What is HCG?

Dr. A Simeons, a specialist in weight regulation and obesity, introduced a program in the 1960's that has helped many people overcome weight loss problems. The program utilises the natural hormone produced during a woman's pregnancy called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). Dr. Simeons’ theory is that the hormone HCG causes the hypothalamus part of the brain to trigger the  release of abnormal fat stores. When taken in  small doses (Hcg Drops) and used in conjunction with a low calorie diet, the majority of people will lose 10-15kgs in 30 days.

The HCG Diet has helped thousands of men and women lose those stubborn kilos. As-well as weight loss, many people who have completed the HCG Diet will also experienced many other health benefits, including reduced cholesterol, lower blood pressure and blood sugar.

What is the Hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is a vital part of the brain. This controls all of the autonomic functions of the body, including breathing, heart beat, digestion, sleep and the very important and  complex functions of the body's endocrine system. One of the many functions of the endocrine system is regulation and control of your weight and metabolism.

Does HCG work for everyone?

Even though HCG is produced naturally in pregnant women, as a diet aid it works the same for men and women. Most people on this program report losing between 10 -15kg in just over 3 weeks, and claim it is the only weight control program where they have been able to keep the weight off after the diet.

How does HCG help me lose weight?

HCG acts on the hypothalamus, signaling the body to release stored fat into the bloodstream where it is then available to be used by the body for nourishment. This alone will not create any significant weight loss, though, unless you reduce your intake or food and calories. The body will then be forced to use up the mobilized fat from the bloodstream. HCG causes the release of abnormal fat without affecting structural fat and muscle tissue. This means you lose fat in those stubborn areas--Thighs, hips, buttocks.

Do I have to be on a special diet while taking the HCG drops?

Yes. You must follow the entire HCG Diet including the food intake.  This is a  500-calorie-per-day diet that was tested on thousands of patients. HCG is only effective for weight loss if it is taken while strictly the 500 a day calorie food intake. Taking HCG alone (without the diet) will not cause you to lose weight. HCG takes effect when you reduce your food intake so that the mobilized fat will be used for your body's energy needs. If you fail to follow the diet you will fail to lose weight. If you only follow the diet without taking HCG, you are simply starving yourself because there is no fat in the bloodstream to burn. Simply put, both are required. Also see the next two questions.

What foods can I eat while on the diet?

The HCG diet is very balanced, unlike many of the "fad" diets out there. It consists of a healthy variety of protein, fruit and vegetables, and a very small amount of starch. They are eaten in very specific portions and combinations. Allowed proteins are beef (90%-95% lean whole cuts), chicken breasts (boneless or skinless), crayfish,  shrimp, and any fresh, white-fleshed fish. The allowed vegetables are cabbage, asparagus, beet greens, celery,  greens, cucumber, green salad, onion, red radishes, spinach, and tomato. Allowed fruits are oranges, and grapefruit, apples, strawberries.  The limited starches can  include grissini (breadstick) or Melba toast. Vegetarian protein substitutions  are a protein shake, soy patty, egg (1 whole + 3 egg whites), cottage cheese or fat-free milk.

Why can't I just go on a 500 calorie diet without the HCG?

 To answer this question you need to understand how and why the body stores and uses fat.

1. Normal fat: This type of fat can be likened to a checking account from which the body can easily draw energy or deposit it as needed. This type of  fat doesn't take a lot of effort to lose.
2. Structural fat: This is the padding around the various organs, it protects the arteries and cushions the bony prominences. You don't ever want to lose this fat. It is extremly vital to your health. But on a typical "starvation" diet, this is the fat you lose when the normal fat has been used up.
3. Abnormal fat: This is much like a deposit box, where fat is stored and basically locked away. This fat is very difficult to lose with exercise and reduced calorie intake. But with the use of HCG the body readily pulls fat from these last resort fat store areas.

 If you go on a 500-calorie diet without HCG, the body uses the normal fat and then starts to use the structural fat and muscle. Losing your structural fat and muscle tissue can adversely affect your health and well-being. In addition, the starvation type diets without HCG can cause you to be excessively hungry, which is typically not true for those using HCG drops. This is not just a VLCD (very-low-calorie-diet). See next question.

Will I be hungry on the HCG diet?

On HCG, the greater majority of HCG users indicate they were either not hungry (unlike other diets where they were starving), or they felt in control and surprisingly very little hunger and yet still had lots of energy. That aligns perfectly with Dr. Simeons' theories about the fat-releasing properties of HCG; effectively, HCG is helping you get the majority of energy and calories from stored fat instead of only the food you have eaten.  Some people report mild hunger in the first week as their body adjusts, but it has become very clear that the HCG diet plan something out of the ordinary. It is NOT just a "500-calorie diet". In addition, the HCG diet begins with a "gorging" phase. This helps loadup the body with a lot of calories to use during the transition into the low calorie phase. Users who faithfully follow the phases, and stick to it will see fantastic results.

Is exercise required when on the HCG Diet?

Answer: No. Exercise has no place in the program. While exercise may increase the amount of weight you may lose while on the plan, it is not significant and is not recommended. On a 500 calorie intake you can easily become  exhausted. That could lead to discouragement and frustration. However, it is recommended to partake in moderate activity for all of the other benefits you receive, including stress relief, cardiovascular health and the general feeling of well-being. 

If you are already accustomed to exercising a certain amount and would like to continue to do so,you can, but do not over do it.  Scale down the intensity of the workouts if: a) you feel you don't have the energy to get through it; b) you start feeling light headed or ill; c) you gain some weight the next day or two; or d) you lack the energy to get through the day after you workout.

A suggestion for those who want to exercise is that you walk for 5 to 15 minutes daily. Walking is great exercise and contributes to your health in a many ways. It can help relieve stress, keeps the bowels moving, conditions your cardiovascular system, and encourages better circulation. When you are are finished with the HCG diet  and are back on a regular diet you can then pick up the intensity of your workouts again.