About the HCG Diet

With so many popular diets and trends out there, it is hard to discern the fact from the fiction. One of the trendiest diets on the rise is the HCG diet, a diet that combines either injections or supplements of the HCG hormone with a very calorie-restrictive diet. What exactly is the HCG diet? This following information provides more information about the HCG diet.

What is HCG?

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a type of hormone that is naturally produced by a woman's body during pregnancy. Used mainly to treat fertility issues, this hormone is touted by dieters to aid in losing significant amounts of weight when used in conjunction with a restricted-calorie diet.

What is the diet?

On the HCG diet, dieters take approximately 3 drops of HCG hormone a day. Cloric intake is very restricted and should usually stay around 500 calories. This is achieved with a combination of protein, fruits and vegetables. Light exercise is okay, but it should not consist of more than a brisk walk to prevent fatigue. The diet is short term and is usually done for periods of 26 to 40 days, depending on what specific version of the diet is follow. Results are often seen quickly, and people have reported losing 1-2 pounds a day using the HCG method.

Is it safe and effective?

There are currently no conclusive results from the Food and Drug Adminstration on whether the HCG diet is effective. It is not recommended by the FDA due to the severe caloric restriction, and many scientists have said that the weight loss on this diet is due to the caloric restriction and not the hormone. No matter what, before starting any weight loss diet it is best to consult a physician. He or she can tell whether a specific diet, including the HCG diet, is likely to work for a specific individual and if is safe to try.

The HCG diet is one of many extreme weight loss diets that is not necessarily a long-term answer. Because it is relatively new to the weight loss world, HCG has not undergone many studies. Anyone interest in trying this diet should stay cautious and consult a professional before starting.