The HCG diet is a program that combines a very low-calorie eating plan with supplements of the hormone HCG. HCG is a hormone that is released during pregnancy, and proponents of HCG diets claim that supplementing with this hormone can mimic a pregnancy state and result in increased fat burning. This diet program is intended to result in rapid weight loss with targeted fat burning in locations such as the stomach and thighs.
Calorie Restrictions
Some versions of the HCG diet plan restrict calorie intake to a total of 500 calories per day. Food selections are limited to lean protein, such as chicken or turkey and fresh fruits and vegetables. Low-fat dairy, such as skim milk or cheese, can also be included in meals, but the diet restricts consumption of saturated, fats such as those found in eggs, red meats and fried foods.
HCG Doses
Doses of HCG are typically administered by injection, but doctors or clinics may provide the hormone in a pill form. In some cases, the HCG is administered sublingually in a form that dissolves under the tongue and travels directly into the bloodstream. In other cases, a pill may be ingested and processed through the stomach. While proponents of the diet claim that HCG will help reduce hunger and promote fat loss, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that there are no findings that support this claim.
Expected Results
Some HCG diet plans promise extremely rapid weight loss, with totals of up to 30 pounds in one month. These plans indicate that participants can expect to lose fat and increase toning in areas such as the buttocks, stomach and thighs. While the HCG supplementation is intended to help ease possible hunger and lack of energy associated with a very low-calorie diet, participants do report problematic symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
Expert Insight
Medical organizations, such as the American Dietetic Association, note that most HCG diets do not follow federal guidelines for healthy nutrition. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dieters should typically not consume fewer than 1,200 calories per day; depending on you gender, age and height, you may require more than 1,200 calories per day. The HCG plan is not designed for long-term use, and if you transition back to consuming more calories than your body burns, you will gain back some, if not all, of the weight lost.
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