HCG diet plans combine a very low calorie meal diet with supplements of the hormone HCG. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone associated with pregnancy and its proponents claim that it can help boost metabolism and speed up fat loss is difficult areas such as the belly, arms, and thighs. They also claim that HCG can help curb hunger on a low calorie diet. Critics warn against side effects and note that the hormone has not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for weight loss purposes.
Overview of Diet
HCG diet programs typically limit your caloric intake to between 500 and 800 calories per day. Food selections include a low-carb diet of lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Beverage options are limited to water, tea, and coffee. This strict plan is followed fro between 21 and 40 days, during which you take daily supplements of HCG through the use of injections, pills, creams, or drops.
HCG Side Effects
While proponents claim that rapid weight loss is a direct result of HCG, many critics note that HCG diets result in a variety of unpleasant side effects. Users report frequent headaches, fatigue, nausea, and male users have reported male breast enlargement. These side effects can lead to more serious complications such as depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Health Risks
HCG supplements also carry a risk for more serious health risks such as blood clotting. In some cases blood clotting can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular issues such as stroke. MayoClinic.com notes that many HCG supplements marketed on the Internet are not regulated or approved by the FDA as medically viable. Consumers run the risk of using products that contain unknown substances or chemicals due to this lack of regulation.
Expert Insights
There is little scientific evidence that HCG supplements truly aid in weight loss and MayoClinic.com reports that rapid weight loss on HGS plans is the result of the very low calorie diet program. Users run the risk that they will regain any weight lost as soon as they return to their normal calorie intake. This potential weight rebound can place dieters at a greater risk for developing a "yo-yo" diet pattern in which they lose weight only to regain it over the long term.
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