HCG weight loss programs combine a very low calorie diet with supplements of the hormone HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. The diets are commonly broken into three phases, and on the first phase, on loading phase, dieters consume a high calorie diet and start HCG supplements. Proponents of these diet program claim that HCG can help you burn excess fat, especially in difficult areas such as the arms, buttocks and belly. Critics of these plans note that HCG has not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use with dieting and weight loss.
Loading Phase
The first phase of an HCG diet calls for high fat, high calorie meals for two days to load the body for the low-calorie phase that follows. According to The Green HCG weight loss plan, an internet-based HCG diet plan, this loading or gorging phase, in combination with HCG supplements encourages the hypothalamus to burn more fat. Simply HCG, another internet-based weight loss plan, notes that the loading phase helps to "reset" the body's fat regulating system and this resetting promotes weight loss once the second phase of the program begins.
Low Calorie Phase
The second phase of an HCG program start on the third day of the diet and cuts calorie intake to between 500 and 800 calories per day. This shift from a high calorie diet to a very strict low calorie diet, free of excess carbohydrates, sugars or fats, is believed to help the HCG burn fat from stored fat banks in the body and reset your metabolism to result in rapid weight loss of up to 20 or 30 lbs. in one month.
Effects of HCG
Proponents of HCG diets state that HCG increases the rate of fat metabolism and redistributes fat stores within the body. HCG is also said to reduce hunger, and can help encourage a rapid weight loss of up to 1 lb. per day. Critics note that users may experience unwanted side effects such as headaches, irritability and cardiovascular risks.
Expert Insights
There is very little scientific evidence that HCG or the two-day "loading" phase improves weight loss or influences metabolism. MayoClinic.com notes that most HCG programs include a period of approximately 20 to 40 days on a very low calorie diet. This diet includes lean protein and fresh fruits or vegetables, and due to the calorie and food restrictions it is likely to result in a noteworthy weight loss. The FDA has warned consumers that HCG is not regulated or approved for the purposes of dieting, and any HCG product acquired without a prescription may not be fraudulent. Consumers are advised to consult a medical doctor prior to starting any HCG weight loss program.
