
1. First of all, what is HCG?
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a reproductive hormone that is naturally present in both males and females. This hormone is produced by women in the early stages of pregnancy and almost completely controls the woman's metabolic functions. In non-pregnant persons, research suggests HCG similarly increases the body's metabolism and promotes lipolytic (fat-burning) activity.
2. Wait a minute...I should not have to inject hormones in my body to lose weight.
When your body's metabolic function is working properly, you are absolutely right--hormone injections should not be needed to lose weight. However, obesity is not necessarily a result of "eating too much." Obesity is the result of an abnormal functioning of some part of the body that causes the body to hold onto unnecessary fat. In order to cure this disorder, the body's metabolic processes must be "reset." The presence of additional HCG helps boost metabolic function and lipolytic activity, allowing the body to reset its metabolism. Once the body's metabolic function is restored, patients can begin losing weight successfully through controlled diet and exercise regimens.
3. Is this just another fad diet?
Although the HCG diet has received a great deal of attention lately, it actually is not a new concept. The idea of using HCG as a weight-loss catalyst first emerged in 1954 when Dr. A.T.W. Simeons published a report over the metabolic effects of this particular substance. Dr. Simeons noticed that his patients could drastically reduce their caloric intake without experiencing irritability, hunger pain, headaches, or weakness while taking HCG. Since then, the HCG diet has been wildly popular with thousands of patients because of the rapid weight reduction effects and off-the-scale benefits such as increased energy, reduced pain, and visible changes in tricky problem areas.
4. How does the HCG diet work?
The HCG diet is a three-phase program designed to help patients lose weight fast and keep their weight off long-term. The first phase consists of daily HCG injections with a 500-calorie diet protocol that includes lean proteins, fibrous vegetables, and low-sugar fruits. The second phase is designed to ease patients back into a more normal nutrition regimen while maintaining their current weight. The final phase is designed to create a lifetime pattern of healthy, controlled eating.
5. A 500-calorie diet? That cannot be safe or healthy.
We agree! That's why the HCG component of this weight-loss program is vital. The HCG hormone targets a specific source of fat in the body, enabling you to pull an additional 1,500-4,000 calories out of your unwanted fat reserves. When HCG injections are administered during the 500-calorie phase, patients are actually functioning on no less that 2,000 calories per day.
6. What can I eat on the 500-calorie phase?
During the 500-calorie phase, patients are given a strict food list consisting of lean proteins, fibrous vegetables, and low-sugar fruits as well as unlimited tea, coffee, and water. Once the brief 500-calorie phase is complete, patients can begin reintroducing foods, such as eggs, cheeses, starchier vegetables, and more, into their diet.
7. Won't I be hungry all the time?
Although patients on the HCG diet are only physically ingesting 500 calories of food, the body is operating on no less that 2,000 calories per day thanks to the HCG. Most patients are surprised to find that they actually have trouble reaching their 500-calorie benchmark because they feel fully satisfied with smaller amounts of food.
8. How long does the 500-calorie phase last?
The HCG diet is structured into 8-week or 11-week programs. Patients who select the 8-week program will undergo 3 weeks of the 500-calorie phase (with HCG injections) and 5 weeks of HCG-free guided maintenance, while those who select the 11-week program will undergo 6 weeks of the 500-calorie phase (with HCG injections) with 5 weeks of HCG-free guided maintenance.
9. How much weight will I lose?
Typically, patients lose 0.5 lb to 1 lb per day, given that the 500-calorie/HCG protocol is followed correctly.
10. Will I regain my weight after I get off of the HCG?
The HCG weight-loss program is structured into three distinct phases to prevent patients from regaining lost weight after the program is complete. While the weight-reduction phase of the program is typically the most popular, the second and third phases of the program are critical to developing lifelong habits of wellness and keeping unwanted fat off long-term. With 5 weeks of guided weight management after the HCG phase, most patients are able to settle into their new, healthy routines and make lifelong changes that allow them to maintain their new weight, and even keep losing weight, after the HCG phase is complete.
11. How do I start the HCG diet?
Physician supervision is required to begin the HCG diet. Your local provider should perform an in-depth health history analysis to determine if you are an acceptable candidate for the HCG diet. Once you are approved to begin the diet, your physician should supervise your weight-loss journey throughout the duration of your program.
Visit www.okhealthandwellness.com/nutrition to learn how to start your weight-loss journey today!
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