HCG diet - 500 calories?

pinkiekat

Hi all..

So I've been sticking to my diet and exercise (new way of living) mostly since March and have lost 29 pounds. I still have atleast 80 to go and maybe more if I decide to go for it. I have a friend who only has about 25 pounds to lose and just started the HCG diet with 500 calories a day. After two weeks, she's lost 10 pounds, and expects to lose the other 10 pounds in the next two weeks. It's taken me 4 months to lose 29 pounds... so I have a delima here.. do I try the HCG diet as well or stick to what I'm doing? Has anyone tried it? Know much about it? Thanks..

lisa_73

I don't know much about the HCG diet, but personally I think you are doing an awesome job, and what you are doing is working! I think that if you stick with the plan you are on, you are more likely to keep it off in the long run. Congrats on your loss so far!

TNAJackson

I'm not too sure about the diet itself, but I can tell you that if you are only consuming 500 calories per day, it's no wonder why she's dropping weight so quickly! That will put your body into starvation mode and she will eventually stop losing the weight because her body will "hoard" the food to make sure it has enough for later. Also, when she stops the diet, she'll gain most of it, if not all of it, back.

So my suggestion is to take the longer, but better route and stick to what you are doing...

christadoud

I don't know anything about this particular diet, but 500 calories a day sounds dangerous, and not sustainable. She will definetly lose weight, and then I would be willing to bet, gain it all back when she is off the diet. She is not learning anything about healthy eating and exercise. I would stick to MFP if I were you, and you are doing great ! Slow and steady weight loss wins every time over a crash diet.

tknuzum

I personally think its a hoax. Have had quite a few friends try it and complain of migraines and sick all the time when on it. And personally I don't care what pill or drop you on 500 calories a day is not enough. And I also wonder if they loose it that fast, its bound to come back fast once they go back to maintaining calories. I don't think its works and I would do a lot of research before I tried. But that's just my opinion.

anacsitham5

500 calories is way too low. She will never maintain the weight loss as when she kicks it up to normal calories she will add it all back on. It is not a healthy way to lose the weight! You will be more successful in the long run!

sarahbeth17

The hcg worked for me but it is very hard not to gain the weight back after you lose it, i lost about 22 then gained 7 back and i've relost a couple pounds. It was a great jumpstart for me but i know for many people they feel like they are starving once they stop taking the hcg and they just binge and binge. If you don't have much self control I wouldn't do it, but if you do then it may really help!

SimplyDeLish

Anyone can lose weight on 500 calories a day. There goes your muscle mass, metabolism, and health. From everything I've read about HCG - the reason it works is the huge calorie deficit. When you go back to eating the weight comes right back on.

If you are committed to making a healthy lifestyle change - follow your MFP calorie guidelines, move your body, and let the weight come off at a healthy sustainable and maintainable pace. You'll be so much happier in the end!

Good luck!

JDRBT

I am NOT a fan of the HCG diet. I have a friend who lost weight on it too, but very quickly put it all back on and then some.

Do some more research. I'm in the medical field and feel very strongly that hormones aren't something that should be messed with too much. HCG is the pregnancy hormone. Pregnancy increased metabolism through the roof and that's the skinny of "why' it works. Is it a healthy way to lose weight? I'm sure there are lots of opinions, but mine is DON'T DO IT. (Also, it's pretty darn expensive.)

BUT every diet plan usually has SOMETHING redeemable about it. The program encourages you to SIT DOWN at a TABLE (not a coffee table w/ the tv on) to eat. It encourages veggies. Both good things - but both things that can be learned in other ways that don't fool w/ your hormones.

If what you're doing is working - why give it up?

Sunshine_Girlie

Personally, I believe that i you are working hard by eating healthy and exercising, you will know the hard work it takes to get to where you are and want to be. I believe that you will understand the concept that it takes a lot of muscle work and you will want to fight to stay in the right range for you. Knowing what I know about HCG, I'm afraid it will cause defects and a lot more trouble than it's really worth.

fab50G

First of all, 29lbs since March is awesome! Great job.

Anyone is going to lose a lot of weight on only 500 calories a day, HCG drops/shots or not. My sister tried it and did initially lose a lot of weight. Problem with losing quickly (espeically if you've got a lot to lose), is what happens to all that extra skin when you drop the weight? It's just hanging there. I have lost 26lbs on MFP since the end of January. It has been slow and steady, but what was once a large belly with an "apron" has now become a noticably more flattened stomach with ab definition.

Believe me, I know it sucks to lose slowly, cuz I'm all about the instant gratification. But, I don't have the money for a tummy tuck and, at the rate I'm going, by the time I reach goal I won't need one!

Just sayin.....

tjkemommy

Stick to your plan. I have friend who has been trying it out. It's sound great when you have been working so hard for so long and not seeing big numbers like they are in a short amount of time. But in the long run your way will be best! You are doing great! Keep working at it you will also appreciate the loss more and keep it off!

annrum

29 lbs since March is a fantastic achievement, good for you ::bigsmile:

I've always been leery of "quick-fix" diets as, as many people have said, it didn't take mere weeks to put on all the weight, losing it shouldn't take the same. I was chatting about this on Friday night with friends & they were talking about a mutual friend (not present) who has had several bouts of lipo/extreme dieting & each time she puts more back on that she lost because she's not committing to the lifestyle change.

Personally, I'd rather put in the hard effort and make the change to my overall lifestyle because I know I'll be fitter and healthier in the long-run and I won't be putting my body through extreme shock to do so. I still have about 3 stone to lose and my end goal is to be close to that by the end of this year, but I'm not beating myself up if it doesn't happen - this is a long-term change, not a quick-fix.

Feel free to add me as a friend if you want extra support

DrBorkBork

I think the HCG diet works cuz you are STARVING YOURSELF. It's bad news. Stay away.

spareparts79

I know several people (appox. 8) that have tried the HCG diet. Most of them lost weight while on the diet and as of this date exactly none of them have kept the weight off. I was very against it when they tried it and all they accomplished was wasting some of their money and proving me right.

My advice watch what you eat and workout. If it looks to good to be true it probably is.

Brandicaloriecountess

Keep up the good work you are doing on your own. You are making a sustainable life change, that is more important that a 500 cal a day "diet".

SMK715

Yeah I agree with everyone else. That extremely unhealthy and you will gain that weight back in the end. You don't get nearly enough proper nutrition like that. 1200 calories/day is the minimum to avoid starvation. Try eating that instead and up your exercise if you have the time. Or change your routine. If you do the same thing all the time your body adjusts and burns calories more efficiently.

jenilla1

A 500 calorie diet is not long-term sustainable. How will their bodies react to coming off this diet? Do these people plan on keeping it off long-term or is this another extreme yo-yo type diet where they lose a ton then gain it all back plus some? Not smart. Not healthy.

_Sally_

Rest assured, the turtle will beat the hare. Stick with what you are doing...

You are getting great results and doing it the healthy way that will be maintainable. Congratulations and keep on going!

tuscaroragal

My workout partner has been on this HCG diet, and has had similiar weight loss success as previous posters...she has lost 12 pounds with aspirations to lose 14 more...Personally, I think it's a quick fix idea and I have NO DOUBT in my mind she will re-gain some of the weight. Being on the 500 calorie diet, you have no ability to workout, except maybe walking...500 calories doesn't fuel any workouts AT ALL. I've lost 37 pounds with hard work in the gym and eating healthy sinice January. I commend you on your weight loss. I wouldn't switch now....It's not worth losing and gaining...it may happen quickly, but the results won't be long lasting...hang in there!

jenniferg83

I was in the same situation. One of my high school classmates was talking about it everyday on Facebook that diet. she dropped it fast too. i took the high road less traveled and have been eating right, exercising and never looking back. the high road will last a life time and is a HEALTHY way. No magic pills or liquid will be a healthier alternative. Take it from me, i feel more accomplished and proud since i made the choice to avoid fads. You've done amazing so far, keep it up!! )))))

dansofia

I am a healthy 38 year old woman that takes care of two children, two dogs, a household and a business. I tried the Hcg diet last month because I want to lose fast, I dont have time to wait. I did lose, about 11 lbs. in 10 days. Guess what I gained....heart palpitations!!! I cant work out today because my cardiologist (at 38!) put a holtor monitor on me to see how my heart reacts over the next 24 hours. I have anodes all over my chest and a device hanging around my waist and Im miserable. thats just my two cents....

JNick77

NO to the HCG diet!!!

Yes to using HGC while on a calorie deficit diet plan.

mamacita99

My cousin went on it about 4 months ago - she lost about 28 lbs in 30 days. Which is the very low calorie diet. Once she was there, she started going to the gym - she works out 3x a week 2 hours each day - she has found a new lease on life at 45! Although she did lose alot initially, on HCG the other 20 lbs she lost through hard work and eating right. She a size 8 now from a size 16 in 4 months - something she's been trying to do for years.

I started the drops a week ago - I lost 8 lbs so far, and I'm not hungry. I am learning about portion control and when to say when. I maintain a moderate level of activity because I have 2 large dogs and have to walk them twice a day for about a mile each time. I'm not sitting around for lack of energy, I actually have found I am more energized when I'm not bogged down in a big heavy meal.

I love to exercise, but right now with this extra weight I'm carrying it is difficult. I am hoping to lose about 30 lbs on the drops, and get back in the gym hardcore and get the body I want.

I know the risks, I did the research, I know someone personally who it worked for, I have the support of friends and family, and I'm not expecting a magic pill and that once I'm done I can eat unhealthy and too much and not exercise, and not regain the weight. This is a lifestyle change and yes it's fast-tracked, but for me, that's okay.

To be honest you have done a great job so far without the drops, so why ruin a good thing...keep up the exercise, and eating right.

Volforlife83

My cousin went on it about 4 months ago - she lost about 28 lbs in 30 days. Which is the very low calorie diet. Once she was there, she started going to the gym - she works out 3x a week 2 hours each day - she has found a new lease on life at 45! Although she did lose alot initially, on HCG the other 20 lbs she lost through hard work and eating right. She a size 8 now from a size 16 in 4 months - something she's been trying to do for years.

I started the drops a week ago - I lost 8 lbs so far, and I'm not hungry. I am learning about portion control and when to say when. I maintain a moderate level of activity because I have 2 large dogs and have to walk them twice a day for about a mile each time. I'm not sitting around for lack of energy, I actually have found I am more energized when I'm not bogged down in a big heavy meal.

I love to exercise, but right now with this extra weight I'm carrying it is difficult. I am hoping to lose about 30 lbs on the drops, and get back in the gym hardcore and get the body I want.

I know the risks, I did the research, I know someone personally who it worked for, I have the support of friends and family, and I'm not expecting a magic pill and that once I'm done I can eat unhealthy and too much and not exercise, and not regain the weight. This is a lifestyle change and yes it's fast-tracked, but for me, that's okay.

To be honest you have done a great job so far without the drops, so why ruin a good thing...keep up the exercise, and eating right.

Agreed. I've been on the drops 5 days and have lost about 6 pounds so far. I feel great and am eating just like I always have except in smaller portions. I understand that to keep the wait off I can't go out and eat a bunch of junk after the diet is over (They also give you a maintenance diet reccomendation and tell you not to eat refined sugars and starches for 4 weeks after getting off the diet). I am willing to bet the people who gained the weight back did not excersize and went right back to eating fatty sugary foods. My mom did the diet and lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks and has kept it off. I know that I can do it too. It may not be tolerable for everyone or doable for everyone in the long run, but it can and does work if you stick to a healthy lifestyle after completing.

JNick77

I really don't get this diet, it just doesn't seem healthy. Your body needs more than 500 calories just to function, just to roll out of bed and that doesn't inlude your job activity.

If we take an 150lb woman at 25% body fat her resting metabolic rate should be:

150lbs / 2.2 = 68.18kg's
68.18kg's * 75% fat free mass = 51.136
51.136 x 22 + 500 = 1,625 calories just to function

How does 500 calories help that person? That can't possibly be good long term or even mid-term.

Tanyapatrick1111

Well I lost 2 stone in about 6 weeks last time I used HCG and I didn`t feel hungry. I actually had a lot of energy and a very clear head. I got up every morning to find the weight slid off. Then Christmas came and I binged like crazy and put on 2 stone again with cheese and crackers, wine and chocolate. So I have brought another lot and again its unfailing. It costs a lot of money but if you add it up compare to all the crap I would buy before like coke, crisps and chocolate, biscuits and cake and the od chinese and pizza takeaways, it probably ends up cheaper. Now I kept the 500 a day calorie, but didn't include the veg and fruit, I ate as much as that as I wanted. Grapes were my thing and I ate a pack a day, it really helped and nibbling through work and watching TV in the evening I was happy,I didnt feel deprived. The best thing I did was cut out most dairy and all bread except Pitta which I stuffed full of low cal mayonnaise and cherry tomatoes and cucumber. with this I had home made onion soup. Alcohol I gave up except vodka and orange on weekends. Do not drink beer! I say fill up on veggies if you are working because there is no point starving yourself and fainting. You can eat a lot on 500 cals if you don`t count fruit and veg. I probably could have lost more quicker counting the veg and fruit in the 500 but I would probably be tempted to snack. Also you need your vitamins if on a low cal diet. I cut out meat as well and stuck to tuna.

psuLemon

Hello, 

I'm writing to let you know that our Community Guidelines (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/welcome/guidelines ) prohibit the creation of any forum posts, groups, or posts in groups that encourage the use of Very Low Calorie diets (including, but not limited to, VLCDs that use the HCG protocol). 

MyFitnessPal has always promoted a healthy, sustainable, and gradual path to weight loss. But HCG products are typically promoted in connection with a very low calorie diet, usually one that limits calories to 500 per day. Research has demonstrated that calorie intake at these levels can lead to increased risk of gallstones, hair loss, constipation, an irregular heartbeat, and many other dangerous side-effects. 

Moreover, numerous medical studies have shown that the results of HCG-use in combination with a very low calorie diet are indistinguishable from the results of the low calorie diet alone. In light of this research, the FDA has required the labeling and advertising of HCG products to state: 

“HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.” 

Our guidelines prohibit any use of Groups or the Public Forums to support the use of HCG. 

Regards, 

psuLemon