The hCG Diet
I am always surprised when HCG pops up on the radar screen; I thought the stuff was banned for use in weight control. But, actually, the FDA didn’t ban hCG. They just banned selling and advertising hCG without a warning label. No matter that the American Society of Bariatric Physicians issued a statement about hCG’s ineffectiveness for weight control, or that the American Medical Association put out a safety warning. These things alone or together do not add up to a product ban. But what exactly is hCG?
Several forms of hCG
hCG (human choriogonadotropic hormone) is sold as an injectable, pill and homeopathic tincture (drops). Injectable hCG is indicated by prescription for the treatment of infertility, growth hormone deficiency, organ transplants, and AIDS-related muscle wasting. That is the form condemned by the medical societies for the treatment of obesity. In addition, injectable hCG is banned by Major League Baseball and the Olympic Committee as a performance-enhancing drug – not that hCG enhances performance, but it mitigates the side effects of ending a cycle of steroids.
Over-the-counter oral hCG pills, powders and drops do not present a safety problem; they are simply ineffective. Hormones (think insulin) are made of protein that is digested, and therefore changed, in the gastrointestinal tract. Laboratories are devising ways to protect hormones during digestion, but they aren’t there yet. hCG drops are delivered under the tongue (sublingual) to enter the blood supply directly - although many doctors say hCG degrades before it reaches the bloodstream. One double-blinded research study suggested that sublingual hCG works, but the research subjects followed a very low calorie diet and that's where the confusion rests.
The original hCG Diet
The original hCG Diet for weight loss was popularized by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a British endocrinologist. He observed that calorie-deficit pregnant women from India had higher than usual hCG secretions, which seemed to produce a loss of stored fat while preserving muscle in the mother. hCG is produced in the hypothalamus section of the brain by pregnant women and growing children. In pregnancy, hCG helps the uterus to accept the embryo and, among its other actions, hCG triggers the mobilization of fat to be used for fuel.
Dr. Simeons proposed pairing hCG with a low calorie diet to produce selective fat loss. In 1954, he published a diet protocol in The Lancet, Letters to the Editor. His protocol consisted of daily hCG injections along with a 500 calorie diet. The diet allowed unlimited use of tea and coffee with artificial sweeteners, and one tablespoon of milk, 200 grams (7 ounces) of very lean meat, fish or poultry, two vegetables, two fruits, and two bread sticks per day.
Over the years, several studies (1, 2) showed that the effectiveness of Simeons’ hCG diet was entirely due to calorie restriction. Some of them concluded that weight loss with or without hCG was equal and that hCG had no effect on fat mobilization, appetite or sense of hunger, or on body fat distribution. In 1995, a meta-analysis review of prior studies concluded that there is no scientific evidence that hCG is effective in the treatment of obesity. Nevertheless, the hCG Diet program has enjoyed worldwide popularity for years.
After Dr. Simeons’ death in 1970, hCG Diet clinics sprang up everywhere. The diet protocol was often changed but the hCG injections continued. In 2007, infomercial salesman, Kevin Trudeau, released a book, The Weight Loss Cure "They" Don't Want You to Know About, a variation of Dr. Simeons’ diet plan. The company that marketed the book was later charged with deceptive advertising by FTC.
The Bottom Line
Reputable studies refute the effectiveness of the hCG Diet and respected medical organizations warn against it. Still, it is freely promoted all across the Internet, and so buyer beware!
- MR Stein, et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1976
- RL Young, et al. Chorionic Gonadotropin in Weight Control A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1976
Your thoughts....
Have you used or considered using the hCG Diet?
Comments
I have done the hcg diet and it has been a life changing event...Its not just put it under your tounge and u lose weight...You have to change every bad habbit you have let your self have in life..I was born with a rare heart condition and I have not ever been able to change my childhood best friend "food".This has given me everthing I need to change my life..Yeah it costs alot but it gives you a chance to change forever.I think anyone would like that.....
I am just curious how many of you folks have consulted your doctors before doing this diet. Because eating 500 calories a day isn't healthy. Sure you could feel more energetic and not at all hungry. That doesn't mean that what you are doing is good for your health.
It's funny. I remember when I had an eating disorder and only ate as much food as I could fit into a sandwich baggie. I, too, had boundless energy and wasn't ever hungry. In fact, often I felt sick with the prospect of eating anything at all because I just wasn't hungry. That wasn't healthy, but at least everyone can look at anorexia and recognize it as that.
Before everyone flies off the handle - I am NOT saying anyone doing this diet is anorexic. But, to me, the correlation between the situations is strong. I'd never do this diet because it is unhealthy, just ask any doctor.
Also - what is it teaching you in the long run? How is it going to prepare you for your "new way of eating for life?"
Just another thing - I totally get that for some people losing weight is a lot harder than it is for others. And this offers a solution. It's your body, your business, your choice. I get that. It isn't cheating, it's just taking risks. One's that I've learned aren't worth it.
I have researched this because I don't understand how people can choose to do something that is so blatantly bad for you, that we've been advised to avoid by so many doctors.
And I will edit my post above by saying it looks like a few of you have received your doctor's approval. Which astounds me, but, oh well. It looks like I was wrong.
the surgery doesn't? you can not speak for someone else's weight loss. perhaps they have tried all of it, perhaps they have gone to the gym everyday for 2 years, eaten healthy, and haven't lost anything may have a reason for losing the weight quickly and found that hcg is the solution. I've lost 50 pounds and felt wonderful on hcg. I can't wait to start the next round.
Good morning everyone,
I was so excited when I saw the title of this article because to me, HCG is the best plan for weight loss!
Kitteakat: ITA with both your posts. You have a good understanding of the Protocol and will do well. This plan works for anyone who works it. There's a whole HCG diet community on Yahoo who answer questions for HCG dieters. Thousands of people sharing amazing results aren't wrong. Anyone who has negative comments either hasn't tried HCG or did not use it correctly.
I've tried so many ways to lose weight, & spent so much money on weight loss programs, only to lose a little & regain even more. I'm not saying that it was the fault of any diet program, but I am saying that out of all of them; Weight Watchers, Weight Loss Clinic, Atkins, diet pills, low fat diets, low carb, low calorie, fasting, etc. etc., nothing has worked for me like the HCG drops. I have lost 27 lbs; 3 pounds from my goal, and I am learning how to maintain through healthy eating and exercise. Ladies and gentlemen...I look very nice in my size 10s although some of them are too big. :) I have not seen 138 on a scale in over 20 years! Every morning I wake up happy and excited & looking forward to getting on that scale!
The friend who introduced me to HCG has lost over 60 pounds and looks fantastic. My niece has lost 19 lbs so far; my sister and another niece are starting this week.
I get my drops from www.easyhealthzone.com; 800 745-9058 for only $19.95 plus 5.95 S&H for a 2 oz month supply. These are the cheapest I've found and are the same drops that some sell for much more.
May the good Lord God bless all of you!
I am actually not defensive at all, and not sure who you are referring to. I commend anyone who embarks on a weight loss journey, as long as your eyes are open and you have done your research. I pass no judgment on anyone. Actually I have found people who have NOT done the protocol to be much more defensive, sometimes downright cruel in their remarks -- all without knowing anything about the diet, its history, or its effectiveness.
One more thing: Regarding the following words from the article:
The Bottom Line
Reputable studies refute the effectiveness of the hCG Diet and respected medical organizations warn against it. Still, it is freely promoted all across the Internet, and so buyer beware!
Reputable studies all across the Internet hail the effectiveness of HCG, and medical organizations are helping clients reach their weight loss goals. Many people are documenting their experience with HCG on YouTube. I wouldn't inject myself, but otherwise, there's nothing to beware of! Get ready to be disciplined and consistent to achieve quick, safe weight loss that you didn't think was possible! I should be getting paid for this. :)
Hi Everyone!
I was also excited when I saw the title of this article, because I have been suspicious of trying it. My mother, my aunt (who is very into homeopathic medicine), and my cousins have been on the diet and have seen great results! The only issue is if you have thyroid problems. My mom has Hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease. She took medicine to get rid of her Graves Disease but doing the HcG diet caused her to get Graves Disease all over again.
So while I am a proponent of this diet, all I have to say is check with your doctor before you do anything, and make sure you dont have any thyroid issues!
to lindseyhoffner: first of all, I would like to congratulate you on overcoming your eating disorder. I traveled that path in my 20s and I understand it well.
I understand your concern over eating only 500 calories...first of all, when you're eating unprocessed, unrefined whole foods, you'd be surprised how much food 500 calories can be. And the point of the HCG is to trigger your body to release the unhealthy fat stores (that flab around your hips/thighs, the extra inches in your waste, etc.) and use that for your caloric energy. That is why HcG has such great success...your body does NOT go into starvation mode, as it would if you simply ate 500 calories per day. I'm not saying you should go on this diet. I think everyone should use whatever works for them. But before you criticize, you should read Dr. Simeon's original protocal http://www.hcgdietinfo.com/Dr-ATW-Simeons-Pounds-and-Inches. htm. This diet is not some new "fad." In fact, it has been in existence since the 1950s.
As for drs recommending it, there are literally hundreds of clinics that use the HcG protocol with great success. An abundance of information about these clinics is also available on the web.
The article's only point seems to be that people lost just as much weight on a very low calorie diet as on the HcG Diet. This is probably true. But it misses the point that the HcG Diet does not promote your body to go into starvation mode. The outcome? If you go on a 500 calorie a day diet without HcG, you will regain the weight. If you use HcG and modify your daily behavior, you will not gain the weight back. I have read a trove of anecdotal evidence on hundreds of sites that validate this. Even "Mary" admits that the HcG is harmless, so I ask..."what's the problem?" If it works, great. It may not be for everyone and I certainly understand that.
Best wishes on your weight loss journey.
kaceyrupe: I agree, you should always consult with your dr to address your individual health needs before going on ANY diet!
I am on round 2 of my HCG drops. After seeing my mother do the injections, and lose weight and KEEP IT OFF for a year I decided to try it out. I paid $30 at a wellness center, along with getting the FAQ, recipes, and how-to's. I know by my research that there are many different versions on HCG available out there on the internet. My advice is to research research research! My wellness center wanted me to come back on the maintenance phase for a round of b-12 injections for $35 weekly, but I kept with the prenatal vitamin and took b-12 sub lingual supplements instead. On the first round I dropped 17 lbs on the drops alone, and lost 4 inches all around average. I went from a size 7/9 to a 0/3. I had 10 lbs left to reach my ultimate goal weight, so I thought I would give it a go a second time to help get me there. Now I am 5 lbs from my goal!
It's NOT for everyone. Not everyone will be willing to stick to such a small menu of items to eat. Not everyone will drink ENOUGH water. Not everyone will be able to give up their glass of wine in the evening. But if you follow protocol and give it your best effort, you WILL lose weight! There has only been ONE day of doing the HCG that I was tired and it was because I was starting my menstrual cycle. Just one day I was tired, out of the 30 day diet I did! 20 minutes a day of exercise maximum is all that's allowed while on the HCG, but regular exercise is encouraged after the HCG is gone. I didn't cheat, I wasn't hungry. I didn't want to cheat, once I started seeing results.
The thing is, even with only a 500 calorie intake limit your body is still getting tons of extra calories to burn because of the HCG. Your body is pulling fat from the correct fat stores vs. your muscles like crash diets do. You are eating foods that are "negative in calories" meaning your body burns more calories to digest that particular food, than the calories in the food itself. Example...an apple is 50-75 calories to eat. Your body has to burn up to 150 calories just to digest the apple properly. Therefore, not only is that 50-75 calorie apple burned, but so are extra calories. The most interesting thing about it, is that your hypothalamus is reset. That's the little part in your brain that controls your hunger/eating habits and metabolism. Your brain "learns" this new way of eating, and continues to work even after the HCG is gone. After you properly follow the maintenance phase, along with the b-12 and prenatal vitamins, you can basically eat anything you want and not gain. The thing is, you won't WANT to. You will most likely have a whole new mindset on eating and decide eating right is better.
My mother did this over a year ago, and STILL hasn't gained a single pound. She pretty much eats what ever she wants over the weekend and then eats healthy during the week. It's been so effective that I tried it, and had such amazing results that both my sisters chose to give it a go. This is not a fad "crash" diet like some of these people think. This works!
Original Post by: molianaWhile I realize this site depends on advertisers to function, I find it disturbing that on the same page as this article discussing the ineffectiveness of HCG, there are no less than four links for HCG diets.
Do you have scientific proof that this is what actually happens? I would be interested to see where you found this information.
500 calories per day would cause anyone to lose weight, hcg or not. If it didn't have the letters "hcg" attached to it, it'd be a starvation diet since the calorie consumption amount is similar to what people who suffer from an eating disorder eat. To each his own, do what works for you, but make sure it's a lifestyle change, not a 21 day change then back to your old habits.
I have lost 27 lbs without spending money on any diet craze. It can be done. My waist is smaller, and my wallet isn't. But, obviously, it works for some. Good luck on your journey.
Sigh. I was ignorant. I did not know about the three types of fat detailed by Simeon: a) Structural fat; b) normal fat or 'reserve' fat; and c) abnormal fat. So when people say "I am just curious how many of you folks have consulted your doctors before doing this diet. Because eating 500 calories a day isn't healthy," I agree. Without hCG it is not healthy. For those who have not read the book, please read the book. In it you will learn that hCG draws from abnormal fat to supply the remaining calories your body needs above the 500 that you eat. Therefore, it is healthy ... and it's what makes you lose the weight. Amazingly, our beloved doctors can also be idiots. I have a relative whose doctor put him on this diet. He told him to order his supplies off the Internet and gave him a photocopied "summary" of the diet, which my relative skimmed over. He did NOT read Simeon's book. He lost 1/2 as much weight as he should have, and then gained it back. Of course, he trusted his beloved doctor who led him astray with misinformation. Seriously - I was ignorant about this before I read Simeon's book. So ... to really learn what this is all about, please read the book.
Original Post by: slimshaOne more thing: Regarding the following words from the article:
The Bottom Line
Reputable studies refute the effectiveness of the hCG Diet and respected medical organizations warn against it. Still, it is freely promoted all across the Internet, and so buyer beware!
Reputable studies all across the Internet hail the effectiveness of HCG, and medical organizations are helping clients reach their weight loss goals. Many people are documenting their experience with HCG on YouTube. I wouldn't inject myself, but otherwise, there's nothing to beware of! Get ready to be disciplined and consistent to achieve quick, safe weight loss that you didn't think was possible! I should be getting paid for this. :)
In the article there are references to the two scientific studies that indicate the use of hCG is ineffective. While I don't think this is something that I would be interested in, I would like to see the "reputable studies that hail the effectiveness of hCG." Do you have links to those studies that I could consult?
@danbobinski - I have come to the mindset that processed food is quiter literally "poison" to one's body. Why would we put such horrible chemicals, etc. into our system, and not expect a really unpleasant outcome? If you want a really good read about the entire food industry and how it dictates the choices Americans in particular make, you should read "An Omnivore's Dilemma". It's a fascinating read. Does that mean I'll never eat another piece of cake with buttercream frosting again? Ummmm...probably not--I LOVE buttercream frosting--but I will definitely make wise decisions about what I put in my mouth the majority of the time, because the instant gratification is not worth the long term outcome.
Here is my last comment on this subject. I find it fascinating...but did you know that 500 calories will NOT even support NORMAL brain functions? While many of you believe that hCG is helping you burn fat, it is truly hard for me to believe that this is fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are burning muscle, and not only muscle, but muscle from vital organs. And I have done some research on this...but how many of you who are on this diet have done it because your doctor recommended it? Just curious.
I have lost over 125 lbs using homeopathic hcg. Are you telling me I starved the whole time? Believe me, I didn't starve and was really never hungry. Yeah, sometimes something someone else was eating looked good, but that isn't real hunger.
And as far as putting something in my body that isn't normal. Then I guess all the prescriptions that doctors are giving for women to take this for fertility treatment are damaging a bunch of women on purpose.
Why doesn't everyone just eat less? I lost 20 pounds in one month by eating less than I usually eat. I went back to bad eating habits for a month then I weighed myself and realized I gained back 4 pounds. So I ate right and lost another 9.5 pounds in 13 days.
Scroll back through the posts...a number of people are on a medically prescribed HcG protocol. Even Mary posts in her blog that there is no evidence that HcG is dangerous to take. She merely states that it is no more effective than a 500 calorie a day diet.
Original Post by: dannispaI was desperate and stupid enough to buy ($90) this stuff. The restrictive diet was torture. The oral spray claimed "you won't be hungry." You are suppose to gorge yourself two days prior to starting treatment. I got so weak and stomache upset and told my doctor what I was doing. He was close to smacking me for doing this to myself. It is not worth it. It doesn't work. Save your money. A balanced diet and exercize is the key. I have lost 48 pounds in 5 months of starting with Calorie Count.com. I feel great, training for a marathon, and I don't feel like I'm starving all the time.
Way to go, dannispa! :) I believe that's the way to go - balanced diet and exercise. No such thing as the magic pill.
Mary_RD,
After studying the research, it appears to be sabotaged. You cannot take people and lump them into all size category and expect to get the same results. Does HCG work. It does if you follow protocol written by Dr. Simeon. Doctors who will not stand behind it are only ignorant to what it can do. There are many doctors supporting it who have had wonderful success with their patients.(program details are found at weightlosssystem-hcg.com)
As for me I lost 30 pounds in 30 days. Second round another 30 pounds in 30 days. I am down another 15 pounds and taking my time. This will be my last and final round. I have never been overly hungry, or overly tired. Following a rule of "Not Even Once" and dedicating to that is key component. Losing weight is also a mind game. If you think HCG will not work, I would bet your right, it won't. IF you were like me who has tried all other diet programs, or weight loss programs and failed, when HCG was introduced, I thought why not. I am willing and ready to do what ever I can to get rid of it. For me it worked.
Where other diets fail is maintaining. Dr. Simeon helps and instructs on how to maintain and keep it off.
The failure most people do is focus on losing the weight and not caring on how to keep it off. HCG program is by far the most complete and accurate program around. Of course the drug companies and doctors do not want you to lose the weight and get healthy, they will lose you as a client. They will lose you as an income to their family. It is easy to feed them drugs, with side effects that cause other problems. (follow the money)
Look at this differently.....which is better. Eating 3-4000 calories a day of high fat, high sugar, and high carbs, OR eating low fat meat, healthy vegetables, small amount of carbs, and drinking good healthy water, to the total of 500 calories per day? To me it was pretty simple decision. Any way you look at it, the 500 calories is better.
Am I going to eat 500 calories a day for the rest of my life? NO!! Read the program. You will see how to introduce a healthy diet back, with low carbs and low sugars. Once you get the weight off, and during HCG you get your taste buds back. Fresh vegetables and good protein have a better taste and lasting at that. It is similar to a smoker. When they stop smoking their senses start to come back and they start to taste food they never did before.
Sorry, Mary............. you should not be talking about things you know nothing about. You have not fully investigated HCG. It shows in your writing. Intelligence is characterized by knowing both sides of the issues. You are one sided and base your findings on "scientific research". You may want to try to slow down your article writing and interview those who really feel it has made a difference in their lives and why.
One more thing.. ...Could HCG mean a better life for someone else? IF you answered even maybe.....then you need to recount your article and interview the people IT DID MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR!
Lee
@Diamondklp -- You said "did you know that 500 calories will NOT even support NORMAL brain functions?" My response: Yes, I did know that. You said "While many of you believe that hCG is helping you burn fat, it is truly hard for me to believe that this is fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are burning muscle, and not only muscle, but muscle from vital organs. And I have done some research on this...but how many of you who are on this diet have done it because your doctor recommended it? Just curious." My response: I am doing the hCG diet with a highly-respected wellness clinic run by doctors who are quite ethical. And if you would please do a bit more research on this (such as by reading Dr. Simeon's book--it's free), you would learn that hCG is the hormone a female body produces when said female becomes pregnant. It allows the fetus to draw its nutrients from the abnormal fat supplies -- those that are unreachable unless the body has gone through total starvation and have already consumed its structural fats, normal fats, and muscles. So what hCG does is "open that closed valve" and allows our bodies to access the locked up abnormal fats, so that that our bodies WON'T eat up our muscles and vital organs. Hunger comes when the normal fat supplies run low ... with hCG, the body is drawing from the abnormal fats -- which is why hunger is rarely a problem. Please add to your research and read Simeon's free book.
Original Post by: diamondklpHere is my last comment on this subject. I find it fascinating...but did you know that 500 calories will NOT even support NORMAL brain functions? While many of you believe that hCG is helping you burn fat, it is truly hard for me to believe that this is fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are burning muscle, and not only muscle, but muscle from vital organs. And I have done some research on this...but how many of you who are on this diet have done it because your doctor recommended it? Just curious.
Research? I get the feeling that you have not even read the book. Reading the book is the FIRST step in researching. And I would take my doctors opinion (not to say I'm even on this diet, heh, cause I'm not) over some poster on the internet. Wouldn't you? Just curious.
Original Post by: hatnh2oWhy is everyone getting so defensive?
(It's actually quite entertaining :)
Very entertaining! 
Sound the battlecries!
But, I do have to add my 2 cents! I had never heard of this diet until I read the article. Just reading it made me skeptical.....to me, using any medications to lose weight is just downright scary....especially if you're ordering it over the internet and doing it without a doctor approval.....I'm very thankful that changing my diet and doing exercise worked for me....didn't take that long and I'm well over the age of it 'being easy' to lose weight....I lost 60+ lbs and am over 50....and did it within a year by exercising 3-4 days a week (1-1 1/2 hours) using Calorie Count and eating 1200 calories a day.
One thing I've learned is that dieting doesn't work....it has to be a life change for anyone to lose weight and to maintain the loss. No, I've not read anything other than this article and probably won't. I only hope that somewhere down the line that this lack of food and a use of a drug doesn't come back to haunt all of you.
Happy to be part of the entertainment! 
Original Post by: danbobinski@Diamondklp -- You said "did you know that 500 calories will NOT even support NORMAL brain functions?" My response: Yes, I did know that. You said "While many of you believe that hCG is helping you burn fat, it is truly hard for me to believe that this is fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are burning muscle, and not only muscle, but muscle from vital organs. And I have done some research on this...but how many of you who are on this diet have done it because your doctor recommended it? Just curious." My response: I am doing the hCG diet with a highly-respected wellness clinic run by doctors who are quite ethical. And if you would please do a bit more research on this (such as by reading Dr. Simeon's book--it's free), you would learn that hCG is the hormone a female body produces when said female becomes pregnant. It allows the fetus to draw its nutrients from the abnormal fat supplies -- those that are unreachable unless the body has gone through total starvation and have already consumed its structural fats, normal fats, and muscles. So what hCG does is "open that closed valve" and allows our bodies to access the locked up abnormal fats, so that that our bodies WON'T eat up our muscles and vital organs. Hunger comes when the normal fat supplies run low ... with hCG, the body is drawing from the abnormal fats -- which is why hunger is rarely a problem. Please add to your research and read Simeon's free book.
The function of HCG has nothing to do with allowing the fetus to draw it's nutrients from abnormal fat supplies. That is not the purpose of HCG.
Instead of getting all of your information from a very questionable book , why don't you do some REAL research?
There's a sucker born every mintute. And many of them are posting on this board right now!
Original Post by: jadedblueOriginal Post by: diamondklpHere is my last comment on this subject. I find it fascinating...but did you know that 500 calories will NOT even support NORMAL brain functions? While many of you believe that hCG is helping you burn fat, it is truly hard for me to believe that this is fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are burning muscle, and not only muscle, but muscle from vital organs. And I have done some research on this...but how many of you who are on this diet have done it because your doctor recommended it? Just curious.
Research? I get the feeling that you have not even read the book. Reading the book is the FIRST step in researching. And I would take my doctors opinion (not to say I'm even on this diet, heh, cause I'm not) over some poster on the internet. Wouldn't you? Just curious.
Yes, I read the book years ago. Perhaps I should refresh my memory by reading it again.
Please don't take my comment as being rude, this was not my intention and I didn't mean to come off that way.
Also, I was honestly curious how many people were directed to this diet by their physicians.
Original Post by: jimbolenaI lost 10 lbs in 13 days with just diet and exercise...why do people fall for this crap??? What a waste !
^^ I couldn't agree more!
I have spent over $1000 on different diets in the past, the cookie diet, for example wasnt cheap. They made you get blood work and a bunch of extra crap and I lost 10 lbs in a month and a half. I think places like that should be ASHAMED of themselves. They are the ones looking to feed off people's desperation. HCG worries alot of people, because we DONT have to be a slave to these RIP OFF clinics. We can control our own destiny, and do this completely ON OUR OWN !! I have am on my 5 th Round of HCG. The first 4 being injections, and this round the drops under the tongue. I have lost 20 lbs in 22 days. I AM NOT hungry...and believe me its not a frickin plecebo effect...you eat 500 cal without HCG and see how hungry you are.. You non believers dont have to take my word for it though. While your sitting there a prisoner in your own body, discouraged, and fed up with the way you look and feel, I will be enjoying my new bikini, that I bought this summer. Plus its already a known fact in the people who use it that it does work. So that just leaves the supply ready for those of us who believe in it...Good Luck with your Jenny Craigs, And Weight Watcher meetings. I'll be laying out by the pool with my kids, enjoying life again .....
@duffeesgrl78...AMEN! Congrats on the bikini (I'll be wearing mine as well!) and enjoy every moment for your hard earned rewards!
diamond - I didn't think you were rude. I just find it odd that doctors DO put patients on VLCD's (some involving hcg.. some with b12.. etc.) and people around here are always saying the doctor is wrong. And these people who are saying it didn't go to medical school for 8 years (or whatever it is) so how can their opinion (or research, blah blah blah) be more valid than my doctors?
My stepmom lost 100 pounds in a week over 6 months on a VLCD with b-12 and hcg injections. Doctor overseen. She has kept that off for more than two years now.
Right now I am calorie counting and exercising and in 78 days (2.6 months) I've only lost 13 lbs, approximately 1 lb a week... not bad, I know. But nowhere near my stepmoms 5 lbs loss a week. Does that make me a better person than her because I'm trying to do it without a little help? I don't think so... actually, I'm starting to feel like an idiot. I could be done with this and worrying about maintaining in two 40 day sessions.. instead I am agonizing over whether I will even have a half a pound drop on weigh in this week. (My weight falls in chunks, three weeks I stay around the same, then get a two pound loss one week.)
I am researching and really considering giving hcg a shot. If I do, I will document every day in my journal.
My husband and I have done the diet twice. We both lost a considerable amount of weight. I lost 25 and my husband lost 30. This is the only thing that has worked for me for weight loss. I have ran, weight lifted, watched what I ate, the whole nine yards and I wouldn't lose a pound. This diet was recommended to me by not just one but 2 RN's. I am now 5'5" 128lbs and loving it. My husband is now 5'10" and 185lbs. We would both do it again in a heartbeat if needed.
I have used HCG Drops. and I've lost 60 lbs over 40 inches and went from a size 18 to a size 10! I feel great! I used a higher calorie regiment than what was written 50 years ago and along with this webesite I've learned invaluable portion control and omitting fats and sugars from daily eating habits. I feel wonderful. HCG is not for everyone, the regiment is for highly motivated, dedicated people with not just simple weight loss in mind but a lifestyle change. end result.. you are responsible for each day regardless of what you use to manage your body.. If anyone wants information on how this worked for me feel free to email me 927bryan@clearwire.net. I'd be happy to help.
Just a question, but if this hCG is working so well for all of you, what are you doing on Calorie Count? Just wondering!!!
I enjoy using the tools (food log, bmi, nutrition analysis, etc.) and as you can see from the postings, I have found a great comradery among other people on the Simeons HcG protocol.
We all want to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, so I'm not sure I understand the point of your question?
I have been on an HCG diet for 4 months and have lost 56 lbs. I was so glad the diet worked and would recommend it to anyone. I will say towards the end I was burnt out and want to change to exercise and diet to lose the rest of my weight which is a total of 80 lbs. I fear I will gain weight back. I have a doctor to consult and will be using him in every turn with my weight. I use Calorie Count to track my calories because the diet is very restrictive and we all know life happens, with CC I can be sure to not exceed my 600 calories.
I will be off the HCG in one more week and will let everyone know how I am doing and also am glad I am not the only one. Will take notes and names I need support and think I can find it here.
I have been put on the hc3 trim diet by NuMedica my family dr put me on this and her and her staff are doing the same thing I am..This kit comes with the hcg drops and alot of other supplements you have to fallow the 500 cal diet but it does not starve your body..The only people I have herd say bad things over this diet are the ones who have not tryed it.
I dont think its the point of being defensive its the that people have concerns and are not educated of what they are voicing an opinion on.the hc3 trim diet comes with a booklet that elpains everything in full also come with vit. supp. urine test strips make sure your in balance,a daily chart, hcg drops power green shakes, b12 tabs and you go to your dr once a week for weight in ,measurments and they help with any concerns and problems...Now for just geting hcg drops and going and doing your own thing probably isnt too safe..
sinkpea how many days were you on your drops to lose that weight??Sounds great to me cant wait to get more lbs off...Congrats on your loss!!
Sinkpea, after you come off the diet, you have to maintain a healthy diet or, of course, the weight will come back. That's why the use of caloriecount.
I paid a total of $99 for 3 vials of 5000 iu, plus everything I needed for mixing and injecting. That's enough for one rd of 45 days and one rd of 23 days. Not a bad price to me.
I lost 15 lbs in 20 days in March. Have 40 more left to lose, so I mixed the hcg last night and will be starting again tomorrow. Good timing for this article to come out!
Oh, and someone said they saw 4 ads for HCG on the pages with this story. I don't have any on mine but I use Firefox and adblock. Maybe update your browsing experience. :)
It was the best $50 bucks i ever spent also. I've tried diet and exercise with no success. Hcg only works if your committed and you follow the instructions carefully.
Just my thought I have done round 1 and lost 15 pounds and keep it off so far. I start round two in late July. I have don't the eating right and working out 2 hours a day and I was gaining weight cause my metabolism was shot. I went to my doctor has a battery of test done and my stress levels were way out of whack. With my doctors blessing I'm doing this diet and the strict diet is hard at first. But when you see the GOOD food your eating each day fresh vegetables, meats, and fruits it feels food. I have way more energy and I have started back to the gym and I'm continuing to lose. As many doctors that are against it there are also those that don't have a problem with the diet.
I also only did this diet because I saw the results of 6 other which had been on the diet and hit their goal weight and have gone from fast food junkies to healthy eating. The thing is ready about the diet I take the drops (never would do injections ouch!). Its working and I'm eating better and don't have the need to make food out of a box fresh is best. The best one rule - one ingredient.
Just my results is all each person body is different you have to find what works for you.
I just want to say that my husband and I have been on a sensible eating plan for almost one year (we made a commitment for one year) and I have lost 77 pounds and he has lost 80. Nothing but our own hard work and commitment led to this weight loss. We are both in our 50's. I have a friend who tried the HCG.... it worked for her, but she is always freezing. I think it messed her up some how. I personally would stay away from it because I have found just plain old eating less really does work, but if you can't do it that way, I know how desperate you can be to find something to help. Just be careful!
Iodemai04, the injections don't hurt. The needle is very thin and small, can barely tell when it goes in!
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Whatever people don't understand - they condemn. If you're obese, fed up of all the different diets you took in the past, and really want to feel and look great... then you'll try this diet. Yes, 500 calories is extreme to live on - and Yes it may have an effect on your health. But what in this world has ZERO RISK? I've tried a lot of diets in the past and nothing, I repeat NOTHING surpasses HCG diet. Three years of literally eating like a bird and exercising (after childbirth) has given me ZERO weight loss results. I have lost pounds & inches with HCG - and kept it off nicely! It's all about sticking to the HCG plan. My metabolism and energy levels have risen - and more importantly I'm healthy and looking super sexy! So.... with your doctor's advice and supervision - why not give it a try?