Brenda Khan
The HCG diet, also known as the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin diet, is a weight loss plan that involves taking hormone supplements or injections while consuming a very low-calorie diet of 500 to 800 calories per day. This diet is divided into three phases: the loading phase, the weight loss phase, and the maintenance phase. During the loading phase, individuals consume high-calorie, high-fat foods for two days to rev up their metabolism. In the weight loss phase, the low-calorie diet is continued along with HCG supplements or injections, and this phase typically lasts three to six weeks. The final maintenance phase involves discontinuing HCG and maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise routine to sustain long-term weight loss. While the HCG diet has gained popularity, it is not without controversy and potential health risks. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and health experts warn against its use due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of HCG drops | 6-7 drops under the tongue 6 times per day |
| Calorie intake | 500-800 calories per day |
| Liquid intake | 64 oz. of liquid per day (water, coffee, or tea) |
| Diet duration | 3-6 weeks |
| Maintenance phase | Continue a healthy diet, supplemented with essential fatty acids, while discontinuing the HCG drops |
| Calorie intake during the maintenance phase | 1,200-1,500 calories |
| Foods to avoid | Sugar and starches |
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What You'll Learn
HCG diet drops are not FDA-approved
The HCG diet, also known as the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin diet, involves taking a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy and following a very low-calorie diet. HCG diet drops are typically sold in the form of oral drops, pellets, and sprays, and can be found online, at weight loss clinics, and in some retail stores.
However, it is important to note that HCG diet drops are not approved by the FDA for weight loss. The FDA has issued warnings against using HCG products for weight loss, stating that there is "no substantial evidence" that it is effective. In addition, the prescription drug label notes that there is no evidence that HCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction or that it causes a more attractive distribution of fat.
The HCG diet is considered controversial and unsafe by health experts due to the extreme reduction in calories that it entails. The diet usually restricts intake to 500 to 800 calories per day, which can be dangerous and may lead to side effects such as gallstones, an irregular heartbeat, and low electrolytes. It is also important to note that living on a very low-calorie diet can be uncomfortable and may not meet all your nutritional needs.
Furthermore, there have been reports of serious adverse events associated with the use of HCG injections for weight loss, including cases of pulmonary embolism, depression, cerebrovascular issues, cardiac arrest, and even death. As such, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting any new diet plan, especially if you have an underlying health condition. There are safer and healthier ways to lose weight that do not involve such restrictive diets or unapproved supplements.
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The diet involves a very low-calorie intake
The HCG diet plan involves taking the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This is combined with a very low-calorie diet. An intake of 800 calories per day or fewer is considered a very low-calorie diet. The HCG diet typically recommends eating 500 to 800 calories per day, spread over two meals.
The diet is divided into three phases. The first is the loading phase, which lasts for two days. During this time, there are no restrictions on what or how much you can eat. It is recommended to eat high-calorie, high-fat foods to build up fat that will be burned off during the weight loss phase.
The second phase is the weight loss phase, which typically lasts three to six weeks. During this time, adherents continue taking HCG supplements while consuming a very low-calorie diet of 500 to 800 calories per day. The HCG diet recommends specific foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and protein from animal sources. It also allows for unlimited water, coffee, and tea, with the option to add one tablespoon of milk per day. Sugar substitutes are permitted, but butter and oils are not allowed.
The third phase is the maintenance phase. During this time, individuals stop taking HCG supplements and gradually increase their calorie intake. The goal is to maintain the weight loss achieved and establish a new weight set point. This phase typically involves eating a well-balanced diet and exercising.
It is important to note that the HCG diet is controversial. The HCG hormone supplements are not FDA-approved for weight loss, and there is limited scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Additionally, a very low-calorie diet can be challenging and may cause side effects. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan.
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HCG diet plan phases
The HCG diet is a weight-loss plan involving caloric restrictions and regular injections of the HCG hormone. The diet has four phases, including an optional pre-diet cleanse. During the main phase, dieters consume just 500 calories per day, choosing two meals from a list of specific foods.
Phase Zero: Pre-diet Cleanse
Some variations of the HCG diet begin with a cleanse or detox before the four phases.
Phase One
On the third day of the HCG diet, the second phase begins, and the calorie intake is restricted to 500 per day. Meals are chosen from the Simeons protocol, which includes the following:
- One 100-gram serving of chicken breast, lobster, veal, shrimp, beef, crab, or fresh white fish for lunch and dinner. All visible fat must be removed before cooking.
- One vegetable: asparagus, celery, green salad, spinach, cabbage, chard, red radishes, chicory, beet-greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, fennel, or onions.
- One Melba toast or a single breadstick.
- One apple, half a grapefruit, a handful of strawberries, or an orange. The breadstick or fruit can be eaten as a snack between meals.
Phase Two
The second phase can last from 23 to 40 days, depending on the amount of weight you want to lose. After completing the HCG injections, you must remain on the 500-calorie diet for three more days.
Phase Three
The third phase lasts three to four weeks, during which you will maintain your new weight. While there are recipes for this phase, some patients have said that they want more ideas for meals.
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Potential side effects
The HCG diet is a controversial weight loss plan that involves taking human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) supplements or injections of the hCG hormone, alongside following an extremely low-calorie diet (usually 500 to 800 calories per day). This type of very low-calorie diet can cause several side effects and health risks.
Firstly, the hCG diet is not recognised by health experts as safe and the FDA has warned against its use, stating that very restrictive diets, such as the hCG diet, are dangerous. The FDA has approved hCG as a prescription drug for treating female infertility and other medical conditions, but it is not approved for weight loss. There is also no scientific evidence that the hCG diet is effective for weight loss.
Secondly, a very low-calorie diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as it is challenging to meet all your nutritional needs on 500-800 calories per day. Consuming less than 1200 calories per day makes it difficult to obtain sufficient vitamins and minerals without taking supplements.
Thirdly, the hCG diet may cause specific side effects, including gallstones, an irregular heartbeat, and low electrolytes. HCG injections may also cause allergic reactions, mood changes, facial hair growth, and swelling of the breasts or penis. Nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach are other potential side effects linked to this hormone.
Finally, very low-calorie diets can be dangerous and potentially fatal, even when under strict medical supervision. People on such restrictive diets are at an increased risk for side effects and health complications. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting any new diet plan, especially one as restrictive as the hCG diet.
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How to take the drops
The HCG diet plan is a short-term program that combines manufactured HCG supplements or injections of the HCG hormone with an extreme reduction in calories. It is divided into three phases.
During the brief "loading phase", there are no limitations on what or how much to eat. This phase usually lasts two days.
The "weight loss phase" usually lasts three to six weeks. During this phase, you take HCG drops under your tongue, either six drops six times per day or seven drops three times per day, 15 to 30 minutes before or after consuming food or liquids. The drops should be taken starting at 6 am and ending by 7 pm daily. During this phase, you must follow a very low-calorie diet, usually 500 to 800 calories per day. The diet recommends coffee or tea for breakfast, which can be sweetened with stevia or saccharine. You are allowed one tablespoon of milk per day. Lunch and dinner each consist of 250 calories.
The third phase is the transition phase, during which you continue a healthy diet, supplemented with essential fatty acids, while discontinuing the HCG drops. This phase lasts 21 days, during which you must continue to restrict sugar and starches and consume 1,500 calories.
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