diet is not a phenomenon and has been proven to be dangerous and ineffective for long-term weight loss according to the "Los Angeles Times." If you are still curious about this diet, make certain that you speak to your physician before taking HCG for weight loss.
History
The HCG Diet first became popular in the 1970s, according to the University of Idaho. It was created by British doctor A.T.W. Simeons who originally prescribed it to obese patients to help them lose weight. Brigham Young University in Utah reports that Simeons claimed that by taking small amounts of HCG every day, his patients could consume a diet of just 500 calories a day, remain productive, not feel hungry and lose about 1 lb. of weight each day.
The Diet
The HCG Diet claims to help you lose about 1 to 3 lbs. every day. The University of Idaho explains that along with administering HCG injections each day, you eat a diet between 500 and 800 calories. The original Simeons' HCG protocol is a three-meal diet. For breakfast, an unlimited amount of coffee or tea is allowed without any sugar, but no solid food. For lunch and dinner, 100 g of lean meat such as veal, chicken breast or fish is allowed, with one green vegetable, one bread stick and an apple, orange or a handful of strawberries.
Side Effects
The HCG Diet can be very dangerous and has several drawbacks, according to MayoClinic.com. The extreme caloric restriction will make it nearly impossible for you to meet all of your nutritional requirements. Aside from severe malnutrition, side effects of the diet are headaches, mood swings, blood clots, depression, swelling of the hands and legs, extreme fatigue, bloating and even weight gain. Since HCG is actually a fertility treatment, it can create hormonal imbalances that can cause males to develop breast tissue. Very low calorie diets can lower your production of thyroid stimulating hormone, but the University of Maryland Medical Center explains that supplementing with HCG can have a reverse effect that can promote hyperthyroidism or induce thyrotoxicosis that can cause irregular heartbeat.
Warning
Despite the prevalence of HCG weight loss clinics that have opened nationwide, HCG is actually not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity. This is because there is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of HCG in the treatment of obesity, according to the University of Idaho. Any weight that you lose on the HCG Diet is not likely to be permanent. Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet, lifestyle and a commitment to moderate amounts of exercise. A doctor should be consulted before embarking on this diet.
References
- University of Idaho: Thinking About Slimming Down for the Holiday Season on HCG - Think Again
- "Los Angeles Times": HCG Diet was Largely Discredited Long Ago
- Brigham Young University: Pregnancy Hormone Used in Latest Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
- MayoClinic.com: HCG Diet: Is it Safe and Effective?
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