HCG DIET IS DANGEROUS!!!

Isn't this the "urine shot" diet? If so, my brother in law did it to lose his baby fat after my niece was born. It worked, but he was just losing a few pounds off of his beefy, muscular frame before heading into Navy Seals training, he has very little body fat. But he didn't follow the diet/calorie plan either, just had the shots.

He sent me all the info, and I just couldn't imagine injecting that stuff into myself. Granted that's not what it is, but that's from whence it was derived.

Call me squeemish, I'll take the old fashioned route!

No, your not injecting urine.............OMG, who told you that?????

The HCG is extracted from pregnant women's urine...................

Many women use it for infertility, which I have done in the past..................

nursegirljay,

Would you mind, for those of us that are not familiar with the diet, explaining how the hypothalamus and chemicals in your body play a part in this diet? Also, is is suggested that you work out during those periods of 500 cal days? I haven't read the article, and I am certainly not bashing the diet, although it is something that I would not do, but it seems to me if you are working out as well as eating so few calories, you essentially have nothing to provide your body with the energy needed to get through the day. Again, I am not bashing or degrading anyone using this method of weight loss, but simply curious about the details that may not make sense to a lot of people.

Thank you.

Honestly, if you guys wanted me to type out about a 20 page reply I could, and wouldnt mind to. I just would have to take a few days to do it LOL. But honestly, if you look at the reply I had, copy and paste the link, read the first part of the book by Dr. Simeons. It will break it all down for you so that you can understand all of it and how all of that and other things play a role. There is soooo much more to this than just "eating 500 calories and losing weight". Here is a small section of the reading about the hypothalamus:

The Diencephalon or Hypothalamus
For those of us who refused to be discouraged there remained one slight hope. Buried deep down
in the massive human brain there is a part which we have in common with all vertebrate animals the
so-called diencephalon. It is a very primitive part of the brain and has in man been almost smothered
by the huge masses of nervous tissue with which we think, reason and voluntarily move our body.
The diencephalon is the part from which the central nervous system controls all the automatic animal
functions of the body, such as breathing, the heart beat, digestion, sleep, sex, the urinary system, the
autonomous or vegetative nervous system and via the pituitary the whole interplay of the endocrine
glands.
It was therefore not unreasonable to suppose that the complex operation of storing and issuing fuel
to the body might also be controlled by the diencephalon. It has long been known that the content
of sugar-another form of fuel-in the blood depends on a certain nervous center in the diencephalon.
When this center is destroyed in laboratory animals they develop a condition rather similar to
human stable diabetes. It has also long been known that the destruction of another diencephalic
center produces a voracious appetite and a rapid gain in weight in animals which never get fat
spontaneously.
The Fat- bank
Assuming that in man such a center controlling the movement of fat does exist, its function would
have to be much like that of a bank. When the body assimilates from the intestinal tract more fuel
than it needs at the moment, this surplus is deposited in what may be compared with a current
account. Out of this account it can always be withdrawn as required. All normal fat reserves are
in such a current account, and it is probable that a diencephalic center manages the deposits and
withdrawals.
When now, for reasons which will be discussed later, the deposits grow rapidly while small
withdrawals become more frequent a point may be reached which goes beyond the diencephalon’s
banking capacity. Just as a banker might suggest to a wealthy client that instead of accumulating
a large and unmanageable current account he should invest his surplus capital, the body appears
to establish a fixed deposit into which all surplus funds go but from which they can no longer be
withdrawn by the procedure used in a current account. in this way the diericephalic “ fat-bank “
frees itself from all work which goes beyond its normal banking capacity. The onset of obesity dates
from the moment the diencephalon adopts this labor-saving ruse. Once a fixed deposit has been
established the normal fat reserves are held at a minimum, while every available surplus is locked
away in the fixed deposit and is therefore taken out of normal circulation.

Now, honestly if you are interested in it or how it works, you need to read it. The whole thing. The first 30 pages at least. Because from there it discusses the technique. You do not have to do injections. I myself use the homeopathic drops that are sublingual, which means you place them under your tongue. And I get 2 bottles for $40 (one bottle lasts about 40 days). There are also sprays that are sublingual as well. So you have other options. I would recommend anyone who is interested in how this works to read the pounds and inches by dr simeons. again, here is the link: http://powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Please do not put down something that you do not understand or do not know anything of. This is something that is very effective-again-IF FOLLOWED CORRECTLY. Just as everything else, if you do it half-*kitten* you are not going to succeed. As far as exercise is concerned, you are not supposed to exercise anymore that what is "normal" for you. Or if you are used to running 4 miles a day, you might even do less than that. I am a stay at home mom and do not really get any exercise, so when I do go exercise I do not see as much of a weight loss. Because that is not what my body is used to. They do recommend starting an exercise program once you get into the later phases. Because once you are finished with this diet, you should eat healthy, and exercise. That is very important. This is not just a "weight loss" diet (although extremely effective at that), it is something that changes your way of thinking with food. It changes what your body will consider a "normal" amount of food and fat in your body. Which is why if anyone is wanting to do this, please do it under the close supervision of a physician. If not done properly, it really can do harm to your body.

I will plan on reading the article for my own benefit. Thank you for the information This plan contradicts a lot of the typical weight loss plans in that if you consume very few calories your body will start burning the stored fat. However, on this website it says to exercise for a certain amount per day and to try and burn those exercise calories because the lower your calorie intake, the slower your metabolism burns the stored calories because it needs those daily calories for energy. I hope I am not offending anyone, but as part of my own weight loss journey I love to learn about all of the recent research and details on the mos recent weight loss diets and fabs.

nursegirljay,

Would you mind, for those of us that are not familiar with the diet, explaining how the hypothalamus and chemicals in your body play a part in this diet? Also, is is suggested that you work out during those periods of 500 cal days? I haven't read the article, and I am certainly not bashing the diet, although it is something that I would not do, but it seems to me if you are working out as well as eating so few calories, you essentially have nothing to provide your body with the energy needed to get through the day. Again, I am not bashing or degrading anyone using this method of weight loss, but simply curious about the details that may not make sense to a lot of people.

Thank you.

They don't. It is a lot of conjecture and "it makes sense" type of thinking. When the "theories" have been researched, it has been shown that virtually all of the "weight loss" effect is due to the VLCD and has nothing to do with HCG.

People need to realize where this stuff comes from. This is not some new plan--the HCG plan started 50-60 years ago. It was researched and dismissed in the early 1960s. That's the way these things go. They lie low for a few years until they slip away from public consciousness and a new generation of marks is born. Then they are resurrected and, like all fads in the US, are embraced by the desperate and the gullible.

In this case, from what I understand, the reality is even worse. The HCG plan was resurrected by one of the all-time scam artists--Kevin Trudeau. This is a guy who did time for larceny and credit card fraud, has been sued numerous times by various states and the FTC for deceptive trade practices,

Taking any "health" advice from this guy would be like asking a pedophile to baby sit your kids.

Here are four references-5 minutes with teh Google will yield many more.

ttp://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/02/health/he-nutrition2

http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/07/hcg-diet-look-elsewhere-for-weight-loss/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/weight-loss/hcg-diet.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hcg-diet/AN02091

Since this protocol is done in phases, you are NOT encouraged to exercise during phase 2. This is the 500 calorie phase and the body is busy enough, burning fat. My tape measure and clothing can attest to this! I've lost just under 30 lbs since early June. My skin is wonderful, I don't look like I'm 'dieting' - HCG gives an all around feeling of 'well-being' for me. I'm using the homeopathic drops (6 drops, 3x/day under the tongue) which cost something like $50. I'm on my second round (I went through phase 3 which is adding healthy fats up to and beyond 2000 calories/day) and I didn't gain during that 30 days of calorie 'loading'! To me, this means it is working as the doctor described. By the way, the original bottle is still 1/4 full so the cost is incredible low. I have a new appreciation for REAL, sugar and starch free foods, I eat more veggies than I ever did, and I am SO thankful for this success.

I too have thyroid issues (always borderline with lots of symptoms) and have had PCOS for many years. Wouldn't you know it, on HCG my cycles have regulated and my hormones seem to have awoken?! My doctors told me I was so out of whack that weight loss 'must be extremely difficult, if not impossible'. I was prescribed phentermine, took 1 and said 'no thanks'! Placebo? No way. My stomach hasn't growled ONCE during this time. In the past, I could eat thousands of calories and have a growling stomach within hours.

I know the future will show the real testimony, I have seen people have long-term success and I realize this is a LIFE LONG BATTLE, and I must continue to watch what I eat and how much of it. HCG gives you the kick start and encourages a healthy relationship to REAL, healthy food!

Oh for goodness sake, to each their own, just try to be informed for your own safety and then make your choices. And to be really perfectly hontest, I did think it was irresponsible of OP to make this post with that title (whether it was the article title or not) when very quicky cruise through the boards would show that we have several people here who are on the diet.....minding their own business and supporting each other. It's common sense. A change of title and we could have avoided half of these posts.

Day 25 on HCG 18.5 pounds gone!! I feel great!! This is by far more healthy then all the diet pills I have been taking for years, filled with chemicals and lord knows what all, and rapid heart rates. Everything diet pill and thermogenic on the market I have tried with no success. It took 3 minths to lose 14 pound doing 1200 calories and working out everyday and it only took 10 days to gain that back plus 2 pounds. You will also find on the internet pages warning you about ANYTHING. These come from people who do not know how the diet works and have never tried themselves or have tried it but did not follow protocol. Everyone has an opinion. If everyone had access to HCG america would not be the fattest country in the world. It makes you aware of what your eating and how your body reacts to certain foods. This is an amazing product and I recommend it to everyone!!!

People are entitled to their own opinions-they aren't entitled to their own facts.

I have done this diet in the early 80s with little results except It made me nervous and mean. I for one will never do that low a calorie diet again. I had the daily shots and b12 3x weekly and still I only held out about 3 months. Of course the weight came back. I know we are all desperate to lose our excess weight but please be kind to yourself and your body. :flowerforyou:

People are entitled to their own opinions-they aren't entitled to their own facts.

I agree wholeheartedly with you, and it makes me sad to think how angry and defensive people get about their 'diet' choices.

I do not believe anyone should run around recommending this diet to their friends.

If your doctor recommends it, hey, use your own discretion...but there are a lot of people who willingly trust others because they are looking for a quick fix. No matter what anyone can say, THERE IS NO QUICK FIX. You must make the LIFESTYLE CHANGE to lose and keep your weight off for good.

This is about as crazy as the Phen-Fen phase used to be. Seems everyone I know these days is telling me they are on the HCG diet.

In my CrossFit class, there are several girls/moms in there who started at the beginning of the year obese (250+ pounds) who are in better shape than me now! It is called hard work, healthy diet, and persistence. That's all!

People are entitled to their own opinions-they aren't entitled to their own facts.

I agree wholeheartedly with you, and it makes me sad to think how angry and defensive people get about their 'diet' choices.

I do not believe anyone should run around recommending this diet to their friends.

If your doctor recommends it, hey, use your own discretion...but there are a lot of people who willingly trust others because they are looking for a quick fix. No matter what anyone can say, THERE IS NO QUICK FIX. You must make the LIFESTYLE CHANGE to lose and keep your weight off for good.

This is about as crazy as the Phen-Fen phase used to be. Seems everyone I know these days is telling me they are on the HCG diet.

In my CrossFit class, there are several girls/moms in there who started at the beginning of the year obese (250+ pounds) who are in better shape than me now! It is called hard work, healthy diet, and persistence. That's all!

Obviously you have not read the original protocol. It is not a quick fix and it is not an easy way out................

For people that have over eating issues it forces them to look at food in a whole different light and your appetite becomes very, very different..............

I am on this plan for another reason. We are treating my hormone and Endocrine related issues with this plan and so far, so good.

Only A, D, K, and E are able to be stored.

Water soluble vitamins are NOT stored in the body and those are necessary too -

These are all water-soluble vitamins:

•vitamin B6
•vitamin B12
•vitamin C
•biotin
•folic acid
•niacin
•pantothenic acid
•riboflavin
•thiamin

Minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly. We need them in the form they are found in food.

Minerals can be found in varying amounts in a variety of foods such as meat, cereals (including cereal products such as bread), fish, milk and dairy foods, vegetables, fruit (especially dried fruit) and nuts.

Minerals are necessary for three main reasons:

•building strong bones and teeth
•controlling body fluids inside and outside cells
•turning the food we eat into energy

These are all essential minerals:

•calcium
•iron
•magnesium
•phosphorus
•potassium
•sodium
•sulphur

Only A, D, K, and E are able to be stored.

Water soluble vitamins are NOT stored in the body and those are necessary too -

These are all water-soluble vitamins:

•vitamin B6
•vitamin B12
•vitamin C
•biotin
•folic acid
•niacin
•pantothenic acid
•riboflavin
•thiamin

Minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly. We need them in the form they are found in food.

Minerals can be found in varying amounts in a variety of foods such as meat, cereals (including cereal products such as bread), fish, milk and dairy foods, vegetables, fruit (especially dried fruit) and nuts.

Minerals are necessary for three main reasons:

•building strong bones and teeth
•controlling body fluids inside and outside cells
•turning the food we eat into energy

These are all essential minerals:

•calcium
•iron
•magnesium
•phosphorus
•potassium
•sodium
•sulphur

You will never understand the plan or how you won't become malnourished or not starving yourself unless you Read the Original Pounds and Inches Protocol by Dr. Simeons...............Not that Kevin Trudeau B.S..........

I had my blood work done BEFORE I started this plan. Everything was fine except I was Vitamin D Deficient............

Just had blood work done AFTER I finished Phase 2. Again, everything is fine except the Vitamin D.

She told me I need to get more sun.

My first round was done using the homeopathic sublingual drops. My second round I will start over the weekend will be done with the injections..............

My first round I lost 16 pounds and dropped 1 clothing size. It is slow for me, but I no longer ache in my knees, ankles and hips due to the weight loss..............

You have to eat very, very, very clean on this plan..

Controversial! You cvan go on the web and find just as many sites praising it as condemning it. It's like that with anything.

Use common sense.

My sister went on this diet in conjunction with the b12 shots and she dropped 75 lbs in 6 months (she couldn't stick to the 500 daily calories deal.) Expensive weekly doctor visits, etc. It has been one year and she has gained it all back and then some...One of the co-workers that went on the diet with her just passed away. She was 32 (had a 5 year old son) and was so obsessed with gaining her weight back, that she was starving herself! She died of an anurism that was most likely caused in part by her rapid weight loss and extremely low caloric intake.

WOW!! I knew it didnt sound safe or healthy and I would never choose that route but this is really sad!

Oh how awful. I heard about it being bad as well, but wow that's really terrible.

Obtained from: http://spikediet.blogspot.com/2010/08/hcg-diet-is-dangerous.html

The HCG Diet is all over the web and I am starting to see it in stores now too, but what is it?



The HCG Diet is a diet based on extremely low calories, how low? 500 calories!!! Let me start with that; Only 500 calories a day of course you are going to lose weight, the average person will burn over 2,000 calories a day which means by diet alone there is a daily 1,500 calorie deficit which equals 3lb lost per week. The problem is you are starving yourself, and one meal away from flat out fasting. You will slip into "starvation mode" and your metabolism will slow down.

Good luck maintaining a 500 calorie a day diet for the rest of your life, because once you go back to "normal" you will indeed gain the weight back too.. In my opinion this is the definition of a crash diet that is impossible to maintain as a lifestyle.

HCG is short for human chorionic gonadotropin, it's a hormone produced during pregnancy, and the reason why people thinks this is good for weight loss is because of Dr. A.T.W Simeons HCG Weight Loss Protocol, or the Original 500 Calorie a Day Diet. Apparently this hormone keeps the hunger away but according to numerous studies there is no difference in weight-loss through placebo or HCG and there is no difference in hunger either. Source LA Times

HCG is expensive, shots can run hundreds of dollars a month, and since the FDA ruled that is not safe for weight loss you need a prescription for another issue, like what it's really used for, fertility.

Sure you can buy it online from what may be a real source, but without a prescription you are breaking the law, and paying lots of money for nothing that really helps you lose weight.

I am normally not one to knock another person's diet because there are a lot different plans that work, but this plan is flat out dangerous! I hope by getting the word out, I can stop someone from going down this unsafe path. You need to find a safe plan that works for you and your lifestyle, I have learned that if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to find something you can follow the rest of your life. Otherwise once you go back to "normal" the weight will come back too.

To summarize, stay far away from anything related to HCG for weight-loss, here's why.

- Extremely low calories, only 500 a day.
- Injecting your body with a non-FDA approved drug for weight-loss
- It's expensive
- It's illegal without a prescription, which Doctor's are not supposed to prescribe for weight loss.
- You do not need to starve yourself to lose weight, nor pump your body full of illegal drugs.

Please share this with your friends and family, if they are trying to lose weight they will undoubtedly come across HCG. The marketers behind it are very smart and have websites everywhere keeping the real information about the dangers of HCG buried behind hundreds of Pro-HCG websites.

I'm going to have to agree with you. I would never do it but that's my own personal choice. If I'm going to diet (like I have been for real since April) I'm going to educate myself on everything that has to do with eating, diet and excersice and it's totally worked. 500 calories a day is a bit extreme if you ask me, but I could also see how someone trying to "kick start" their diet or someone who has hit a major platue could turn to something like this. Fortunatly for me I can do it the all natural way and not have to refer to drastic measures like this diet. I hope for those of you that have chose this diet, that it works for you. It's just not for me, Even though I'm dieting, I still enjoy food, just because your wanting to lose weight doesn't mean you can't enjoy food, I still do and I think I honestly enjoy it now more then ever. I need what energy I do have, If I was eating 500 calories a day I'd be a blob on the couch all day, lol.