hCG Diet Reviews

Even though HCG is a naturally occurring hormone, when we start using things in a way they were not meant to be, invariably side effects will appear. However, there have been few clinical studies conducted on HCG as a weight loss aid and as a result there is little concrete evidence. The latter does not mean that one should take precautions when administering the drug.

HCG appears to have a positive effect in supporting weight loss, as evidenced by Dr. Simeons in the 1950’s, and is considered to be extremely effective in dealing with fertility issues. However, the problem with any weight loss drug is that it is not a sustainable lifestyle. You get used to taking the drug to solve the problem but this doesn’t solve the underlying issues of your weight in the first place. This means that often substantial weight gain is observed after the conclusion of the diet, even if there are voices who deny this.

HCG seems to limit hunger pains and acts like a powerful appetite suppressant, which should help to reset eating habits. However, the problem is that after forty days the body begins to exhibit an immunity to the hormone and a six week break is required before resuming. In this six week period all the good can be undone.

Now, regarding side effects, there is one that is probably certain and that is pregnancy symptoms in women. As HCG is administered as a fertility drug it is quite obvious that women will feel all the symptoms associated with including swelling, tenderness in the breasts and water retention. In fact, women who want to lose weight with HCG but are not yet ready for a child should be extremely cautious.

However, it appears that HCG can even be fatal if administered in overly large doses over a longer period of time because it can cause ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS). Other side effects include restlessness, headaches, mild bouts of depression and an increased risk of blood clots. For this reason, the FDA have only approved the drug as a fertility treatment and not a weight loss aid. Even so, the drug is available either in shot form or pill form and can be obtained with a prescription from a doctor.

Essentially, the HCG diet is a crash diet and as such, weight gain is quite likely unless the time on the drug is not used effectively to improve eating habits and lifestyle. Technically, people need 21 days to adopt a new habit, therefore the minimum 26 days of treatment required is ideal to help people deal with their eating habits for the long term and not just a quick fix.

However, if you decide to go on the HCG diet you must be cautious not to get stuck in the cycle of using chemicals to manage weight rather than a healthy diet and exercise regime.