HCG Weight Loss Program

Program Overview

Dr. A.W. Simeon, a British physician, performed extensive research on the cause of obesity in the 1950’s.  He discovered that the leading cause of obesity was an improperly functioning hypothalamus gland.  The hypothalamus is the “master gland” in the brain that controls some of the basic instructs such as thirst, hunger and sex drive.  The hypothalamus also controls the storage of fat in the body.  Dr. Simeon’s, who practiced in Europe, found tremendous success on his protocol.

The human body has three different types of fat.  Structural fat cushions the organs and is found inside the abdomen.  Normal fat is the fat that forms the padding on our hands and feet, etc..  Abnormal fat is the extra fat around our waist, buttocks and upper thighs.   This type of fat is often known as love handles, spare tire or saddle bags.  This last type of fat is the fat that human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) helps remove.

When the hypothalamus is stimulated by HCG the body is able to release the abnormal fat and allows the body to rid itself of large amounts of this type of fat quickly.  The HCG Weight Loss Program provides a combination of a very low calorie diet (VLCD) and the precise amount of HCG it needs to stimulate the hypothalamus.  When a person successfully completes the HCG Weight Loss Program the hypothalamus is able to reset and function properly.  Dr. Simeon discovered that the hypothalamus gets overloaded with more excess fuel that it can process due to the standard American diet overloaded with refined foods, sugar and hydrogenated oils.  Genetics also plays a role in how the hypothalamus functions.  An abnormal functioning hypothalamus is a leading cause of obesity.  When the hypothalamus is not operating correctly, it causes the body to have intense food cravings, constant hunger, low metabolism and a surplus storage of abnormal fat.

HCG is the pregnancy hormone found in high amounts in pregnant women.  Dr. Simeon discovered that the HCG allows the hypothalamus to function at a higher capacity thus allowing the fetus to have the energy and nutrients it needs to grow and develop.  Dr. Simeon noticed that even in cultures where malnutrition is rampant, the newborns would have normal weight.  These observations promted the development of the HCG Weight Loss Program.

The principle behind the HCG protocol is a combination of taking exact amounts of HCG and being on a very low calorie diet (VLCD), your hypothalamus is able to function at a higher capacity and access the abnormal fat that is not normally metabolized.  The VLCD consists of consuming 500 calories a day.  This does not seem like enough calories, but because your body is able to access and use the abnormal fat as energy and nutrition, your body is actually metabolizing between 2500 and 4000 calories each day.

After a person successfully completes a round of the HCG Weight Loss Program the hypothalmus will reset, increase the metabolism and have a new comfort weight for the body to maintain.  When a person is able to successfully reset their hypothalamus, they can eat literally anything they want with only a few exceptions including refined foods, sugars and starches.   You will maintain your weight by following some simple recommendations for the rest of your life.  The HCG Weight Loss Program also seems to tighten your skin so you don’t get flabby.

THE DO’s & DON'TS of HCG

We have provided a number of points to consider while on the HCG program.  These are designed to be general guidelines and offer some suggestions.  Please contact our office should you have specific questions or concerns about the HCG protocol.

DO’s

·        DO take all of your supplements as directed.  This is critical for success.

·        DO drink 3-4 quarts of water daily (1/2 ounces per pound of current body weight).

·        DO weigh yourself daily and track your weight loss on a tracking sheet.

·        DO take a picture before you begin and after you complete the program.

·        DO keep a food journal.  This will help you determine how your body reacts to different foods.  Sometimes people plateau and by looking back at their food journal can pinpoint why.  Unknown food allergies are a frequent cause of weight gain.

·        DO cook with spices and hot sauce (make sure there is NO sugar).  Spicy foods seem to decrease food cravings.

·        DO eat the recommended fruit each morning and afternoon.

DON'TS

·        DO NOT use ANY chemically derived sugar substitutues including:  Aspartame, NutraSweet, Sucralose, Splenda or any other synthetic type of sugar substitute.

·        DO NOT consume ANY fat whatsoever.

·        DO NOT use ANY type of oil including:  fish oils, olive oil, butter, coconut oil, cooking oils, etc..

·        DO NOT take any fat soluble vitamins (vitamins K, A, D and E) while taking the HCG.  These may be added back during the maintenance phases of the plan (Phase 3 & 4).

·        DO NOT drink ANY type of alcohol.  No alcohol of any kind is allowed.

·        DO NOT use any cosmetics that are rich in fats and oils.  Mineral makeup is approved for use (most lipsticks, eyebrow pencils and powder may be used).

·        DO NOT use lotion (or at least limit it as much as you can).  A good alternative is Aloe Vera.

·        DO NOT use any non-dairy creamers.    

Plateau Breakers

·        Increase water intake from two quarts to 3 quarts per day.  It is essential that you drink ½ ounce of water per pound of body weight daily (i.e. a 200 pound person need to drink 100 ounces of water daily – over 3 quarts).

o       Drink 8 ounces of water right after you weigh in each morning.

o       Drink 8 ounces of water before going to bed each evening.

o       Keep water nearby during your entire day and keep drinking.

·        Try increasing your protein by ½ ounce per serving.

·        Try an “Apple Day” – Eat 6 apples only for one day.

·        Try cutting your beef consumption down or eliminating beef for a couple of days.   Check all seasoning for any form of sugar.  All seasoning used must be check carefully.

·        Try to stop mixing vegetables.  For example – eat cucumbers only for lunch and only tomatoes for dinner.

·        Avoid any type of carbohydrates or starchy foods.

·        Eat organic!  Make sure there are not any additives to your protein sources.  Sometimes these foods are injected with sugar.

·        Dilute one glass of water with 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar (organic is best) to your daily routine.  Adding some Stevia (natural sweetener) helps with the taste. 

·        Check your medications.  Have you started any new medicines?  Sometimes it will take your body a few days to adjust.

·        Add low impact exercise including a brisk walk, yoga or any type of 15 minute activities to your day a few times a week.  Any activity that raises the heart rate helps if done throughout the day.

·        May sure you are getting enough sleep.  Not getting enough sleep can have a negative result on the scale.  A minimum of 7 to 8 hours per day is needed.

·        The HCG may have lost its potency.  Consider replacing your HCG especially if your bottle has been allowed to get warm.  You may also consider increasing the HCG drops to three times a day.

·        Maybe it is time to stop losing weight.  Have you reached your ideal weight?  Are you in the healthy range for your height and body frame?

Substitutions

·        There are only a few substitutions allowed on this program.  The following may be considered.  If your weight loss slows or stops these may not work for you.

o       Substitute ¾ cup of non-fat yogurt sweetened with Stevia in place of one of the fruit or vegetables choices once per day.

o       Substitute 3 eggs (1 whole plus 2 whites) or ½ cup fat free cottage cheese occasionally as your protein.

o       Stevia or Xylitol are the only sweeteners allowed.  No artificial sweeteners are allowed.

HCG WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1.        Is it necessary to see a doctor to begin the HCG weight loss program?

Yes, HCG is a prescription medication and may only be used under a physician’s guidance.  You should consult a physician before beginning the HCG program.

2.        Is it safe to use HCG?

Yes. Although HCG has not yet been approved by the FDA for weight loss, HCG is a natural hormone.  HCG is an approved FDA medication.

3.        What is HCG?  How does it work?

HCG is a naturally occurring substance that is produced in pregnant women.  HCG is used in the medical field to treat an assortment of medical conditions.  During pregnancy, the level of HCG doubles every 2 days.  This substance allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both the mother and growing fetus.  This acts as a “fail-safe” device when energy is needed immediately for the fetus.  For weight loss, HCG drops or injections, capitalizes on this same idea.  HCG used in this form does not mimic pregnancy.  It can safely used by both men and women.

4.        Will the very low calorie diet (VLCD) slow down my metabolism?

Normally when a person lowers their calories and fat intake, the body begins to store fat and the metabolism does slow down.  This occurs because fat is a life saving source of stored energy.  When a combination of a VLCD and a precise amount of HCG is used, it signals the body to access and use the stored fat for energy.  This eliminates the excess fat reserves; to there are no adverse effects on your metabolism.  When fat deposits are released, the body uses it as fuel, which causes a person’s appetite to decrease.

5.        Couldn’t I lose the same amount of weight without using HCG and just follow the very low calorie diet (VLCD)?

By simply cutting back a person’s calories and fat consumption, one can lose weight.  The risk and negative effect that happens is that the body will tend to lose mostly muscle before fat.  When the body is deprived it tends to store fat.  This causes the cellular metabolism to slow down.  When a person’s metabolism slows down it makes it easier to gain weight and also decreased muscle mass.  By following the HCG Weight Loss Program (VLCD and taking exact amounts of HCG), the excess fat is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated.  The VLCD is essential because if prevents an instant refilling of the emptied fat cells.  This is what helps maintain your muscle mass by eliminating fat deposits.  You would lose weight on a 500 calorie eating program but only about 1 to 2 pounds per week and most of the weight loss would me muscle weight.

6.        How much weight can I expect to lose after completing the HCG program?

Most patients lose on average about 20 pounds per month.  Most patients lose anywhere from ½ pound to 2 pounds per day.  Some patients tend to lose more weight quicker than others.

7.        Will I starve on the very low calorie diet (VLCD)?

HCG liquefies fat which opens up all of a person’s fat cells.  The liquid fat is then made accessible to the body to use as energy.  Even though a person is consuming fewer calories, the body is able to access the stored energy that is in the fat cells which naturally reduces a person’s appetite.  After a few days on the HCG weight loss program, many people report a major decrease in their appetite.  Most people that have successfully completed the HCG weight loss program have reported having plenty of energy while on the program.

8.        For Women Only:

·        It is recommended that treatment begin for women the day after the last day of their menstrual period.  Another option is to start the HCG phase of the program at least 10 days before your expected next menstrual cycle is to start. 

It is recommended that during menstruation no HCG drops or injections be taken.  During menstruation women need to continue the 500 calorie diet (VLCD).  As soon as their menstrual cycle is over, they need to resume taking the HCG and continue on the VLCD.  If the HCG drops are not resumed once menstruation is over, extreme hunger may occur.

·        Women may continue to use birth control pills or other forms of contraception while on the HCG weight loss program.  The HCG will not affect any form of contraception.

9.        How many drops to I need to equal the amount in an injection?

The amount of HCG drops to be used twice daily is noted on your dropper bottle.  Just follow the directions on the bottle to obtain the correct dose.

10.    How do I store the HCG drops?  What is the expiration date?

The HCG drops need to be stored out of direct light and heat.  The drops are best stored in the refrigerator but this in not absolutely necessary.  The HCG does not require refrigeration because of the way it is prepared but refrigeration does seem to help maintain the HCG potency and is recommended.  The potency of the HCG drops appears to decrease after about 30 days. 

Please find additioanl information under the "Professional Services" tab on our home page.

If you should have other questions please contact the staff at the Wycoff Wellness Center.  You may also send your inquiry via our secure web site email service.  Just click on the “Ask A Doctor” icon on the home page and follow the prompts to complete your email questions.