HCG diet safe?

phoenix1030
phoenix1030 Posts: 9
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm debating on starting the HCG diet. I have a friend that has lost 80lbs in the last year on it, and I'm very impressed. The problem is that, even at my weight (225), I know how unhealthy 600 calories a day divided into two meals can be for the body, that on top of skipping breakfast. The idiot at GNC that sold me my HCG drops 'gave' me protein shakes knowing that it is not acceptable on HCG.

So, I guess this is my question...Is it possible to lose the weight taking HCG and not cutting back to 600 calories? I'm currently at 1300, and rarely reach that goal. I'm usually 100-200 below goal. Can I cut back to 1000-900 and lose MORE weight with the drops? Or, will I lose the same amount without the drops because of the change in calorie intake? Someone please help! Thank you!
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Replies

  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    People lose 80 pounds in a year all the time without practically starving themselves. Just saying.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    no. the trick to this diet is 600 calories a day. whacked.
  • IrishHarpy1
    IrishHarpy1 Posts: 399 Member
    People lose 80 pounds in a year all the time without practically starving themselves. Just saying.

    Hellz yeah!
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    600 calories a day is starving yourself. No wonder you lose weight....

    That being said the "drops" are a gimmick. People might lose weight on them, but as soon as they actually start eating again, they gain it back.

    You will lose weight if you eat at a deficit and exercise, and you will be healthier too.
  • lisakreymborg
    lisakreymborg Posts: 5
    Most fads like this we find out years later what the effects are. We won't know about what this does to someone's health in the long run for awhile, but you already know 600 calories and fake hormones are unhealthy, we all do-it's a matter of if you want to take the risk and be part of the first wave of people who find out what the serious side effects are.
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    I'm debating on starting the HCG diet. I have a friend that has lost 80lbs in the last year on it, and I'm very impressed. The problem is that, even at my weight (225), I know how unhealthy 600 calories a day divided into two meals can be for the body, that on top of skipping breakfast. The idiot at GNC that sold me my HCG drops 'gave' me protein shakes knowing that it is not acceptable on HCG.

    So, I guess this is my question...Is it possible to lose the weight taking HCG and not cutting back to 600 calories? I'm currently at 1300, and rarely reach that goal. I'm usually 100-200 below goal. Can I cut back to 1000-900 and lose MORE weight with the drops? Or, will I lose the same amount without the drops because of the change in calorie intake? Someone please help! Thank you!
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/welcome/guidelines

    3. No Promotion of Unsafe Weight-Loss Techniques or Eating Disorders
    a) Posts intended to promote potentially unsafe or controversial weight loss products or procedures, including non-medically prescribed supplements or MLM products will be removed without warning.
    b) No pro-anorexia or pro-bulimia posts, groups, profile names, or profile bylines. Photos intended to promote or glamorize extreme thinness are also not permitted.
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
  • BarbWhite09
    BarbWhite09 Posts: 1,128 Member
    This is a topic that causes a HUGE amount of controversy on here. All you're going to get are negative answers, people *****ing at you, blah blah blah. The thread will be locked, soon. Wouldn't suggest posting or mentioning it again, because it just ends up being a drama fest. *rolls eyes*
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    You asked a question ...

    Is the HCG diet safe?

    The answer ...

    No ... not only is it not safe but it is so unsafe that the FDA is pulling it from the market. Coincidence I think not.
    Healthy eating and regular exercise work too... and have better long term results. Sure the HCG people lose weight quickly, but they do not keep it off.
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    Short answer, NO.

    Long answer, http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/MrsCon40/view/hcg-a-handy-reply-to-the-multitude-of-quick-fix-seekers-148860
  • pitbullmama
    pitbullmama Posts: 454 Member
    HCG Drops= SCAM!

    Save your money. Eat well and excercise.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one
  • phoenix1030
    phoenix1030 Posts: 9
    That's how I feel, too. I'm a little (lot) miffed that the GNC guy wasn't very specific to my questions. I wish I had a Complete Nutrition here. They have always been very honest with me. I lost 20ish with their products and guidance, my husband has lost almost 40. I was just curious if there were any others had something positive to say about it.


    Oh, and CONGRATS, IrishHarpy1! You are a testament to what can be done!
  • termc2
    termc2 Posts: 3
    I know a few people that did this and when all the weight was gone it was back quicker than I put it back on...
  • kellimr
    kellimr Posts: 69
    I knew someone who tried this diet recently. This person lost over 20lbs the first month. But she went back to eating 'normally' the next month and by the looks of things gained it all back in a very short amount of time. 600 cal a day will of COURSE make you lose weight rapidly....but I guarantee when you go back to a normal diet you will gain it back (plus maybe more) just as quickly.
  • TiffanyDeanee
    TiffanyDeanee Posts: 158
    People lose 80 pounds in a year all the time without practically starving themselves. Just saying.

    I agree with this ^^ plus shouldn't you want to lose weight slowly for the health and physical benefits. I don't think HCG should be the answer because 600 cals just seems way to low. Especially since they saying is the average body need 1200 cals to function.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    um no.
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one

    Not here to argue, here to answer the OP's question, while stil following the rules of the forums which will soon be no talk of HCG. Just following the rules.
  • kranholdka
    kranholdka Posts: 3
    I did the HCG diet and lost 40 lbs in the 40 days. For me, personally, it really jumpstarted my weight loss and I am now down 75 lbs! - and KEEPING IT OFF. There are obviously risks with any diet like this, just do your research. The version I did of it I only ate 500 calories and no, it will not work if you are still eating your normal intake.
  • hedgiie
    hedgiie Posts: 1,226 Member
    First, it's true that you can lose weight with HCG, I have friend who tried it and able to achieve their weight goal with ease. However, i'm not impressed by the way they look, he looks older, weak and dry.

    Would rather do it in natural way and achieve my goal looking fresh and young.
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    Don't waste your money. Seriously, just don't do it. HCG is a scam and is actually illegal in all but injectible form now (at least in the USA).

    Be patient. Eat. Move your body. Bust your butt. Yes, it will take a long time to lose your weight, but you didn't gain it all overnight did you? Plus, once you do lose it, you'll be fitter, more toned, and look amazing than if you crash dieted your way to your goal weight.

    Eating 500-600 calories per day is a surefire way to destroy your muscle mass and crash your BMR making it extremely hard to continue losing weight and maintaining that loss. Putting muscle back on is NOT trivial nor is it easy.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Your main mistake here is in thinking that these drops will do anything special. They won't. Eat a calorie deficit and you'll lose weight. HCG drops from GNC have nothing to do with it.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one

    Not here to argue, here to answer the OP's question, while stil following the rules of the forums which will soon be no talk of HCG. Just following the rules.

    the "spirit" of the rule is to NOT promote unhealthy diets.
  • chesncl
    chesncl Posts: 3 Member
    as someone who has tried the HCG diet twice...yes, you'll lose it and fast....but i also can almost guarentee you you'll gain most of it back...b/c you don't change your lifestyle on it...you just starve yourself. and its also REALLLY hard to lose weight the right way after you've done it b/c your metabolism is soooo slow...its taken me two years to get back to being able to lose weight normally and my metabolism back to normal. I know you dont' wanna hear it, but I'd say stick to the old fashion, watchin calories and exercising :)
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one

    Not here to argue, here to answer the OP's question, while stil following the rules of the forums which will soon be no talk of HCG. Just following the rules.

    the "spirit" of the rule is to NOT promote unhealthy diets.

    Not promoting, told her to inbox me because this thread is going to erupt into a fiasco sooner or later, and it will be much easier to talk in a private message.
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    I lost 73 lbs. in 10 months on 1200-1400 calories/day so try that instead. Good luck!
  • kranholdka
    kranholdka Posts: 3
    oh really? You don't keep it off? I believe I am proof that you can keep it off. Obviously if you go back to how you were eating before, yes you will gain it back. But isn't the point to change your eating habbits?
  • leanmachinedream
    leanmachinedream Posts: 223
    I'm debating on starting the HCG diet. I have a friend that has lost 80lbs in the last year on it, and I'm very impressed. The problem is that, even at my weight (225), I know how unhealthy 600 calories a day divided into two meals can be for the body, that on top of skipping breakfast. The idiot at GNC that sold me my HCG drops 'gave' me protein shakes knowing that it is not acceptable on HCG.

    So, I guess this is my question...Is it possible to lose the weight taking HCG and not cutting back to 600 calories? I'm currently at 1300, and rarely reach that goal. I'm usually 100-200 below goal. Can I cut back to 1000-900 and lose MORE weight with the drops? Or, will I lose the same amount without the drops because of the change in calorie intake? Someone please help! Thank you!

    He is not the idiot here. HCG is not safe at all. The drops are a gimmick. Congrats on falling for it.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one

    Not here to argue, here to answer the OP's question, while stil following the rules of the forums which will soon be no talk of HCG. Just following the rules.

    the "spirit" of the rule is to NOT promote unhealthy diets.

    Not promoting, told her to inbox me because this thread is going to erupt into a fiasco sooner or later, and it will be much easier to talk in a private message.

    I see your daily goal is 550 calories. you are a starving yourself. please dont advise others.
  • gleechick609
    gleechick609 Posts: 544 Member
    Wouldn't you want to lose weight at a healthy, sustainable pace while eating between 1600-2200 calories???

    It can be done! Just saying. :wink:
This discussion has been closed.

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