HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a natural hormone produced by our bodies. In addition to being the pregnancy hormone, it has many functions. HCG allows the body to burn fat as the primary source of energy. In combination with a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) the body uses fat as the primary energy source, causing significant fat loss while conserving muscle. Therefore, the HCG diet is also called as the “pounds and inches diet.”

• Those medications work as appetite suppressants. They can have dangerous side effects including heart palpitations, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Additionally, When used in combination with diet and exercise, these medications can only cause about 10% weight loss. 
• On the other hand, HCG has no side effects. Patients who have gone through our HCG weight loss program lose significant amounts of body fat while conserving muscle. 

• Absolutely! HCG is extremely safe
• HCG is naturally produced in both women and men. 
• HCG helps the uterus maintain a normal pregnancy. During pregnancy, different HCG levels produce in the placenta naturally. The levels range from 7500 mIU/ml to 285,000 mIU/ml without any adverse effects. 
• HCG injections have been used safely for inducing ovulation and for infertility treatments in females for years without major side effects. Additionally, young males receive a testosterone boost with HCG.
• During the HCG diet, patients only take 250 IU to 500 IU per day. Most patients do not report any side effects. However, as with any diet program, we strongly recommend that our patients coordinate with their primary care physician regarding their weight loss goals. Patients should also discuss the appropriate implementation of the HCG protocol. If you experience any side effects including rash, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, please seek medical attention immediately.

During the HCG diet, the body is primed to burn fat as the primary energy source. Fat gets broken down into ketone bodies. These bodies increase the size of blood vessels in the brain. The increased size causes the headaches. Headaches typically go away after the first few days. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day to avoid headaches. This will help flush the ketone bodies and reduce the chances of getting a headache. If the headache is intolerable, it is OK to take Motrin, aspirin, or Tylenol as long as they sugar-coated. 

HCG is a natural hormone produced by every tissue in the human body. It does not interfere with ANY medications. However, we recommended stopping Vitamin D3 because it needs consumed with fat. Fat consumption is not allowed during the HCG diet.

The amount of weight loss depends on several factors. One of the main factors includes your initial weight. On average, most women lose about 0.5 to 0.75 pounds a day, and most men will lose about 0.75 to 1 pound a day. The higher your starting weight, the more weight you lose typically. On a 40-day protocol, women tend to lose 15 to 20 pounds and men tend to lose 20 to 30 pounds.

During pregnancy, the placenta naturally produces lots of HCG. Therefore, pregnant females should not take HCG. If you are on the HCG diet and find out you’re pregnant, stop taking HCG and follow up with your doctor.