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Sunday, March 8, 2015

Why You Should Avoid Using HCG for Weight Loss

What is HCG?

HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a protein-based hormone that supports the normal development of an egg in a womans ovary, and stimulates the release of the egg during ovulation. HCG is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women, and to increase sperm count in men. HCG is also used in young boys when their testicles have not dropped down into the scrotum normally. This can be caused by a pituitary gland disorder.

HCG for Weight Loss… More recently, HCG has been in the news as a weight loss “aid.” Ads claim it “targets the fat” and “reduces cravings.” However, HCG providers prescribe a 500-calorie diet, too. A very-low-calorie-diet (defined as 800 cal/day or lower) alone would result in significant weight loss. However, there are risks associated with a VLCD, and medical monitoring is suggested as a standard of medical care. The American Society of Bariatric Physicians Position Statement on the use of VLCDs is an informative resource. http://www.asbp.org

Why do people claim they are not hungry?

The decrease in hunger emphasized in HCG ads is likely attributed to the dietary emphasis on higher protein intake and/or carbohydrate restriction resulting in ketosis. These dietary regimens are associated with diminished hunger sensation. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18175736

What about HCG drops?

HCG is sold as drops to be absorbed “under the tongue” or sublingually. There is a “ceiling” with regard to the size of a molecule that can be absorbed orally, and that is approximately 1500 daltons, a measure for molecular weight. HCG’s molecular weight is approximately 30,000 daltons—about six times larger than insulin, which, by the way, has to be injected. Neither insulin nor HCG can be absorbed orally.

What about homeopathic or chiroHCG sold by chiropractors?

Homeopathy is based the belief that disease symptoms can be cured by small doses of substances which produce similar symptoms in healthy people. All HCG drop formulations are inert, or having no pharmacological action, due to high molecular weight. Moreover, it is the specific shape and structure of a molecule on which the hormone’s action depends. In other words, it has to fit like a “key into a lock” or nothing happens. Therefore, it would be impossible to “take a small dose” or “a segment” of a hormone and expect to cause any kind of biological action.

What if I swallow HCG?

Even IF drop formulations actually contained HCG, the protein molecule would pass into the stomach where it would be broken down into small peptides and amino acids by gastric acid—just like your dinner portion of chicken—again, no potential for biological action!

What about HCG injections?

HCG can be given by injection by a licensed physician under “off-label” use. However, doing so is not risk free. This medicine can increase chances of a multiple pregnancy. Some women using this medicine have developed a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment cycle. You should NOT use this medicine if you are at risk for a hormone-related cancer such as tumor of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland.

What is the FDA’s stance on HCG?

Since 1975, the FDA has considered the use of HCG for weight loss to be fraudulent and requires labels for HCG to state: HCG HAS NO KNOWN EFFECT ON FAT MOBILIZATION, APPETITE OR SENSE OF HUNGER, OR BODY FAT DISTRIBUTION. HCG HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE EFFECTIVE ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR “NORMAL” DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTED DIETS.

Has the Federal Trade Commission taken action?

In 1976, the FTC ordered the Simeon Management Corporation, Simeon Weight Clinics Foundation, Bariatrics Management Corporation, C.M. Norcal, Inc., and HCG Weight Clinics Foundation and their officers to stop claiming that their HCG-based programs were safe, effective, and/or approved by the FDA for weight-control. Although the order did not stop the clinics from using HCG, it required that patients who contract for the treatment be informed in writing that:

THESE WEIGHT REDUCTION TREATMENTS INCLUDE THE INJECTION OF HCG, A DRUG WHICH HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR WEIGHT CONTROL. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT HCG INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR "NORMAL" DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTIVE DIETS.

What is the opinion of physicians trained in obesity management?

In 2009, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians issued a position statement which stated:

Numerous clinical trials have shown HCG to be ineffectual in producing weight loss. HCG injections can induce a slight increase in muscle mass in androgen-deficient males. The diet used in the Simeons method provides a lower protein intake than is advisable in view of current knowledge and practice. There are few medical literature reports favorable to the Simeons method; the overwhelming majority of medical reports are critical of it. Physicians employing either the HCG or the diet recommended by Simeons may expose themselves to criticism from other physicians, from insurers, or from government bodies. http://www.asbp.org/resources/uploads/files/HCG%20Position%20Statement.pdf

What have the studies on HCG revealed?

A meta-analysis of eight controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials that measured the effect of HCG in the treatment of obesity shows no benefit to using HCG. It was concluded that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.

Source: http://www.jcmg.org/jcmg.nsf/web/Why-You-Should-Avoid-Using-HCG-for-Weight-Loss

HCG Weight Loss What is the HCG Diet

The hCG diet is a restriction diet based on 500 calories a day, supplemented with either a daily injection of hCG hormone or with oral hCG drops. We look at the facts behind this extreme Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD).

Every once in a while, a new diet sweeps across the world, promising easy and rapid weight loss in return for very little effort. The hCG diet plan for weight loss is such a diet. First seen in the 1950’s, hCG diets had a resurgence in the 70’s and are back again. Popular in the US, and gaining in popularity in the UK, we answer the burning question, “what is the hCG Diet?”

What is HCG?

HCG is an abbreviation of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, and you get the picture almost immediately – it’s a hormone found in the human body. Found in the urine during pregnancy, the hCG hormone is also produced by the pituitary gland as well as certain tumours.

How Does the HCG Hormone Work?

HCG triggers the body to mobilise fat stores to bring energy to the growing baby, and this is where the supposed weight loss claims are founded. HCG is also gonadotropic, meaning that it prompts genital development. As such, hCG is normally used as a fertility treatment.

Read the Pros and Cons of the hCG diet.

Do You Want to Lose Weight Without Turning to Drugs?

By using the tools and resources available from Weight Loss Resources, you’ll learn about portion control and how to change your eating habits for life. We’ll give you the freedom to make you own choices, lose weight and keep it off. Take our free trial and see how you can lose weight and control your own meals without putting manufactured drugs into your body.

How Does the HCG Diet Work?

The idea behind hCG diets in general is that the hormone allows your body to access fat stores more quickly than normal. Instead of losing bone and muscle mass you start losing body fat right away.

When following the hCG diet plan, the theory is that the low calorie intake allows you to start losing weight, while the hCG injections or hCG drops reduce your appetite and make sure you’re burning fat rather than muscle.

Although all of this sounds plausible, there is no scientific proof that hCG supplementation works; in 1995 the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a report which showed no relationship between hCG and weight loss.

What Does the HCG Diet Cost?

There are many hCG diets springing up all over the www as this fad diet continues to gain popularity.

The cost of the hCG diet is significant for those that go to surgeries for their injections and consultations; £1150 for 30 days supply is not uncommon.

For the drops, expect to pay around £49.95 for one bottle, (2 fl oz, 60ml). There will be additional costs for recipe guides, books, and meal plans.

Pros of the HCG Diet

If you are selling the hCG drops, then you will probably make money, that’s the only thing that can be said for it.

The Cons of the HCG Diet

Exercise is not promoted as part of overall health.
Calorie restriction is way below what is deemed safe by the majority of the medical profession without medical supervision.
Side effects of the long term use of hCG are not understood.
Some cancers could not be caught early as hCG injections may mask certain indicators.
Lifestyle changes aren’t stressed.
Falls under the quick fix mentality.
Health concerns as follows:

What Are the Major Health Concerns?

Infection of the injection site
Reduction in the natural levels of the hormone in your body
Fertility problems
Nutritional deficiencies
Bad breath
Kidney/gall stones
Lethargy and exhaustion
Headaches
Acne
Unwanted hair growth
Prostate problems in men
Ovarian hyperstimulation and excessive ovulation in women
Male breast enlargement
Irritability and mood swings
Depression
Dizziness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Blood clots
And weight GAIN!

How Much Weight Could I Lose on the HCG Diet?

The hCG diet claims that you can lose a pound a day. This will be due to the lack of calories rather than any influence of the drug. Read more about HCG and weight loss.

Most independent studies of the hCG diet have shown no difference in weight loss between subjects on a low-calorie diet who received hCG injections, and subjects who received a placebo. One study even showed that both the placebo group and the hCG group reported hunger pangs throughout the treatment.

Many of the internet sites promoting the diet issue dire warnings if you stray from the hCG diet plan. In reality though if you ate just 500 calories a day for 43 days you would lose weight, hCG or no hCG.

Is HCG Legal? Where Can I Get HCG?

In the UK, while it is legal to prescribe hCG for fertility treatment, it is illegal to supply the injectable hormone without a prescription. HCG is not licensed as a weight loss treatment.

There is no regulation for the websites that sell the hCG drops, so they can contain anything (or nothing). The injectable hCG hormone has been added to a list of ‘banned substances’ as it has become popular with bodybuilders at the end of a steroid cycle (taken in conjunction with another drug to stop fat gain caused by hCG).

What is the HCG Diet Promise?

HCG and weight loss diets claim that you could lose 43 lbs in 43 days by following a few simple rules:

500 calories a day
No heavy exercise
Daily hCG dose (non prescription drops or prescription injections)

WLR Verdict

As dangerous diet crazes go, this has got to be one of the worst offenders. Who would want to inject a waste product into themselves?

Weight loss is going to be from the VLCD which is verging on starvation, not the hormone. The only thing guaranteed is a reducing bank balance.

When following a VLCD you should be under the supervision of a medically qualified professional. It is a concern that when following this diet, especially if using the hCG injections, you will not be regularly monitored to address any health issues that may crop up.

Regardless of results, once you stop the hCG diet, you will have to adopt a normal and healthy lifestyle, or the weights just going to return. Supporters of the hCG diet maintain that the purpose of the diet is to break food addictions and abnormal eating behaviors, and that the month or so of treatment allows a person to do so. In this sense, the diet hopes to achieve short-term weight loss with long-term behavioral modification.

How Does Weight Loss Resources Differ from the hCG Diet?

Many diets fail because they are too difficult to live with. Because the hCG Diet restricts certain foods it could leave you feeling deprived - which often leads to rebellion and overeating. Weight Loss Resources is not a diet, but rather a set of tools to enable you to make gradual changes to your eating habits. Having real awareness about the things you eat and drink each day enables you to start losing weight by making relatively small changes that suit your tastes and your lifestyle.

Lose Weight the Healthy Way with Weight Loss Resources

Successful weight loss is all about getting the balance right and adopting a healthy lifestyle. With WLR you don’t go on a diet, you learn about healthy eating with the aid of our tools and resources.

By Laurence Beeken

Source: http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/reviews/what-is-the-hcg-diet.htm