HCG Weight Loss and Diet Treatments

HCG is an acronym that represents Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and it is the key component to a diet that promotes rapid weight loss. HCG is a hormone that occurs naturally during pregnancy and it assists in the development of the placenta by promoting the production of progesterone. Progesterone is another important hormone in pregnancy with many functions to include maintenance of the uterus lining which is crucial to development of the fetus. HCG has one more use outside of pregnancy and that is in the area of weight loss. It is known as the HCG weight loss plan and its supporters proclaim it to be one of the more effective diet treatments on the market.

Dieters on the plan primarily take HCG injections to introduce the hormone into their system. They buy kits with syringes and mixing instructions. In some geographical regions, purchasing HCG injection kits is illegal therefore those who want to participate in the diet must resort to oral methods. Oral methods come in two types: pills you can swallow or sub-lingual drops. The problem with HCG pills you can swallow is that the hormone is also a protein and the side effect is that it will get absorbed by the digestive system with no benefit towards weight loss. Sub-lingual drops placed under the tongue are much more effective because the membrane at that location can absorb the hormone rapidly.

The underlying process that makes the diet work is through the hypothalamus gland. This gland is part of the brain and supplies the trigger to metabolize fat. Metabolizing of fat is the process by which the body converts it from a stored state to energy. When we consume more calories than we use for energy, the body converts and stores the excess as fat. Fat storage is easy for the body but the reverse is difficult and that is why so many have trouble losing weight. Diets are based on the principle of metabolizing fat and each has its own trigger. The HCG and hypothalamus work together to tell the body to convert stored fat into energy.

The other component of HCG diet treatments is the very low calorie diet (VLCD). If the dieter continues to consume more calories than what are used for energy, the HCG diet will not be effective. Those on the HCG weight loss plan are instructed to consume no more than 500 calories each day. This isn’t very much but the underlying intent is that the metabolized fat will supply some of the energy needed.

There are no direct side effects from the intake of HCG. However, the dieter might experience side effects because of the reduction in caloric intake. Some complain of headache, fatigue, constipation, insomnia, and dizziness however these are more than likely the results of the low calorie diet. It is recommended that those on the HCG diet make every calorie they eat provide some healthy benefit. For example, constipation can be treated by eating foods that are high in fiber such as those with whole-grain ingredients. Insomnia can be treated by getting enough vitamin B6 which can be found in food sources like green vegetables, potatoes, dairy products, and eggs.