HCG Diet Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS HCG AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
HCG contains a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically 
to treat a variety of conditions. It is the pregnancy hormone, but during pregnancy the levels double every two days. This hormone allows the body to mobilize 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 only use a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact both men and women can safely use it.
IS HCG SAFE?
HCG is extremely safe. All women experience very high levels during the nine months of pregnancy with no adverse effects. The small amount we use for weight loss has absolutely NO side effects.
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 calories and fat. A starvation state must exist for HCG to work. For weight loss, we use a very low calorie diet to trigger HCG to help rid the body of fat.
WILL MY METABOLISM SLOW DOWN IF I'M ON A VERY LOW CALORIE DIET?
Yes, normally when we cut back our calorie and fat, our bodies store fat and our metabolisms slow down. This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. When a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with the HCG, the hormone Signals the body to use stored fat for energy, and eliminated excess fat reserves. It's a natural process, so no ill effect on your metabolism will result.
WOULDN'T I LOSE THE SAME AMOUNT OF WEIGHT EATING A VERY LOW CALORIE DIET WITHOUT HCG?
You can lose weight simply by eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stored fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metaboHsm to slow down, so in the long run, it would make gaining weight easier, as well as decrease done density and muscle mass. By using HCG with the low calorie diet, extra far is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated; the low calorie diet is vital in preventing immediate refilling of emptied fat cells. You benefit by preferentially getting rid of excess fat without affecting your bone and muscle.
THE HCG DIET IS VERY LOW CALORIE, WILL I GET HUNGRY?
Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even through you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. After about two days, many patients notice a significant decrease in their appetite. 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 does not interact with ANY medication, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera, so there are NO side effects.
WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGES IN MY MENSTRUAL CYCLE WITH HCG?
Because the amount of HCG is so small, there are no changes to your menstrua~ cycle. Likewise, HCG will not affect your abiiity to become pregnant, nor will it increase your chances of getting pregnant.
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 have lost.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE ON THE PROGRAM?
On average, our patients lose around 20 pounds per month. Often people lose 10 to 12 pounds in the first week.
DOES THE WEIGHT LOSS SLOW DOWN AFTER THE FIRST MONTH?
Many times what we see is a large amount of weight loss the first month, then a plateau or leveling off. This does not mean that your weight los5 has stopped. Typically, inches are being lost continuously while on the program, and after a period of time, patients will experience another large drop on the scales. Weight loss is thus achieved in the stair-step fashion.
CAN I EXERCISE WHILE TAKING HCG?
Some light exercise is okay. This is walking or very light toning with light weights (5-1D Ibs). If you exercise too much while taking HCG you will burn too many calories and cause your body to go into starvation mode. If this happens your body will start to burn protein instead of fats. Any weight lost during this state would be at the expense of normal, healthy muscle and bone.