What is HCG?
HCG
stands for Human Chorionic Gonadatropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. During pregnancy, HCG
almost completely controls a woman’s metabolic functions. HCG is also
used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in men and women.
How much weight will I lose?
Most HCG dieters report an average weight loss of .5 to 2 pounds a day.
Is it healthy to lose 1-2 pounds a day?
HCG
weight loss studies have shown that weight loss following the Simeons
protocol comes directly from adipose fat tissue rather than lean muscle.
In doing so, the weight comes directly from the fat and does not strip
the body of vitamins, minerals, or muscle, yet at the same time
releasing excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients into the blood
stream to be absorbed by the body.
Why the 500 calorie diet?
HCG
causes your hypothalamus to mobilize fat out of the fat storage
locations so that it is available for use. Although you are only
consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the
fat stored in your body. In other words, your body is actually operating
on thousands of calories a day.
Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating only 500 calories without the hCG?
You
will lose weight by consuming fewer calories; however, because the body
stores fat in times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle
and bone before adipose fat. In the long run, your metabolism slows, it
is much easier to gain the weight back, as well as decreases bone
density and muscle mass. By using HCG with the low calorie diet, extra
fat is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated; the low calorie
diet is vital in prevention of refilling emptied fat cells.
What are the side effects of the hCG diet?
There
are rarely any side effects reported while on the diet. When using HCG
for weight loss purposes occasional headaches, restlessness or
irritability, water weight gain, depression, and breast tenderness are
the only side effects reported, which has been minimal. When HCG is used
for fertility reasons, there have been reports of occasional headaches
and pregnancy symptoms. Some women who have used HCG have developed
ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. HCG may also increase your likelihood
of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) However, the
amount of HCG used for weight loss is minimal compared to the amount
used for fertility purposes.
What is the hypothalamus gland?
The hypothalamus gland regulates the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage, and your metabolic rate.
Will I gain the weight back?
You
will find that your appetite has changed and your eating behavior will
be changed. This is the perfect opportunity to change to healthier
eating habits. A minimal amount of exercise should suffice for
maintaining your new healthy body. (Yoga, 15 minutes of cardio, whatever
gets your heart rate up.) Your metabolism will be different and you
will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need of overeating.
