Does the HCG Weight Loss Program Really Work? 8 Things You Need to Know

hand with measuring tape

Do you have questions about the HCG diet? Catching attention with its promise of 1-2lbs lost per day is HCG a miracle drug. However, it’s also drawn alarm for its restrictive diet and health risks.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a naturally occurring hormone produced during pregnancy. It’s used medically to treat issues with fertility but is better known for its weight loss applications.

Studies are still determining the effectiveness of HCG for weight loss, and anecdotal evidence varies widely. Trying to find a clear answer can be difficult.

Is an HCG weight loss program safe? Does it work? Keep reading for the 8 things you need to know.

1. How Does HCG Work?

The science surrounding HCG is still in its early stages. It’s known to occur naturally in women during pregnancy, but what function it performs is still being researched.

While the evidence is inconclusive, there are a few key results from HCG result that seem to suggest how it benefits the body. 

One of its primary attributes in regards to weight loss is that the presence of HCG in the bloodstream seems to limit hunger. The early stages of pregnancy are marked by nausea and morning sickness, so it may be that HCG is the hormone responsible for this.

What makes it more effective than other appetite suppressors, however, is that it helps the body to maintain muscle-mass despite the lower caloric intake. This would make sense in the context of pregnant women maintaining the necessary strength to keep healthy.

HCG also seems to regulate other hormones, keeping the body in balance. It’s obvious that an optimally-functioning body would metabolize calories more efficiently.

2. How Do You Take HCG?

Taking HCG is not for the squeamish. Currently, the only way to administer HCG is through injections. This is necessary to get the hormone directly into the bloodstream.

The recommended dosage varies from person to person. There are too many variables to assign a default dose. You can find a chart here that will help you determine what would work for you.

The HGC diet calls for daily injections, though different diets call for different durations. Other variations recommend injections only three days a week. Others require twice-daily shots.

Be sure to consult with a professional if this is something you’re considering.

3. Does the HCG Diet Work?

It depends on whether you mean The HCG Diet or a diet supplemented with HCG.

The diet that’s garnered the most attention is one that recommends a strict low-calorie, low-fat diet. The HCG diet recommends two meals a day at 250 calories a day, along with HCG injections.

Because the hormone helps suppress the appetite, many dieters find the limited calories easy to manage. This can lead to losses of 1-2lbs a day. Most importantly is that only fat is lost, not muscle. 

Exercise is not permitted on this diet and food options are limited to lean meats, vegetables, and grains. Dairy, sugar, and fats are not allowed.

While the weight loss offered here is attractive, it’s clear that such a limited diet isn’t sustainable. HCG will help the body maximize the nutrients, but it’s still far less than what the body needs.

4. Does that Mean HCG Isn’t Safe?

Just because there are concerns with the HCG Diet doesn’t mean that HCG itself is dangerous.

In fact, when incorporated into a weight loss plan, it can super-charge efforts safely and effectively. It supports a variety of diets, providing hormonal balance and controlling hunger, without depending on strict limitations.

Again, HCG occurs naturally in pregnant women. It’s not the hormone that’s a risk; it’s the application.

5. Are There Side-Effects?

Most people react well to HCG, though there’s always the possibility of side-effects. Like with any supplement, if side-effects do occur, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor before continuing on.

The most common side-effects associated with HCG are:

  • Headaches
  • Water Retention
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Restlessness

Many of these side-effects are also common in dieting, so it’s unclear if HCG is responsible or not. That fatigue, irritability, and depression would occur during a low-calorie diet isn’t surprising.

6. Do HCG Pills Work?

The only current form of HCG that works is through injection. There are many places where alternative forms are available, but these shouldn’t be trusted.

It’s common for these other HCG products to be marketed as holistic. Often, that’s a roundabout way of suggesting that the supplement may increase HCG naturally, as opposed to containing it.

7. Is HCG Legal?

Being a natural hormone, HCG itself is legal.

Legal issues surrounding HCG have to do with their application. It’s legal for use in fertility treatments. However, it’s currently illegal to use HCG without a prescription

That’s one more reason to avoid over-the-counter HCG products. Without proper regulation, it’s hard to be certain of the quality of the product.

8. Are There Alternatives to HCG?

If your interest in HCG comes from wanting an effective diet tool, there are safer options for you.

The ketogenic diet, for example, has gained popularity for its effectiveness. Entering a ketogenic state has a similar influence on the body’s hormones, and is a great way to burn fat without losing muscle.

Always consult with a doctor or specialist before starting a new diet or exercise routine. They may have insights for you to help make the most of your efforts.

Final Thoughts on the HCG Weight Loss Program

Thanks to its incredible promise, HCG is unlikely to go away anytime soon. As more studies are done the scientific community may yet change their mind. In the meantime, it’s for you to decide where you stand on HCG use.

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