The number of overweight and obese people are increasing in the United States, impacting the lives of about a third of adults, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics. Judging by the popularity of the HCG diet, a protocol that combines human chorionic gonadotropin with a very low calorie diet -- or VLCD -- to achieve rapid, significant weight loss, people will try almost anything to shed excess fat. Talk to your doctor before starting a new diet.
About HCG Diet
HCG is a hormone that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fertility treatments in females and to reverse hormonal irregularities in males. In the 1950s, A.T.W. Simeons, an India-based endocrinologist from the U.K., analyzed the effects of HCG on obese young men. According to his book, "Pounds and Inches," injection HCG would redistribute fat in a more normal way and eliminate hunger signals associated with a low calorie diet. With full compliance, the men lost at least 1 lb. a day. Due to the possible dangers of VLCDs, physician supervision is encouraged.
Very Low Calorie Diet
Very low calorie diets were developed to treat obese individuals at immediate risk of weight-related health complications. The Weight-Control Information Network reports that patients could lose 3 to 5 lbs. a week, or an average of 44 lbs. over the course of four months. Risks involved with a VLCD are feeling tired, constipated, nauseated or gastrointestinal pain and cramping. People who lose weight rapidly are also at risk of developing painful gallstones. Maintaining weight loss after being on a VLCD is difficult unless patients make lifestyle and behavioral changes.
Rapid Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss is not safe for everyone, which is why doctor supervision is encouraged. Go Ask Alice, Columbia University's health information website, explains only people with a body mass index of 30 or higher, a measurement of obesity, should utilize VLCDs. A proper VLCD should be monitored by a specialist and involve other components, including nutrition counseling, physical activity and behavioral therapy. A haphazard VLCD could cause long-term nutritional deficiencies and even malnutrition, putting you at risk for developing anemia, osteoporosis, decreased immunity and thyroid function, and many other chronic conditions.
Problems
Problems caused by rapid weight loss are far-reaching. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that puts you at risk for fractures and premature death. Anemia is a red blood cell deficiency that can cause chronic fatigue, lethargy and shortness of breath. Decreased immunity can make you susceptible to illness and infection. HCG also has a variety of risk factors. According to an FDA spokesperson, HCG injections increases your risk for headaches, blood clots, depression, irritability and more.
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