Questions and answers about the HCG Diet Plan 

What is hCG and how does it work?

hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and has been called "a hormone" for a number of years, however hCG is actually consists of 244 amino acids and works as a precursor when administered in specific doses to increase the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. In 1926, it was discovered that it is made in the placenta of a pregnant woman and can be extracted from her urine. This is the main reason it has been called "the pregnancy hormone", however as mentioned before, it is not really an actual hormone. During pregnancy the levels generally double every two days and is responsible for mobilizing fat used as energy for both mother and fetus. This acts as a “fail-safe” mechanism when energy is needed immediately. hCG has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions since the original diet and weight loss research was conducted and reported by ATW Simeons, MD in 1954. He used hCG for weight loss and reduction of abnormal fat. In this type of weight loss plan, better known as The HCG Diet, a very small amount of hCG is used via prescription injections (or other prescription methods) or via hCG homeopathic formulas to help capitalize on this same process. Using hCG in this way, along with a specific low fat, low calorie food plan, it seems to help the body utilize the stored, abnormal fat for energy and rapidly reduce this abnormal fat. In our experience with the HCG Diet since 2007, we personally have seen that is extremely effective for both men and women. To date, there is no scientific proof of exactly how hCG works with a low fat diet, however many have experienced better weight loss with the Simeons HCG diet plan than with a diet alone.

Is hCG Safe?

hCG is extremely safe. Pregnant women experience very high levels during the nine months of pregnancy with no adverse effects. The small amount used in the HCG Diet for does not have the same results that using higher amounts do in fertility plans.

If hCG works so well for weight loss, why don’t pregnant women lose weight?

While there is absolutely no scientific evidence, millions of people are believed to have successfully done Dr. Simeons' hCG Diet by now.  The theory is that hCG works to mobilize fat for utilization by the body and seems to work only when there is a significant decrease in calories and fat. The restriction of food seems to allow the body to utilize the stored fat that is normally only used when someone is in a starvation mode. Doctors tell us that a pregnant woman's body will naturally take care of her and her baby for optimal health.

Does metabolism slow down on a very low calorie diet?

Normally when dieters reduce calories and fat, it seems like the body begins to store fat and metabolism slows down. Not only that, but every time a dieter loses weight through very low calorie consumption and gains back any weight, the gained weight increases abnormal fat in some people. Abnormal stored fat is nature's way to counteract  a'starvation' mode it thought the body was in and needs to further prepare to store fat for another famine 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, it appears to signal the body to use stored fat for energy, and tap into these excess fat reserves. It’s seems to be a a natural process and many HCG Dieters report no ill effects on their metabolism.

The hCG Diet is very low calorie, are people hungry?

Let's hope people get hungry. People might want to be leery of a 'diet' claiming there is no hunger. People are supposed to be hungry when it's time to eat  In the particular sense of "are people hungry on the HCG Diet", some people who have dieted usually are hungry so they are often times afraid they will be 'starving' on yet another diet.  However, the opposite seems to happen when doing the low fat, low calorie diet along with  hCG.  Many HCG Dieters claim they aren't 'hungry' like they were on all other diets WITHOUT hCG.  What Simeons thought happened is that hCG helps mobilize fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, which naturally reduces appetite. Doctors know hCG works on the hypothalamus, which also is responsible for hunger.  So even though an HCG Dieter is eating fewer fat and fewer calories, the hCG seems to help them access the energy stored in fat cells. After about 2 to 3 days, many HCG Dieters say they notice a decrease in their appetite. Overall, most people report they have plenty of energy and feel great. Remember, it's OK for people to be hungry - that means it's time to eat.

Wouldn’t someone lose the same amount of weight eating a very low calorie diet without the hCG?

Most people can lose weight by reducing calories and fat, but over time, it is ususally at the expense of some muscle and bone. Simeons discovered his HCG diet helped reduce abnormal fat without affecting as much bone and muscle loss compared to the same diet without hCG. Dr Daniel Belluscio, an Argentinan Plastic Surgeon, mentored with Dr. Simeons. He has spent years of extensive clinical research with the HCG Diet and teaches his findings. Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Belluscio.