HCG Weight-Loss Program

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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Weight Loss Program

HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta which maximizes the functional capacity of the body’s control centers in the hypothalamus. One of the centers in the hypothalamus controls the movement and distribution of fat throughout the body. HCG mobilizes abnormal fat and releases it as a source of energy. Interestingly, only small amounts of HCG (1/1,000 of the amount produced during a normal pregnancy) are necessary to be effective. HCG not only helps people lose body fat overall, it also helps people lose those “problem areas” that seem so resistant to elimination through other diets and exercise.

HCG is not a sex hormone but it is only produced by pregnant women and never by men. It is effective for women of any age after puberty and men as well.

The HCG protocol calls for a 500 calorie per day diet. This very low calorie diet is necessary to activate the actions of the HCG in terms of appetite suppression and fat breakdown. It is the increased fat breakdown, or metabolism which is what makes the HCG diet different and more effective. Although the individual is only consuming 500 calories by mouth, they are getting additional calories from the breakdown of fat. Equally importantly, only fat is lost to provide calories and energy-NOT muscle. Other diets that promise fast weight lost almost always involve mostly muscle breakdown and less fat loss. This is undesirable as when muscle is lost the patient looks gaunt and is often tired. More significantly, once the diet is ended, the patient regains the weight they lost as the body rebuilds the muscle it lost during the diet. Again, with the help of HCG only fat is lost. As the body does not try to rebuild fat, it is easier for HCG dieters to maintain their new weight.

If someone were to start a 500 calorie per day diet without HCG he or she would experience hunger, cravings, fatigue, feel miserable and lose structural fat and muscle mass as well. Structural fat is the fat immediately under the skin, around vital organs and the soles of our feet and palms of our hands-this is important fat which we want to hang on to. It is the abnormal, “depot” fat that is the problem, which leads to many chronic diseases, and which is targeted by HCG. Muscle mass lost as a side effect of this type of unassisted 500 calorie/day diet is also undesirable as this further reduces the body’s caloric requirements which can lead to additional fat gain if the patient goes back to his old eating habits.

On the HCG 500 calorie per day diet individuals typically lose one pound per day of abnormal fat, occasionally more. Each pound of fat contains approximately 3,500 calories. The total calories available for energy is, therefore, 3,500 cal from fat break down plus 500 cal from the diet totaling 4,000 calories per day. This gives patients access to adequate amounts of energy, therefore, the patient does not feel hungry and is not tired.

Because many people who start on the HCG diet have been dieting in one manner or another, often for years, they are frequently already in a metabolically “shut down” mode. That is, their body has slowed the metabolic rate to adjust for the reduced daily caloric intake and as a result, they burn fewer calories than they would in an optimal situation. It is very important to rouse the body from this state to lose body fat most effectively. This is done through two days of eating a high fat, high calorie diet prior to beginning the 500 calorie /day diet. Avoiding this step will significantly reduce the amount of weight lost during the diet.

Weight Loss Protocol

Usually, Dr. Clair or his staff will reconstitute the HCG for each patient. Alternatively, the patient may receive the the HCG/B12 mixture already prepared in a kit with syringes, a safe disposal continer and alcohol wipes. The patient should store the HCG in the refrigerator. When stored properly, the HCG remains active for approximately 35 days and then begins to lose effectiveness.

We prefer to demonstrate the administration of the HCG to the patient by giving the patient a “dose” of sterile water or vitamin B12 subcutaneously while in the office. This frequently reassures the patient that the injections are painless, and gives him/her a level of confidence so that they can successfully self administer the HCG at home.

The HCG can be administered anywhere, as long as it is subcutaneous. Ideal areas are the front of the thighs or the stomach. The HCG does not cause fat breakdown where injected so there is no benefit to administering it in any one particular spot. Patients are to take the injections in the morning. There is no concern about timing of injections with meals.

The dose of HCG that patients should start with and which is effective for most is 150-200 IU. This translates to drawing up the HCG to the “15″ or “20″ mark on the insulin syringe. Occasionally, it may help to increase the dose if the patient feels hungry after the fourth day of the diet.

Patients should remain on the diet for 26-40 days. If they lose the desired weight prior to that time, they should continue the daily shots for at least 26 days but increase their caloric intake to normal levels being sure to eat ONLY lean protein, vegetables and fruit. By following this protocol, they give their hypothalamus time to be reset to a metabolically more active state (remember that most are metabolically shut down to begin with). This will then allow them to eat 2,500-3,000 calories per day and not gain the weight back.

For those who stay on the diet for the full 40 days, it is important to stay on the 500 ca/day diet for an additional 3 days as there is still HCG circulating in the body.

Some people will have more than 40 pounds of fat to lose. For those who need to lose more than they did in the program it is important to take a break from the 500 calorie per day diet. They should eat normally, mainly lean protein, fruits and vegetables for 6 weeks. They can then do a second program of HCG/ 500 calories/day. This is important because the HCG loses effectiveness due to decreased sensitivity to the HCG.

Ideally, menstruating women will begin the diet immediately after the end of their menstrual period. For those who do have their period during the diet, continue with the 500 calorie diet, but there is no need (but also no risk) to take the daily injections during the menstrual period. If hunger returns during the period resume injections.

How the diet works:
As previously stated, for the first two days of the program, patients take the HCG injection in the morning and eat a heavy diet of fatty, calorie laden foods-eggs and bacon, doughnuts, hamburgers and French fires, ice cream are all recommended, there are no restrictions.. The weight that is gained by doing so is quickly lost in the first few days of the diet. Some people have been trying to lose weight for so long their stomach and appetite have shrunken; these people must eat more than they really want to in order to get the most from the diet.