Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is basically a protein-based hormone that a female body produces during pregnancy. What the hormone does is that it supports the normal development of an egg in a woman’s ovary as well as stimulates the egg’s release during the ovulation process. HCG is used to treat fertility issues in females and to increase sperm count in men. The hormone is also used in young boys when their testicles don’t drop down into the scrotum normally.
HCG Diet and Weight Loss
British doctor and author of the book ‘Pounds & Inches’, A.T. Simeons, was the one who came up with idea of HCG diet. The HCG Diet is a type of fad diet which results in extreme weight loss in a short span of time. The diet requires taking either a HCG hormone injection or oral HCG drops as well as imposes a restriction diet based on 500 calories a day for 8 weeks. The HCG hormone when consumed allows body to access fat stores more quickly than normal and thus helps the body to lose a pound a day. However, no evidence has yet been gathered to support this claim. A report published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1995 showed no relationship between HCG and weight loss.
What does HCG Diet Promise?
A person can shed off 40 lbs in 40 days by opting for HCG weight loss diet. There are few rules to be followed while on the fad diet which includes;
- Consuming 500 calories a day
- Daily intake of HCG dose
- No heavy exercise
Why this Diet does not Call for Heavy Exercise?
It is recommended that people on HCG diet should go for moderate or no exercise at all. This is because the body needs carbs as a source of energy to perform high intensity exercises. When a person is on a regular diet, his/her body uses the carbsthey eat to produce energy. But HCG diet is all about low carbs intake. So, the body should not be forced to eat only low calorie food and go through an intense workout program simultaneously.
Side Effects of this Diet
Possible side effects of the HCG diet plan may include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)– Some of the women on the HCG diet develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first cycle of the treatment. OHSS can turn out to be a life-threatening condition. So, it is better to consult a doctor if you face any of the following OHSS symptoms- severe pelvic pain, stomach pain and swelling, swelling of the hands or legs, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, weight gain, diarrhea or less urination.
- Early puberty in young boys-Consuming HCG can result in early puberty in young boys. Consult a doctor if you find any of the following symptoms of early puberty- deepened voice, pubic hair growth, excessive sweating
- Common side effects-Some of the common side effects of HCG include headache, fatigue, irritability, depression, fluid buildup, restlessness and breast tenderness, and swelling.
Author Box:
Tracy Stacy discusses the vitality of dieting and its favorable effects on human health. He concentrates on HCG in particular and the resulting diet which may have a possible connection with weight loss.