The Hcg Diet...

nikkimee

Hi. Has anyone tried the Hcg diet?? If so does it really work? I have heard so many positives and negatives...

servilia

It's a bad idea and it's basically a scam. There's no proof hcg itself does anything - any weight loss on that regime is due to the 500 cal restriction.

SergeantSunshine_reused

Curious - what are the positives? I have heard of most people gaining the weight back

Massive calorie deficit is what causes the weight loss <---- not healthy

alisharedden

It does work... But it is so strict! I lost weight rapidly. Maybe about 35 pounds. But as soon as I got off of the drops I gained the weight back. I was dieting while this happened to. The diet also does not allow you to exercise. Which is not healthy!

rochey1098

I'm about ready to invest in a miracle cure for my belly but I doubt there is one. If it works then let me know

Jorra

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/MrsCon40/view/hcg-a-handy-reply-to-the-multitude-of-quick-fix-seekers-148860

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone approved by the FDA for use in pre-pubertal boys to help aid normal sexual development, and in women to treat fertility problems. hCG is produced by the placenta and is also found in pregnant women’s urine. It is not approved for weight loss and has never been proven by credible peer reviewed science to cause weight loss.

servilia

It does work... But it is so strict! I lost weight rapidly. Maybe about 35 pounds. But as soon as I got off of the drops I gained the weight back. I was dieting while this happened to. The diet also does not allow you to exercise. Which is not healthy!

I bet you stopped the 500 cal restriction at the same time you stopped the drops.

Debbe2

Lose the weight and then gain it back. Please save your money!!

cheekyleonie

It does work... But it is so strict! I lost weight rapidly. Maybe about 35 pounds. But as soon as I got off of the drops I gained the weight back. I was dieting while this happened to. The diet also does not allow you to exercise. Which is not healthy!

wow that sounds TERRIBLE!!!!! Food and exercise go hand in hand.... 500 cals?! I'd die!

CaptainGordo

HCG protocol involves using a VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet). This is only recommended for the morbidly obese, and is proven to not be effective long-term, as most gain the weight back (if not more).

Here's some info regrading Very Low Calorie Diets...

UCLA (http://rfoweightloss.med.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=32)

"A VLCD is primarily for severely or morbidly obese individuals who must lose or wish to lose large amounts of weight as rapidly as possible in a safe manner. "

National Institutes of Health (http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/low_calorie.htm)

"VLCDs are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the start of a weight-loss program in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and significant comorbidities."

"Use of VLCDs in patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical conditions due to overweight, such as high blood pressure."

"Many patients on a VLCD for 4 to 16 weeks report minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea, or diarrhea. These conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevent patients from completing the program. The most common serious side effect is gallstone formation. Gallstones, which often develop in people who are obese, especially women, are even more common during rapid weight loss. Research indicates that rapid weight loss may increase cholesterol levels in the gallbladder and decrease its ability to contract and expel bile. Some medicines can prevent gallstone formation during rapid weight loss. Your health care provider can determine if these medicines are appropriate for you"

"Studies show that the long-term results of VLCDs vary widely, but weight regain is common."

"In addition, VLCDs may be no more effective than less severe dietary restrictions in the long run. Studies have shown that following a diet of approximately 800 to 1,000 calories produces weight loss similar to that seen with VLCDs."

"For most people who are obese, their condition is long-term and requires a lifetime of attention even after formal weight-loss treatment ends. Therefore, health care providers should encourage patients who are obese to commit to permanent changes of healthier eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food"

WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/low-calorie-diets)

"Very low-calorie diets are generally safe when used under proper medical supervision in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Use of VLCDs in people with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical complications resulting from their obesity."

"To be healthy, we need a balance of foods from different food groups. It's quite difficult to get good nutrition in as few as 800 calories (even a dietitian would have trouble doing this), especially if one eats the same foods day after day."

"Also, once you go off the diet, you will likely regain your weight unless you change your lifestyle and commit to healthy eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food. By sticking to a long-term commitment, you can prevent your weight from drifting back up the scale."

art2ya

I lost 60 pounds last year with the HCG....I love the way it made me feel, but I loved being pregnant when I was younger also. If you had horrible pregnancies, I would not suggest it.

Then my father died and it was a rough year, I gained 25 back but am on the Hcg again and have lost 10....so, I am close...again!

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

If, and that is a big IF you stay on the phase 3 for at least as long as you were on the diet, it stays off pretty well, and I was eating around 1800 to 2000 calories a day and kept it off for 3 months, like I said, until my father died....then of course my mind was not on it!

I really gets you off of the sugar and starch....!!

ninerbuff

Any diet at 500 calories for 40 days will cause weight loss. But what kind of weight loss? It will be lean muscle and fat, but more muscle than fat in % and that will play havoc with your RMR later. Scientifically proven.



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

ninerbuff

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

tjones7

Hello All,


I have tried HCG and it does work I took the homopathic route though because I am afraid of needles. I lost weight but I gained it back not because of the drops because I didn't do what I was suppose to do/. I sruggle everyday because i am an emotional eater and I have become very lazy. I plan on getting back on it actually. It is strict but worth it. My aunt who is on here VJ150 has done and she looks great. you can see her pics Sbe was also able to get off some of her blood pressure meds NOW WAIT since there has been so much buzz about it compnies are making fake bathes etc.... they are selling it vvery expensive. my adive is AMAZON..GREEN WEB products. My aunt likes non alcholic but I don't. In additon to my aunt I know several people have done it and they look and feel great. I fellt great too after dropping 31 pounds but I let my head and emotiuons get the best of me. BTW it took me a year to gain it back.

If you want try it. You alwasy quit if you don't like BUT PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PROTOCL FIRST

Jorra

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?

You've got a point there. HCG is a pregnancy hormone, and I think we all know what happens when you're pregnant.

servilia

The homeopathic drops - you don't even know what's in them. I can sell water and call it hcg.
As for doctors who do inject the real stuff for weight loss purposes, they're just taking advantage of their patients and should be reported.

bry_all01

I've heard it called the hungry crazy girl diet.... I'm guessing with being limited to only 500 calories a day, its pretty self explanatory. I can eat that few calories in one sitting, let alone one day. No thanks, I'd be gnawing off my own limbs. Eating right paired with a good, cardio-filled exercise will get you there, and you get to keep your muscles, too.

art2ya

I agree that it is not for everyone, but I felt great on it, I too did the drops and not the shots. But yes, read Dr. Simieons entire book before ever embarking on it. It was developed in the 1960's and the Dr mad scads of money, when others got the formula it got cheaper and cheaper so that the average person could do it. I am glad they came out with the drops, shots have never appealed to me. I eat good food on the diet and continue when I am off of it, only more of it. I have such a taste for spinach and strawberries now....and apples...mmmm, that is my dessert!

nikkimee

Hi all... I have been looking into the Hcg drops for some time now and I know there's a lot of negative feedback on them but really what harm can it do??.. If it doesn't work at least I know I tried..

Jorra

Hi all... I have been looking into the Hcg drops for some time now and I know there's a lot of negative feedback on them but really what harm can it do??.. If it doesn't work at least I know I tried..

Losing muscle mass, permanently harming your metabolism, and undernourishment (which can lead to hospitalization or death)

bry_all01

Hi all... I have been looking into the Hcg drops for some time now and I know there's a lot of negative feedback on them but really what harm can it do??.. If it doesn't work at least I know I tried..

It can cause you to lose all muscle mass. That may not be a big deal to you, but its not something I would ever take a wager on myself. I also heard of someone in my gym who was on it and training and slipped into a coma. But, its your body, your life, your money, your decision, so best of luck, because it seems you've already made up your mind.

alisharedden

It does work... But it is so strict! I lost weight rapidly. Maybe about 35 pounds. But as soon as I got off of the drops I gained the weight back. I was dieting while this happened to. The diet also does not allow you to exercise. Which is not healthy!

I bet you stopped the 500 cal restriction at the same time you stopped the drops.

I was advised to stay on it 2 weeks after the drops and slowly introduce more calories & that is what I did.

chevy88grl

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

When I was pregnant, I was always hungry. lol. I guess HCG failed me.

chevy88grl

Hi all... I have been looking into the Hcg drops for some time now and I know there's a lot of negative feedback on them but really what harm can it do??.. If it doesn't work at least I know I tried..

What harm can it do?

Loss of lean muscle mass from severely restricting your calories.

I've read that it can do some serious damage to your metabolism.

And I don't know.. but I'd rather not take something that tells my body it is pregnant when it isn't. Just doesn't seem like a good idea.

CMmrsfloyd

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

When I was pregnant, I was always hungry. lol. I guess HCG failed me.

Maybe our problem when we're pregnant is that we're peeing out all of our hunger-controlling HCG. LOL

For real though, I would NOT do it on my own, no matter how overweight/obese I was. If I was so bad off that I really *needed* to lose a lot of weight extremely fast for medical reasons, I'd seek out an experienced weightloss dr/nutritionist/dietician and work out a plan specifically for me and my body. I wouldn't start eating 500 calories a day on a whim. MFP has an excellent program in place that works well for lots of people when they follow it correctly, and it allows you to eat enough so that you can get in important nutrients/vitamins/etc. And it allows you to have the energy to exercise, which is important for limiting the amount of muscle mass you lose while losing weight. The only way I would do such extreme restriction is if my dr. said it was absolutely necessary to lose a lot of weight in a very short timeframe for medical reasons. Like if I had to lose as much weight as possible within a month to qualify for some kind of life-saving surgery. That is my personal opinion, others will differ of course. :-)

OP, have you been following the MFP recommendations and not seeing the results you thought you'd see? If you want, you can post some info about where you are (weight, height, etc) and what you've been doing (calorie goals, nutrition, exercise) and maybe some of the awesome smart people on the site can give some suggestions that might help you out. I learn new things all the time just reading where much more informed people post all kinds of facts and theories. There are people on here that have done a lot of research and can cite their sources. Or if you feel like you have been following the plan really well and it's just not working, you could consider going somewhere that they can do metabolic testing to get your real BMR/maintenance/etc numbers. The numbers that MFP works out are estimates based on formulas calculated from your info. They are really really good estimates for a lot of people, but some people that go and have metabolic testing done do find that their real numbers are different. And then some people have medical conditions that require a different approach to losing weight or special dietary restrictions (like women with PCOS, diabetics, etc).

5starshelly

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The HCG in their system is what allows them to Puke everyday for the first trimester and still grow a healthy baby. It triggers the burning of fat stores when a pregnant woman can't keep any food down due to morning sickness.

CMmrsfloyd

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The HCG in their system is what allows them to Puke everyday for the first trimester and still grow a healthy baby. It triggers the burning of fat stores when a pregnant woman can't keep any food down due to morning sickness.

Babies don't require much extra energy in the first trimester since they are so tiny. And won't fat be burned when you're not eating maintenance calories regardless of HCG? I mean everyone else doing MFP without HCG and eating their calorie goals is burning fat.

5starshelly

Once the HCG is in your system, you NEVER feel hungry...so the 500 calorie regimen is not so hard. You cannot overloose....your body will not let you lose more than you have of stored fat....you will just quit losing on the HCG.

So pregnant women (who have loads of HCG in their systems) dont' ever feel hungry?



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

The HCG in their system is what allows them to Puke everyday for the first trimester and still grow a healthy baby. It triggers the burning of fat stores when a pregnant woman can't keep any food down due to morning sickness.

Babies don't require much extra energy in the first trimester since they are so tiny. And won't fat be burned when you're not eating maintenance calories regardless of HCG? I mean everyone else doing MFP without HCG and eating their calorie goals is burning fat.

Someone who did the diet said they were not hungry on 500 calories a day. On a VLC diet without the drops that doesn't happen. You'd be starving. The reason you aren't hungry is because it's burning fat stores. Rather than your muscle. Which is what the hormone does when you are pregnant. Which is why you can not keep anything down for 3 months and NOT feel hungry. While you are sometimes losing weight! And that the cells multiplying at such a rapid rate causes MOST pregnant women to be exhausted the first trimester. Regardless of whether or not they have morning sickness. So I'd argue that takes a great deal of energy.
And people doing MFP who journal are losing 2lbs a week. People on the HCG Diet lose .5 lbs to a 1 lb a day. And whether or not you keep it off depends on how well you do on the phases AFTER the VLC phase. The phase 3 is much like the The South beach diet. And actually The VLC phase is much like that plan as well. It's getting rid of your cravings for Sugar, starch and white carbs. If you come out of the VLC phase and start eating cookies and French Fries yeah, you are going to gain it all back. But I would argue that MOST people need to really limit their refined sugar and carb intake in general. And I think that the journaling is great. All the time. But I also understand wanting to lose more than 4-8lbs a month.

yankeedownsouth

As a breast cancer survivor, this diet concerns me for reasons in addition to those already stated. There are some breast cancers that are hormone-fed (typically estrogen), and those women who have had this type of cancer are warned to be very cautious about becoming pregnant after cancer because of the increased chance of a recurrence or new primary cancer. Although HCG isn't estrogen, it still seems logical to me that it could impact the chances of developing a cancer, either now or down the road, because it messes with your female hormones. To me, it sounds way too risky, especially if you have a personal history or family history of breast cancer.

purplecrazyplums

I know someone that does it, and was put on it by their doctor, so I've been researching it to the best of my ability, however it is not healthy at all. They say the drops you can buy have so little of what is needed to use it as a weight loss tool that its a waste. The true reason you drop so quickly is that you are eating 500 calories a day. Anyone can eat that and lose weight quickly, however it is not healthy and you are very tired and have loss of energy and essential vitamins. I thought about it but after reading up on it I wouldn't recommend it.

CaptainGordo

The reason you aren't hungry is because it's burning fat stores. Rather than your muscle. Which is what the hormone does when you are pregnant. Which is why you can not keep anything down for 3 months and NOT feel hungry. While you are sometimes losing weight! And that the cells multiplying at such a rapid rate causes MOST pregnant women to be exhausted the first trimester.

Can you cite any reputable, non-sales sources to back this claim up?