
The HCG diet plan is an extreme weight loss plan that combines injections of the HCG hormone with a very low-calorie diet. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. The diet is divided into three phases and is intended to help people lose dramatic amounts of weight in three to six weeks. However, critics of the diet claim that the weight loss is due to the caloric restrictions and not the HCG hormone.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of diet | Extreme, short-term weight loss program |
Diet structure | Three phases with specific calorie targets |
Calorie intake | Very low-calorie diet, previously defined as 500 calories per day |
HCG intake | HCG hormone injections or supplements |
Weight loss | Dramatic weight loss, up to a pound daily |
Safety | Not FDA-approved for weight loss, no scientific evidence that it works, associated with side effects and allergic reactions |
What You'll Learn
HCG diet plan phases
The HCG diet plan is divided into three phases: the loading phase, the weight loss phase, and the maintenance phase.
The first phase involves the administration of HCG with a strict diet. The first two days consist of calorie loading and daily HCG injections, followed by a 500-calorie diet starting on day three. The length of this phase varies from 26 to 43 days.
The second phase involves continuing the HCG injections and dropping the diet down to 750 calories per day. The length of this phase depends on how much weight you need to lose, with a minimum of 23 doses of HCG for those losing 15 pounds or fewer, and a maximum of 40 doses for those losing more weight.
The final phase involves maintaining your weight by eating enough calories to prevent further weight loss or gain. Your calorie intake will usually fall between 1500 and 2500 calories per day, and it is recommended to eat clean, unprocessed foods during this time.
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HCG diet plan side effects
The HCG diet plan involves taking a hormone produced in the body during pregnancy and following a very low-calorie diet. HCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss and there is no scientific evidence that it works. In fact, a very calorie-restricted diet can cause side effects such as gallstones, an irregular heartbeat, and low electrolytes.
HCG injections may cause allergic reactions, including rashes, itching, hives, breathing problems, dizziness and swelling of the face, lips or tongue. They can also cause mood changes, facial hair growth, and swelling of the breasts or penis. Nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach are other side effects linked to this hormone.
In rare cases, women taking HCG have developed a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is usually a complication only seen during IVF treatment. While OHSS is usually mild, it can be life-threatening in certain situations. HCG supplementation also raises your risk of developing or throwing a blood clot (venous thromboembolism) — another potentially deadly side effect.
Some studies have linked the use of HCG for weight loss to an increased risk of certain cancers.
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HCG diet plan weight loss
The HCG diet plan is an extreme weight loss programme that combines human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections with a very low-calorie diet. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
The diet is divided into three phases and is intended to help people lose dramatic amounts of weight in three to six weeks. The number of calories or units of hormonal injections does not vary from person to person.
The HCG diet is controversial. HCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and there is no scientific evidence that it works. A very calorie-restricted diet can cause side effects such as 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.
In the US, HCG injections and supplements may only be legally prescribed to treat female infertility. The FDA has banned all over-the-counter HCG products, so any HCG product sold as a weight-loss aid is illegal.
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HCG diet plan rules
The HCG diet plan combines manufactured HCG supplements or injections of the HCG hormone with an extreme reduction in calories. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, which is the hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta.
The diet is divided into three phases, with specific calorie targets for each phase. The number of calories or units of hormonal injections does not vary from person to person. The diet is a short-term program intended to help people lose dramatic amounts of weight in three to six weeks.
The HCG diet is controversial because it involves a very low-calorie diet, which can cause side effects such as gallstones, an irregular heartbeat, and low electrolytes. There is also no scientific evidence that the HCG hormone injections influence weight loss. In fact, the FDA has banned all over-the-counter HCG products and any HCG product sold as a weight-loss aid is illegal.
If you are considering the HCG diet plan, it is important to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.
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HCG diet plan safety
The HCG diet plan is not recognised by health experts as safe. The FDA has questioned the safety of the HCG diet and OTC HCG products, which are unregulated and contain unknown ingredients.
HCG supplements are unsafe and illegal. The HCG diet involves taking a hormone made in the body during pregnancy and following a very low-calorie diet. HCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and there is no scientific evidence that it works.
A very calorie-restricted diet can cause side effects such as gallstones, an irregular heartbeat, and low electrolytes. HCG injections may cause allergic reactions, mood changes, facial hair growth, and swelling of the breasts or penis. Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach are other side effects linked to this hormone.
In one 2014 case study, a 64-year-old woman was on the HCG diet when blood clots developed in her leg and lungs. It was determined that the diet likely caused the clots and other side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
The HCG diet plan combines manufactured HCG supplements or injections of the HCG hormone with an extreme reduction in calories. The HCG hormone is produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
The HCG diet plan is intended to help people lose dramatic amounts of weight in three to six weeks. However, critics of the diet claim that the weight loss is due to the extreme calorie restriction and not the HCG hormone.
The HCG diet is controversial and has been criticised for its extreme calorie restriction, which can cause side effects such as 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.