The hCG diet as come into popularity several times since its controversial beginnings in the 1950s. Originally, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin was approved by the FDA to treat fertility problems. Then endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons observed that by giving much smaller, daily doses of the hormone to his obese patient, they would lose clumps of fat without losing lean muscle, and could eat much smaller amounts of food without feeling hungry. Dr. Simeons and his diet’s later proponents claimed that dieters cold lose up to 30 pounds a month on an allotment of only 500 calories a day. Is this safe?
According to Dr. Simeons, hCG, which is available in oral drops or injections, allows the metabolism to switch from burning its default macronutrient–carbohydrates–to burning its secondary macronutrient–fat. This is supposed to allow dieters to maintain the energy levels they had prior to starting the diet, although there may be a transitional period during the first few days where they may experience heads, fatigue and irritability. Dieters are prohibited for consuming alcohol, sugar, carbohydrates and dairy. Foods that are encouraged are lean meat and vegetables.
The Placebo Argument
HCG drops are available as “pure hCG” and in homeopathic form (HHCG). The main difference is that pure hCG drops are prescription-only, while HHCG drops have virtually none of the active ingredient, allowing it to be legally sold without a prescription. According to homeopathic theory, any medicine can be diluted to extremely minute portions while retaining it “essence”, or potency. This notion is summarily rejected by conventional medical science. Moreover, the fact that HHCG drops are almost entirely water provokes many critics, to contend that homeopathic hCG is nothing more than a placebo. Debates over homeopathic hCG vs real hCG continue, even by among the diet’s proponents.
HCG Side Effects
While some hCG diet dangers are attributable to the low amount of food being consumed, there are side effects to the hormone itself. The natural function of hCG in pregnant women is to form blood clots around the placenta to reinforce the uterus. HCG can potentially form blood clots wherever it circulates. Even a male hCG dieter once reported a pulmonary embolism, which a blood clot on the lung.
There are further dangers for women. HCG has been clearly linked with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS. The symptoms of OHSS include abdominal swelling, respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting. HCG has been also found to cause temporary hair thinning, hand swelling, breast tenderness and headaches in men and women.
Weight Loss Clinics: The Recommended Approach
Anyone considering the hCG diet should absolutely consult a doctor, which will be necessary for a prescription anyway for pure hCG. Homeopathic hCG is considered riskier, since it arguable contains no appetite suppressant but still requires maintaining a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). The best option, albeit the most expensive, it to enroll in a hCG weight loss clinic, where dieters receive daily hCG injections under a three-week to five-week program, then are required to eat normally for six weeks to avoid becoming inured to hCG effects. Any option that includes medical supervision is the preferred option.
How Safe Are HCG Drops and Injections?
Posted by Theo Williams in Health
The hCG diet as come into popularity several times since its controversial beginnings in the 1950s. Originally, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin was approved by the FDA to treat fertility problems. Then endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons observed that by giving much smaller, daily doses of the hormone to his obese patient, they would lose clumps of fat without losing lean muscle, and could eat much smaller amounts of food without feeling hungry. Dr. Simeons and his diet’s later proponents claimed that dieters cold lose up to 30 pounds a month on an allotment of only 500 calories a day. Is this safe?
According to Dr. Simeons, hCG, which is available in oral drops or injections, allows the metabolism to switch from burning its default macronutrient–carbohydrates–to burning its secondary macronutrient–fat. This is supposed to allow dieters to maintain the energy levels they had prior to starting the diet, although there may be a transitional period during the first few days where they may experience heads, fatigue and irritability. Dieters are prohibited for consuming alcohol, sugar, carbohydrates and dairy. Foods that are encouraged are lean meat and vegetables.
The Placebo Argument
HCG drops are available as “pure hCG” and in homeopathic form (HHCG). The main difference is that pure hCG drops are prescription-only, while HHCG drops have virtually none of the active ingredient, allowing it to be legally sold without a prescription. According to homeopathic theory, any medicine can be diluted to extremely minute portions while retaining it “essence”, or potency. This notion is summarily rejected by conventional medical science. Moreover, the fact that HHCG drops are almost entirely water provokes many critics, to contend that homeopathic hCG is nothing more than a placebo. Debates over homeopathic hCG vs real hCG continue, even by among the diet’s proponents.
HCG Side Effects
While some hCG diet dangers are attributable to the low amount of food being consumed, there are side effects to the hormone itself. The natural function of hCG in pregnant women is to form blood clots around the placenta to reinforce the uterus. HCG can potentially form blood clots wherever it circulates. Even a male hCG dieter once reported a pulmonary embolism, which a blood clot on the lung.
There are further dangers for women. HCG has been clearly linked with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS. The symptoms of OHSS include abdominal swelling, respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting. HCG has been also found to cause temporary hair thinning, hand swelling, breast tenderness and headaches in men and women.
Weight Loss Clinics: The Recommended Approach
Anyone considering the hCG diet should absolutely consult a doctor, which will be necessary for a prescription anyway for pure hCG. Homeopathic hCG is considered riskier, since it arguable contains no appetite suppressant but still requires maintaining a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). The best option, albeit the most expensive, it to enroll in a hCG weight loss clinic, where dieters receive daily hCG injections under a three-week to five-week program, then are required to eat normally for six weeks to avoid becoming inured to hCG effects. Any option that includes medical supervision is the preferred option.