Frequently Asked Questions about hCG:
What is hCG and how does it work?
hCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to metabolize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus. This acts as a “fail-safe” mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of hCG to capitalize on this same mechanism to burn off excess stored fat (thus sparing muscle and bone).
How does hCG work for weight-loss?
hCG triggers the body to provide a constant flow of “food” metabolized from your stored fat that your body is breaking down and using for energy. That means burning 3500 to 4000 calories of stored fat and losing 1 to 2 pounds a day.
Notes from Dr. Simeons’ Manuscript: hCG and Weight Loss
The usage of hCG is as an adjunct to the British endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeon’s ultra-low-calorie weight loss diet. Dr. Simeons, while studying pregnant women in India on a calorie-deficient diet and “fat” boys with pituitary problems treated with low-dose hCG, discovered that both pregnant woman and overweight or “fat” boys lost fat rather than lean (muscle) tissue. Dr. Simeon correctly postulated that hCG must be programming the hypothalamus to do this in the former case (pregnant women) in order to protect the developing fetus by promoting mobilization and consumption of abnormal, excessive adipose deposits. Simeons, practicing at Salvator Mundi International Hospital in Rome, Italy, a medical clinic mainly for celebrities, recommended a Protocol of low-dose daily hCG injections (125 units) in combination with a customized ultra-low-calorie (500 cal/day, high-protein, low-carbohydrate/fat) diet to promote the loss of adipose tissue without loss of lean (muscle) tissue.
Subsequent research did find that when patients were given small daily doses of hCG they could comfortably go about their usual occupations on a diet of only 500 calories daily and lose an average of about one pound per day. It was also perfectly evident that only the third type of fat, the abnormal fat, was being consumed. There has been no evidence that the hCG Protocol depletes normal fat stores. Furthermore, patients using hCG reported that their skin remained fresh and taut and gradually their figures became entirely normal. In addition, there have been no reported side effects from the daily administration of hCG.
How long has hCG been used for weight-loss?
In the 1950’s, Dr. A.T.W. Simeons began using small doses of hCG in obese patients to decrease appetite and observed weight loss and decreased inches around hips, thighs, buttocks and stomach. It has continued to gain popularity as a successful, natural approach to weight loss.
Is hCG a “sex hormone”?
It cannot be sufficiently emphasized that hCG is not sex hormone. Its’ action is identical in men, women, children and in those cases in which the sex-glands no longer function owing to old age or their surgical removal. The only sexual change it can bring about after puberty is an improvement of a pre-existing deficiency, but never stimulation beyond the normal. hCG is an underappreciated hormone that in men enhances testosterone production, which is important for longevity and well-being. In women hCG is invaluable in promoting appetite cessation, inducing mood elevation and burning fat.
hCG is not a true hormone like we think of sex hormones and thus, will not affect the menstrual cycle and can be used by men and women alike with the same effects. The therapeutic dose for weight loss will not make any pregnancy test turn positive nor will it show up in a blood test. If your blood test becomes positive for hCG, you are indeed pregnant. Even though it is not a true sex hormone, some patients report that their menopausal symptoms improved with the hCG program. The mechanism for this is not known. You will also note some interesting effects with hCG: the re-distribution of normal fat and body contouring. You will have soft facial features with only abnormal fat loss there and your body will be shapelier than before treatment. We have seen normal fat added to breast while abnormal fat has been removed from the thighs. We do not promise women their breasts will be bigger, but taking good before and after photos will document the effects of the hCG program much better than the scale.
Is hCG safe?
The extremely small amount of hCG used for weight loss has is very safe with minimal, if any, side effects. Using hCG for weight loss does not mimic pregnancy. In fact, it can be safely used by both men and women. Women have very high levels of HCG during pregnancy with no adverse affects.
hCG is extremely safe. Women experience extremely high levels (anywhere from 100x to 1000x the amount prescribed in this program) during the nine months of pregnancy and have multiple pregnancies without ill effects. The small amount used for weight loss and sarcopenia has NO reported side effects.
Are there any contraindications to using hCG for weight-loss?
Yes. Lupus, Untreated Thyroid Disorder, Uncontrolled Diabetes, Taking any Blood Thinners (Digoxin, Coumadin, Plavix, etc.) Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are there side effects from using hCG?
Slight headaches are rarely reported, a mild side effect from using hCG. Some notice that they sleep less but remark that when to do sleep it is a profound, deep sleep and provides adequate rest.
Is hCG safe for men?
The hCG is actually already found in men. It is found in every human tissue, including males and non-pregnant women as well as pregnant women. In fact, men get even faster results with the hCG diet and tend to lose more weight than women.
If hCG works so well for weight loss, why don’t pregnant women lose weight?
HCG works to mobilize fat for utilization by the body only when there is a significant decrease in available calories and fat. For weight loss, a very low calorie diet of all the right foods is used to trigger hCG to help rid the body of excess stored fat.
One theory on hCG for weight-loss: Human genetics have not changed for over a million years. From the Paleolithic period to the advent of organized agriculture, food was not abundant as it is in our modern way of life with grocery stores and restaurants readily available. The human body, with those ancient genetics, was designed to store food energy as fat, and it did so readily, to protect the body from times of starvation or simply when food was not easy to find. However, when the woman became pregnant and her hCG naturally increased and her body’s priority for energy would more readily focus on the exclusive utilization of fat rather than other important protein-based tissues like her muscle or the precious developing baby. Muscle is often consumed or “wasted” on a pure calorie-restrictive or starvation diet. However, hCG spares muscle and preferentially burns fat. After all, Paleolithic man had to walk fourteen to forty miles per day in search of food. Moms needed their muscle to move while protecting the pregnancy.
What is the function of hCG in pregnancy?
hCG is the biggest glycoprotein substance (we do not like to call it hormone, see below) present in human beings. The hCG molecule contains over 300 amino acids and despite the fact that some of its functions have been well described, many of them are also poorly understood. One of the functions is to protect the embryo from being rejected. Genetically, 50% of the embryo belongs to the father and since those genes act like a foreign body to the mother, the hosting organism could possibly reject the embryo. In fact, when an abortion menace is present, blood levels of hCG abruptly decrease.
During pregnancy the placenta takes the control of nearly all the mother’s metabolic functions, and in a certain sense acts like the hypophysis gland. hCG is one of the substances that regulates metabolism during pregnancy.
What happens if I cheat on the hCG program?
If you cheat while using the hCG protocol you may actually gain weight and gain it rapidly. Think again of ancient man traveling long distances to find food. Once a food source was discovered, pregnant women’s bodies would store the energy as fat and they did so very efficiently. This prepared them for the next time of food scarcity. If you cheat on the hCG program, even a little, you will slow your weight-loss and, even worse, you may actually gain weight. Obey the protocol precisely and you will succeed marvelously. It’s a short period of time where you apply discipline and retraining on proper meals and portion control that ends with a life-changing result.
Will my metabolism slow down if I am on a very low calorie diet?
Normally when a person goes on a very low calorie diet, our body’s metabolism will slow down, store more fat and catabolize (break down) muscle and bone for energy. During a traditional very low calorie diet, the stored fat will be the last thing that will get used for energy. This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. However, when a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with the hCG, the hormone signals the body to use stored fat for energy, thus eliminating the excess fat reserves (what everyone wants to get rid of) and sparing the muscle and bone. This is a natural process designed to protect a pregnant woman’s developing baby, so no ill effects on your metabolism will result. The hCG keeps the body from going into starvation mode which causes muscle wasting as it resets your metabolism.
Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a low calorie diet without hCG?
You can lose weight simply by eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metabolism to slow down. So in the long run, it would make gaining weight easier, as well as decrease bone density and muscle mass. By using hCG with the low calorie diet, extra fat is mobilized for energy. You benefit by preferentially getting rid of excess fat without affecting your bone and muscle. With hCG you can lose the weight safely and quickly (up to a pound a day) and keep it off!
How much water should I drink each day?
Minimum: Your weight in pounds X.40 = # of ounces of water daily
Maximum: Your weight in pounds X.50 = # of ounces of water daily
So, a person weighing 200 lbs. should drink 80-100 ounces of water in small amounts throughout the day. (1 ounce = 30 ml, 100 ounces = 3000 ml or 3 liters)
*The daily intake of the recommended amount of water is critically important to the success of the hCG program. Water is needed for the metabolic reactions taking place that burn stored fat and is crucial to rid the body of toxins. The human body is a bioaccumulator of toxins from plastics, heavy metals, chemicals, and much more. “Nature’s solution to pollution is dilution.” This means that the toxins are stored in the fat and since the hCG program will burn fat rapidly, you will release toxins into your bloodstream. Water intake along with the special blend of supplements is the only way to safely rid your body of these dangerous toxins. If the toxins are not cleared of the body the rate of fat loss is reduced due to toxic overload.
Will I feel hungry while using hCG?
Because hCG is mobilizing your own stored fat, your body will be constantly be fed by reserve energy source. Most people report a feeling of being satisfied while using hCG even though their actual food intake is only 500 calories. Additionally our HCG formula has herbal appetite suppressants to reduce hunger. Some people note extreme cravings for carbohydrates and/or sugary sweets. This is a sign of a long-standing imbalance of neurotransmitters that is often artificially supported by the intake of chocolate, starches, and sweets. One of the breakthrough supplements, AppeCurb, includes amino acids to rebuild these depleted neurotransmitters and stop the dangerous cravings. Most people work very hard and lead busy lives. Add to that the fact that very few of us actually get adequate sleep and you have the reasons for our brains to lack important neurochemicals or neurotransmitters. But, our brains cry out for “something”, even if it’s an artificial “fix”. These cries are often the cravings for high-calorie foods that are starchy or sweet or both. Think doughnuts! These cravings are similar to withdrawal from any substance we’ve become dependent on for one reason or another. But, AppeCurb rebuilds these depleted neurotransmitters naturally.
How can I only survive on 500 calories a day?
Although you are only eating 500 calories per day, hCG mobilizes your stored body fat, making it available to your body as energy. hCG can release 3,500-4,000 calories per day, giving your body plenty upon which to subsist.
What if my appetite is so suppressed that I don’t want to eat at all? Won’t I lose weight faster?
Do not skip the HCG program meals. Your body needs nutrients and the small amount of daily protein to ensure optimal results, losing fat safely while preserving muscle. The protein is needed to maintain muscle tissue and provide amino acids that are important for many metabolic functions, including the activation of the fat-burning furnace that is helping your body burn stored energy. The vegetables on the meal plan along with Power Food, water, and detox formula help to get rid of toxins being released from the stored fat. Be sure to consume the recommended 500 calories per day with meals compliant with the hCG program.
How much weight can I lose per day?
It depends on many factors including how much excess fat you have and how much weight needs to be lost. One-half to one pound of fat per day is the expected range. Typically, women lose between ½ and ¾ of a pound of fat per day and men lose between ¾ and 1 pound of fat per day. Please note that you may not notice a weight drop every single morning when you weigh yourself on the scale. Weight can fluctuate by one to three pounds daily just based on water intake, your body’s level of hydration and fluid retention. In addition, toxic overload from chemicals released into the bloodstream from stored fat may also slow weight loss unless you are using the hCG program’s recommended supplements for detox and drinking plenty of water. It is also important to monitor bowel function. You should have one bowel movement per day. If you become constipated or have a day without a bowel movement, you may want to add some magnesium to your supplement regimen while on the hCG program. We recommend a dose of 200mg to 300mg of magnesium daily to restore bowel function. It is important to be sure that you ingest the vegetables recommended on the hCG meal plan, especially leafy vegetables, to provide the fiber needed for the digestive system to function properly. On average, our patients lose around 20 lbs. per month. Many times 10 to 12 lbs are lost in the first week.
What if I don’t lose as much weight as I would like?
After the first 40-day round of HCG program, you will begin a 21-Day Metabolic Reset Period. At the completion of the Reset Period, you can start another round of the hCG program.
Does the weight loss slow down after the first month?
Often times what we see is a large weight loss in the first month, then a plateau. This does not mean weight loss has stopped. Usually we still see inches being lost continuously and then another large drop on the scale. Weight loss is achieved in stair-step fashion.
How do I keep my goal weight once I stop the hCG program?
Don’t think of HCG program as just a diet. This program helps reset your caloric needs, your metabolism and your fat regulation system. However, it is important to continue to be aware of the foods you take into your body and your caloric intake, especially during the 21-Day Metabolic Reset Period. Eating natural, organic foods and avoiding refined flours and sugars will provide the nutrients and energy required to keep a healthy weight. Our nutritionists recommend researching meal plans and nutritional guidelines that are consistent with Paleolithic eating. This is the best way to maintain your results and improve your overall health. Paleolithic eating is not a diet but a way to reprogram yourself to healthy eating. Most Paleo programs recommend the avoidance of grains, sugar, and dairy products. Though Paleo programs are healthy, many consider them to be too strict. Researching low-glycemic diets the The Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears or The Glycemic Load Diet will help you develop new habits that will maintain your weight loss and improve your general health.
Can I exercise during the hCG program?
Light exercise, a leisurely walk or moderate stretching, is allowable. However, strenuous exercise is discouraged because during the hCG program there are large amounts of fat in the blood stream that require energy to metabolize. Strenuous exercise may inhibit the digestive and metabolic processes required completely rid yourself of the stored fat, slowing or even stopping your weight loss. Developing an exercise routine is important but focus on the rules of the hCG program and wait to start working out when complete. What many people notice is the tremendous rate at which their bodies improve on an exercise regime once completing the hCG program.
Can I use the hCG program while using birth control?
hCG has not been shown to interfere with birth control.
Should women start taking hCG during their menstrual cycle?
The best time for women to start the hCG weight loss program is immediately after their period or menstrual cycle. If this is not the case, the injections of hCG should be stopped at the onset of a menstrual cycle. The reason this is necessary is to compensate for the endogenous hCG which the body creates during menses. Adding exogenous sources of hCG at this time will cause immunity to the fat mobilizing effect of the hCG and diminish weight loss. Immediately following the end of the menstrual cycle, the hCG injections may be restarted.
Can hCG be used while breast feeding?
It is best to ask your healthcare provider though it is known that hCG is naturally produced by women during pregnancy and menstruation. If you do not have access to a healthcare provider to provide this advice, our recommendation is to avoid starting the HCG program while breast feeding.
Can vegetarians use hCG for weight loss?
Yes, vegetarians can use hCG for weight loss following the Vegetarian protocol for their 500 calories. Slim Meal Whey or Slim Meal Vegan can be used as protein sources.
Are there any other dietary considerations I should make?
All dairy foods are to be avoided. Some people choose to eat gluten-free foods while on the hCG proqram. Our nutritionists highly recommend that you avoid gluten and dairy while on the hCG program. These foods may inhibit weight-loss for many since they can increase the body’s antigenic or food allergen burden. Many people who use this period of gluten and dairy washout notice improved mental clarity and reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma if these conditions are related to food allergies to gluten, dairy, or casein (the protein in cow’s milk). Paleolithic eating, our nutritionists’ recommended plan following the hCG program, naturally avoids gluten and dairy. Several excellent books are available on gluten-free living including The Gluten Connection and Gluten-Free for Dummies.
Will I get hungry on the very low calorie hCG diet?
It is common to feel mild hunger during the first few days. This will pass and by the second week you will find your servings to be satisfying. Because hCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. Overall, most people have plenty of energy and feel good while on the program.
Will hCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking? What about birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections?
hCG, homeopathic or pharmaceutical, does not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera.
Will I experience any changes in my menstrual cycle taking hCG?
Because the amount of HCG is so small, there are no changes to your menstrual cycle. Likewise, hCG will not affect your ability to become pregnant, nor will it increase your chances of getting pregnant. It is best to avoid starting the hCG program if you are within 5-6 days of your menstrual period. Wait until after your menstrual period is complete to start hCG.
What about pregnancy and taking hCG?
If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the hCG program stop the program and consult your physician.
Why are some people calling hCG the “Weight Loss Cure”?
hCG is also being called the “Weight Loss Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, it reprograms your body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. It helps you maintain your weight and not regain the pounds you lost. The advantage of the hCG program is that you have a comprehensive means to address cravings, long-standing food addictions, and give yourself a complete metabolic reset and retraining on proper eating habits and good nutrition.
hCG is also being called the “hCG-Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, it works to re-program your body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for some period of time. Or, put another way, it helps you maintain and not re-gain the weight you have lost.
What conditions can be improved with hCG diet?
In additional to losing weight, many conditions can be improved by completing the hCG program. You will notice an improvement in sleep, skin, and mood. You will have a stabilization of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. You will have fewer arthritis symptoms, an improvement of psoriasis, asthma, peptic ulcers and hair loss. Patients feel in a good mood throughout the treatment period. They do not report irritability or weakness. They generally look and feel fine. Patients also notice a decrease in the size of their body circumferences, typically described as “Clothes fit fine, better than any other regular diet”. A very important remodeling of body contour is observed due to the fact that hCG+diet decrease body fat better than any other obesity treatment.
The hCG Diet and Alcohol
Recent studies have found that people who are under extreme amounts of stress or pressure may benefit from an alcohol drink at the end of the day, to help the body and mind unwind and relax. Even though the original hCG diet protocol does not account for alcohol, some people whom have been drinkers, even those that are bordering on alcoholism, do surprisingly well on the hCG diet. Alcohol intake is not permitted during the hCG program. If instructions are followed correctly, the hCG program will get them out of their drinking routine. AppeCurb, a core component of the hCG kit, is designed to help will not only food addictions, but alcohol and nicotine addictions as well. People on the hCG program have even said that they do not feel the need to drink while on the hCG diet and Crave Arrest supplement. This may be due to the absence of the alcohol cravings (because our homeopathic hCG works with the hypothalamus gland which controls the emotional eating/drinking part of the brain, along with other aspects) and the restoration of depleted neurotransmitters by using the AppeCurb supplement.