hCG diet - a very low-fat and low-calorie diet - has been the talk of the town lately. Thus, we've listed everything you need to know about what and how the hCG works, including its advantages and disadvantages.
hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone women produce only when they are pregnant and has also been used to treat fertility issues in both men and women. It was first linked to weight control in the 1950s.
According to its promoters, as cited by Sunshine Coast Daily, taking or injecting hCG can reduce feelings of hunger and appetite. It also supports weight loss by redistributing fat deposits from the hips, thighs, stomach, and buttocks.
"When we're not pregnant and we take this [hCG] hormone, it can release its fat stores while protecting your muscle mass," nurse practitioner Taylor Johnson said. "There's healthy fat that your body needs to keep your body going. What we're looking at is the bad fat, the stored fat that you don't really need."
Individuals who follow the hCG diet limit their calorie intake to around 500 a day for three to six weeks, while taking hCG shots, oral drops or sprays every day. During the weight loss phase, dieters are only allowed to eat two meals per day - lunch and dinner - and each meal should contain one portion of lean protein, a vegetable, a fruit, and a serving of bread such as a single breadstick.
Those following the diet can also drink unlimited amounts of water, tea, and coffee. However, they must avoid butter, dried and pickled fish, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts, oils, potatoes, and sugar. After three to six weeks of hard work, it is claimed that dieters usually shed as much as seven kilos.
However, there is no evidence to support taking hCG to promote weight loss, but using the hormone may cause side effects. The reported side effects of hCG include depression, fatigue or lack of energy, irritability, restlessness, enlarged breasts in males (also known as gynecomastia), buildup of fluid in body tissues (known as edema), and blood clots or thromboembolism.
In one case, a 64-year-old Caucasian woman was on hCG diet when blood clots developed in her leg and lungs. After a series of examination and tests, it was determined that the clots were likely caused by hCG injections.
Due to this, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises individuals to avoid using hCG supplements for weight loss.
