Risky Diet in the News

Just out of curiousity do ya'll HCG users have anyone on here (MFP) that has been on it, and lost weight and then stopped?? I am curious to see what their results are and how they eat now.

Yes, i have. I did 2 rounds, lost 38 pounds and have kept it off. I went back to the Primal / paleo way of eating and have lost quite a bit more weight as of now. I am still losing.

In regards to the question directed to me about trusting the FDA...

I do my own research on government recommendations. One example is that my kids are vaccinated, but I worked with their doctor to space out their shots as to not overwhelm their little bodies.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic when I was 29 years old. I could easily claim it was due to an awful family history, but the reality is I ate too much and I moved too little. To complicate matters, I was pregnant with my first child while diagnosed. I was immediately put on insulin and worked with a dietitian. I have to tell you, injecting myself with hormones 4xday for months was not fun. It messed with my mood, it messed with my sex drive, it made me soooo hungry. After I gave birth, I worked with my doctor and the dietitian to make sure I wouldn't need to be on medications. No one was pushing a quick fix via prescription. I was told to work hard and follow my eating plan (low carb) and exercising plan (30min, 3-4/week).

I'm happy to say that since my last child was born in 2006, I have consistently had a1C tests done every six months and I am now always within the 5.2-5.5 range. I don't have a Type 2 classification any more. Did I drop three pant sizes in three days? Nope. Do I still have weight to lose? Yep.

I don't feel the need to defend how I did what I did, because I'm confident in my method. If you are so confident in your plan, why the need to defend your eating lifestyle so ferociously?

Hi everyone,
Can I just remind everyone of the forum rules? It is all well and good offering your opinion on different diets out there however, some of the insulting language is not beneficial in getting a point across and just makes people upset and makes for uncomfortable reading. In my personal opinion, I believe that all diets should be civily discussed in order to further benefit our understanding of things. Please do not risk this thread becoming locked by insulting each other.

An official reminder:
4) Do not attack/slam/insult other users. The forums are here so that members can help support one another. Attacks or insults against each other takes away from the supportive atmosphere and will not be tolerated. You can discuss the message or topic, but not the messenger - NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are attacked by another user, and you reciprocate, YOU will also be subject to the same consequences. Defending yourself, defending a friend, etc. are NOT excuses. Violations of this rule are taken very seriously and may result in being banned without warning! If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

You may find that certain posts will now be edited to remove insulting language and content and any quotes of these insults/remarks will also be edited.

Thanks for your co - operation.
Ms_Natalie
MyFitnessPal Forum Moderator. :flowerforyou:

Although I do appreciate the information, I am already on the HCG diet, and I have lost 10.6 lbs in 13 days. So, it must increase weight loss somehow, because I have never lost a pant size in a week before this diet. It may seem unhealthy but this diet is recommended often by our doctors, and I respect my own doctors opinion more than a news article. 500 calories on its own is crazy, and I would never recommend it to anyone. This diet is derived from a natural hormone in our bodies and the low calorie diet does not affect you while on the drops. When you stop the drops, you increase your calorie intake. We should be posting both sides of every story, as I know there are some MFP members who would greatly benefit from this diet (of course, on a doctor's recommendation).

Good information, and good to know the risks, but for those of us already on the diet, we cannot just stop halfway through. I have more energy now than I ever have had before, so the low calories are not affecting me in a negative way. The diet is for 21-23 days. If someone doesn't want to do it, they shouldn't. But I am proud of my weight loss and don't want to be criticized for the way I choose to diet.

guys....I honestly just don't see where anyone has been "criticizing" anyone for choosing this way to diet. It's up to you what you do to and with your body whether it's join the HCG dieters, join the die hard calorie counters, or sit at home on the sofa stuffing your face with pizza. The OP was simply sharing some information that was posted regarding research on this topic that is a BIG DEAL right now. Yes, some ppl could prob choose to use other words in places and maybe that's where ya'll are getting the "bashing" and "criticizing" from.....but what I see here is concern.

You should never let anyone else affect the way you feel, choose, or see things. It should always be based on your own research, experiences, beliefs, and gut feelings. Bottom line, is every diet has risks. You should know what they are and the best way to avoid negative side affects and reactions as well as make an EDUCATED decision as to whether it is right for YOU!

Although I do appreciate the information, I am already on the HCG diet, and I have lost 10.6 lbs in 13 days. So, it must increase weight loss somehow, because I have never lost a pant size in a week before this diet. It may seem unhealthy but this diet is recommended often by our doctors, and I respect my own doctors opinion more than a news article. 500 calories on its own is crazy, and I would never recommend it to anyone. This diet is derived from a natural hormone in our bodies and the low calorie diet does not affect you while on the drops. When you stop the drops, you increase your calorie intake. We should be posting both sides of every story, as I know there are some MFP members who would greatly benefit from this diet (of course, on a doctor's recommendation).

Good information, and good to know the risks, but for those of us already on the diet, we cannot just stop halfway through. I have more energy now than I ever have had before, so the low calories are not affecting me in a negative way. The diet is for 21-23 days. If someone doesn't want to do it, they shouldn't. But I am proud of my weight loss and don't want to be criticized for the way I choose to diet.

Actual studies show that HCG is no different than a placebo.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/786001?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

"There was no statistically significant difference in the means of the two groups in number of injections received, weight loss, percent of weight loss, hip and waist circumference, weight loss per injections, or in hunger ratings. HCG does not appear to enhance the effectiveness of a rigidly imposed regimen for weight reduction."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3609673?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=5&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

"These studies showed a significant weight reduction during dieting, but no differences between treatment groups in respect of body weight, body proportions and feeling of hunger."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8527285?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=4&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

"We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being."

There are major differences...........

500 calories with HCG :

Weight loss without hunger
Loss of Fat weight, very little if any muscle loss
Better sleep
More energy





500 calories without HCG:

Tired, lethargic and feel crappy
Ravengingly hungry (starving feeling)
Can't sleep
Loss of muscle, not fat

THere are no studies PROVING that the weight is coming from fat and NOT from muscle. Just sayin.

I'm not sure where the bashing is here. Someone saw an article, it was relevant, and they posted it. We all have a right to our opinions. Mine may differ from yours but I still have a right to it. I thought this site was for people to do just that. Share there thoughts, ideas, and what has worked for them. This is obviously an emotionally charged subject. But we shouldn't accuse someone of bashing just to quiet them because you don't like what they say.
I personally feel this is unsafe. Doctors are paid a fortune to push products. Sad but true. They may not always have our best interest at heart. I am NOT telling you how to live your life. I am NOT bashing or saying hurtful insults. I am simply using the forums for what they are designed for.

Just thought I would share an article on the HCG DIET....

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/is-the-hcg-diet-a-risky-fad

Stop with this.

First of all, it is not a fad. This is a plan put together by a doctor back in the 1950's and there is logical science behind it.

STOP with bashing what others are doing to help themselves lose weight and be healthier. JUST STOP ALREADY!!!

No matter what plan a person is doing, we should be encouraging and supporting one another. This bashing has got to stop.

That was not 'bashing'. The OP posted an article that people can read and draw their own conclusions.

And I for one do not believe that it is necessary to 'support' people 'no matter what plan'. If people are subscribing to a plan with potential risks to their health, we should be able to respectfully discuss those risks.

The articles are posted so people will come in and say OMG, it is so unhealthy........blah, blah, blah.

I am willing to bet whomever wrote the article and almost everyone that posted here has not read the manuscript and knows nothing about the plan except for what the MEDIA wrote............

In one of the other threads on this same subject this morning someone called anyone that has done HCG lazy. That is bashing.

If I were to call someone lazy because they eat their fake and frozen food I would be labeled a basher, so keep it real here too. Or, just because you don't agree you won't say it is bashing?

I'm not sure where the bashing is here. Someone saw an article, it was relevant, and they posted it. We all have a right to our opinions. Mine may differ from yours but I still have a right to it. I thought this site was for people to do just that. Share there thoughts, ideas, and what has worked for them. This is obviously an emotionally charged subject. But we shouldn't accuse someone of bashing just to quiet them because you don't like what they say.
I personally feel this is unsafe. Doctors are paid a fortune to push products. Sad but true. They may not always have our best interest at heart. I am NOT telling you how to live your life. I am NOT bashing or saying hurtful insults. I am simply using the forums for what they are designed for.

Calling someone lazy because they choose a different route is bashing someone. That is not an accusation, that is what they stated.

Doctors are paid far more by pushing drugs and prescription than HCG. Pharmaceutical drugs are able to be patented. HCG is not.

Major difference there.

Very true. Calling someone lazy is not a cool thing to do, but I think accusations of bashing were made before any lazy comments were made. I don't think any of us are lazy. We're here aren't we?
You have chosen a path I wouldn't have. If you are happy and it works for you them ok. I wish you luck. I'm not here to tell anyone how to live their life. I do wish you the best.

I'm not sure where the bashing is here. Someone saw an article, it was relevant, and they posted it. We all have a right to our opinions. Mine may differ from yours but I still have a right to it. I thought this site was for people to do just that. Share there thoughts, ideas, and what has worked for them. This is obviously an emotionally charged subject. But we shouldn't accuse someone of bashing just to quiet them because you don't like what they say.
I personally feel this is unsafe. Doctors are paid a fortune to push products. Sad but true. They may not always have our best interest at heart. I am NOT telling you how to live your life. I am NOT bashing or saying hurtful insults. I am simply using the forums for what they are designed for.

Calling someone lazy because they choose a different route is bashing someone. That is not an accusation, that is what they stated.

Doctors are paid far more by pushing drugs and prescription than HCG. Pharmaceutical drugs are able to be patented. HCG is not.

Major difference there.

Very true. Calling someone lazy is not a cool thing to do, but I think accusations of bashing were made before any lazy comments were made. I don't think any of us are lazy. We're here aren't we?
You have chosen a path I wouldn't have. If you are happy and it works for you them ok. I wish you luck. I'm not here to tell anyone how to live their life. I do wish you the best.

The lazy comment was made in the other thread that the link was posted in this thread. I take great offense to this as when I was on HCG I spent my entire Sunday washing, prepping and cutting up vegetables and fruits from the list and preparing the allowed meats so I had lunches and snacks to take to work with me everyday.

This is a plan that takes some considerable time and committment to be successful at it. Just like any other plan.

I did HCG last summer for other reasons than merely weight loss. I have a pituitary tumor in which it shrank a bit while I was on the HCG plan and it lined out my other hormonal imbalances.

The weight loss was an added benefit in my case and my doctor thought the plan would be most benficial for me as I am only looking for natural ways to treat conditions.

I'm not sure where the bashing is here. Someone saw an article, it was relevant, and they posted it. We all have a right to our opinions. Mine may differ from yours but I still have a right to it. I thought this site was for people to do just that. Share there thoughts, ideas, and what has worked for them. This is obviously an emotionally charged subject. But we shouldn't accuse someone of bashing just to quiet them because you don't like what they say.
I personally feel this is unsafe. Doctors are paid a fortune to push products. Sad but true. They may not always have our best interest at heart. I am NOT telling you how to live your life. I am NOT bashing or saying hurtful insults. I am simply using the forums for what they are designed for.

Calling someone lazy because they choose a different route is bashing someone. That is not an accusation, that is what they stated.

Doctors are paid far more by pushing drugs and prescription than HCG. Pharmaceutical drugs are able to be patented. HCG is not.

Major difference there.

Very true. Calling someone lazy is not a cool thing to do, but I think accusations of bashing were made before any lazy comments were made. I don't think any of us are lazy. We're here aren't we?
You have chosen a path I wouldn't have. If you are happy and it works for you them ok. I wish you luck. I'm not here to tell anyone how to live their life. I do wish you the best.

The lazy comment was made in the other thread that the link was posted in this thread.

then go there and complain.

Your not even worth the comment I was going to make.

The real problem is doctors rarely make referrals to nutritionists or dieticians. They don't offer advice for a person to become healthier. Most people don't know what to do.............We see the questions all the time for people reaching out not knowing what to do.

It is easier and more profitable for a doctor to say You have high blood pressure, take this pill for the rest of your life...........than to sit down and say.......Hmmm, let's go over your eating plan to see where you can make those improvements.

Medicine of today is a joke.

NO. The real problem of today is people ASK for the pills and the easy way out. Im sure doctors are damn sick and tired of trying to convince people to just be healthier instead of cheating their way through life with injections and pills.

I don't like plenty of doctors I've seen, but for every in-a-hurry doc theres at least one that has your best interest in mind.

Im a complete pessimist and I still think your thoughts are way overboard.


This thread just makes me so sad. It really, really does. Why can't people just try to BE healthy? And why must people believe that everyone is out to get them, their money, and their health? Personal choices are just that.

Maybe when you're trying to lose weight you should be selfish about it. Eat right and exercise for you and don't look for an easy out.

: ) I like this.

I'm not sure where the bashing is here. Someone saw an article, it was relevant, and they posted it. We all have a right to our opinions. Mine may differ from yours but I still have a right to it. I thought this site was for people to do just that. Share there thoughts, ideas, and what has worked for them. This is obviously an emotionally charged subject. But we shouldn't accuse someone of bashing just to quiet them because you don't like what they say.
I personally feel this is unsafe. Doctors are paid a fortune to push products. Sad but true. They may not always have our best interest at heart. I am NOT telling you how to live your life. I am NOT bashing or saying hurtful insults. I am simply using the forums for what they are designed for.

Calling someone lazy because they choose a different route is bashing someone. That is not an accusation, that is what they stated.

Doctors are paid far more by pushing drugs and prescription than HCG. Pharmaceutical drugs are able to be patented. HCG is not.

Major difference there.

Very true. Calling someone lazy is not a cool thing to do, but I think accusations of bashing were made before any lazy comments were made. I don't think any of us are lazy. We're here aren't we?
You have chosen a path I wouldn't have. If you are happy and it works for you them ok. I wish you luck. I'm not here to tell anyone how to live their life. I do wish you the best.

The lazy comment was made in the other thread that the link was posted in this thread.

then go there and complain.

Your not even worth the comment I was going to make.

lol....kinda funny....this sounds like "bashing" and it's in THIS forum!

Our local TV station just did a 2 part series on this diet last week. It seemed pretty scary to me. And a little like cheating.

While it may work....I just don't see it being a long term solution, nor does it fix the problems that caused the weight problem (habits, poor diet, self esteem issues etc).

Plus, there is no pill or shot that can give you the satisfaction that you get from seeing lbs and inches melt away through your own hard work and dedication. The sense of accomplishment that you can feel from the inside after a good workout where you realize you went further and harder than you did 2 weeks ago. Seeing yourself in the mirror and knowing all those hours of sweat were worth it.

When I get to my goal weight I want to look back and say LOOK WHAT I DID! I EARNED IT!

Let me tell you a little bit about my journey...........

In 1995 I was a size 0, weighing in at 115 - 188 pounds. I suddenly started gaining weight for no reason at all and stopped having monthly TOM..............

I went from Doctor to doctor to doctor until 2003 when I finally found a doctor that would listen to me and my concerns without telling me to go on a 1000 calorie low fat diet and get some exercise. I was in the Effin Army, I exercised everyday and still gained weight...........

I went to a total of about 50 or 60 doctors, NOT 1 of them would listen to me.

In 2003, a new gynecologist finally listened to me and found what was wrong with me. I had PCOS. He also told me if one of those previous doctors had stopped and listened to me without passing me prescriptions for migraines, depression, weight loss pills, high blood pressure, etc..............I would not have been sitting in front of him telling me I was now Type 2 Diabetic.

You see why I lost faith in the medical community???????????? It is a joke.

One of my highschool friends became a doctor and when I talk to her she is always telling me about the free trips the Big Pharmaceutical companies give to the doctors for prescribing X amount of certain drugs..............Again, the medical community is a joke. They are making contests with people's lives and well being.

Yes, I am angry and I am working toward getting this changed.

I understand your personal journey was rough and yes plenty of docs have a hard time figuring things out like that. Believe me, I get that part. Ive had migraines most of my life and all I get it "well have you changed your diet or anything recently?" as if 10 straight years of consistent migraines means nothing. These doctors aren't magicians and yes pharm companies are TERRIBLE.
BUT. Those are pharm companies. Yes, some doctors fall into the traps of greed and temptation, but not ALL.
It's hard to find the ones that aren't because they're also the ones in small offices with no advertising just trying to help people. They're also usually the ones NOT covered by insurance.

I don't think the medical professionals are the problem. It's the insurance and pharm companies, really, if you think about it.


but but buuutttt! My main point here is that just because HCG is "all natural" doesn't mean its a good idea.
Eating grass is all natural. Living in caves is all natural. Don't see anyone doing it for weight loss, tho.


Besides, you're sitting here bashing medical professionals when theyre the same people that did what they could to convince you to inject hormones into yourself that your body doesnt need in order to lose weight.
The doctor that told you that is just as bad as the doctor that shrugged and said "maybe you can take these pills"