The HCG Diet

Losing weight is far from easy, especially for some individuals who can't seem to shed the excess weight no matter what they do. These persons probably have tried everything, from buying every exercise machine available in the market to getting their hands on weight loss supplements, to no avail. For these individuals, the HCG diet may be the solution that they're looking for.

What is the HCG diet plan?

In order to understand what the HCG diet is, it's important to understand what HCG actually is in the first place. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a type of hormone that is naturally produced by women during pregnancy to help nourish the fetus in the womb. While HCG is primarily used to help treat fertility issues, studies have shown that the hormone can also be used to aid in weight loss.

Interestingly enough, the use of HCG in weight loss programs isn't a new discovery. In 1954, Dr. ATW Simeons, a British doctor, realized as he was working in third-world countries that pregnant women who received little or no nourishment were still able to give birth to healthy babies. Prior to working in these areas, he was involved in studies regarding obesity, and he came to the conclusion that obesity was actually an inherent disorder, such that those people who are predisposed to the condition will store fat in their systems regardless of what they ate. Connecting these two concepts together, he eventually discovered how HCG can play a role in helping people lose weight.

What the hormone essentially does is that it signals to the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls hunger) to burn the excess fat in the body. Eventually, researchers were able to extract HCG to create weight loss supplements. Tests have since shown that these supplements were as effective for men as they were for women.

Initially, HCG was administered to people intravenously. However, following complaints about the possible dangers of introducing the hormone directly into the bloodstream, HCG manufacturers were able to develop a sublingual form of the supplement that essentially produces the same effects as the injection form of HCG supplements.

The administration of HCG is only one part of the weight loss program. Individuals who are also following the program will also need to cut their calorie intake to between 500 and 800 calories per day in order to experience the full effects of this supplement. Because of the strict dietary requirement and the need for proper administration of the hormone, a lot of people who are following the HCG diet do so under the direct supervision of their physicians. Sweets, fatty food, and dairy products will need to be cut off while following the HCG diet, while consumption of lean meats, vegetables and fish (as long as the amount of food fit the 500-calorie per day dietary requirement) is highly encouraged. Alcohol and smoking are also prohibited while following the system.

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the HCG diet program. Interestingly enough, the naysayers are primarily made of those who haven't actually tried out the system, while those who are promoting it are those who have actually experienced the positive effects of the HCG program.

Benefits of following the HCG diet

There are several benefits you can get if you follow the HCG diet. According to those who have tried the system themselves, these benefits include:

• Quick weight loss. Strict adherence to the HCG diet plan can lead to a weight loss of 1 lb daily, allowing you to shed the excess pounds in no time at all. Some users have reported losing as much as 36 lbs in the space of 40 days of following the program. 
• Helping reshape the body. The HCG diet doesn't just help you lose the excess fat in your system, it will also reshape your body so that you can look the way you've always wanted. 
• Permanent weight loss. Unlike other weight loss programs that only have a temporary effect, making you gain weight almost immediately after you stop following the diet plan, the HCG diet has lasting effects. As long as you follow a good diet and exercise regularly, the pounds you've shed via the HCG diet will stay off. 
• Helps control cravings. Not only does the HCG diet allow you to shed your excess weight, it will also ensure that you don't gain it back, as the program helps you control any cravings so you don't end up overindulging in food. 
• Helps promote self-discipline. Because of the strict 500-calorie diet plan of the HCG diet, you will be trained to watch the kinds of food that you eat, a kind of system that you can carry over even after stopping the HCG diet. 
• No regimented exercise. The HCG diet is perfect for those who are having trouble following a regimented exercise program, since all they will need to do to is to get their daily dose of HCG and follow the diet plan in order to lose weight. 

How safe is the HCG diet?

Admittedly, it's possible for a person to experience side effects while following the HCG diet, but these adverse reactions eventually disappear within a week of following the system. Some of these side effects can include headaches, fatigue, excessive urination, and irritability. Hunger pangs may also be felt within the first week of following the program, but this will eventually disappear about a week or so once your body adjusts to your new eating habits.

If you want to be sure that you won't experience any side effects while following the HCG diet, be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure that the system is safe for you. It is also advisable for you to work closely with your physician while you're following the diet plan to ensure that you have immediate medical help in case you experience any problems.

If you're planning to purchase the HCG drops over the Internet, be sure that you're getting the product from a legitimate store. There are all sorts of fake products being sold online, so be sure to get the HCG supplements from a reputable store.