Introduction to the HCG diet plan:

So what is the hcg Diet Plan? The HCG Diet is a medical weight loss plan that involves using a tiny amount of the hormone HCG,  (Human chorionic gonadotropin)  along with a carefully planned, very low calorie diet.  The original Hcg Diet protocol outlined a very specific 500 calorie menu, while today’s more modern approaches often include up to 1500 calories. The Hcg can be taken as injections, drops, or tablets.

HCG is the pro-hormone that is produced by all individuals, men and women alike. It is produced in large amounts by women during pregnancy and is known for being the catalyst hormone that stimulates the production of other hormones throughout the body. These in turn, effect the body’s metabolism, muscle tissue, digestion, liver functions and much more. It is no secret that hormone function and balance is known to be one of the most common causes of weight challenges, especially severe obesity. HCG’s role in the diet plan, helps the body to balance out these issues, which in turn enables the body to function at an optimal rate of performance

The protocol consists of “rounds” where each round includes 4 phases to complete

1. Phase 1: “The Loading phase” which involves 2 to 3 days of eating freely, with an understanding that it is acceptable to gain weight during this period.
2. Phase 2: “The Weight Loss Phase.” This phase involves taking the hCG hormone in a tiny amount, while maintaining a carefully detailed diet.  This phase lasts approximately 3 to 6 weeks.
3. Phase 3:  “The Stabilization Phase.”  This phase involves discontinuing hCG, and carefully increasing the calorie intake from the previous phase to stabilize recent weight loss.
4. Phase 4: “The Maintenance Phase.”  Once weight loss has been stabilized, it is time to continue to live your life with a newly adapted approach to healthy living and wellness for long term maintenance.

The Original HCG Diet Plan was first published in 1954, by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a British endocrinologist.  His manuscript, “Pounds and Inches” was first published in 1954 with several revisions over the years. The original protocol calls for a small dosage of HCG hormone administered through injections, and a rigid 500 calorie food list (VLCD very low calorie diet) with very little room for variety.  Since then however, the original protocol has evolved based on modern research, technology and even the availability of new food and supplement options.

The modern HCG Diet plan uses small amounts of synthetic HCG hormone as part of weight loss. The maximum amount of daily calories for meal plans is now bumped up to 1500. In general, experts recommend that you subtract 500 calories from your needs in order to lose weight. So if you typically need about 2,000 calories daily, 1500 is completely safe and acceptable for weight loss.

The most appealing factor of the HCG Diet is the long term results millions of people have experienced. The Hcg diet has been reported to

•  Break down food addictions. 
•  Balance hormone cycles. 
•  Overcome bad lifestyle habits.
• Help re-establish a healthy relationship with food.  
•  Provides an opportunity to establish a healthy lifestyle for long term healthy living.  

Side effects:

Diets that so severely limit calories have risks, such as gallstone formation, irregular heartbeat and an imbalance of electrolytes.

Side effects have also been reported with the HCG diet include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Depression
• fluid buildup (edema)
• Swelling of the breasts in boys (gynecomastia).
• Risk of blood clots forming and blocking blood vessels (thromboembolism)

The modern approach to the HCG diet is bound to reduce and curb many of the above mentioned side effects!