What You Need to Know About the HCG Diet

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that occurs naturally in the human placenta during pregnancy. You will generally find HCG in products that are used in tandem with low-calorie diets that claim to reset your metabolism or break bad eating habits.

While some HCG diets get a bad rap due to dubious claims by some providers, many medical doctors offer HCG treatments with a prescribed series of steps and goals - and many who attest to the effects it has had on their body.

HCG has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription drug for multiple medical conditions including female infertility. Though the FDA has not approved it as a diet drug, there are countless doctors and case studies touting its efficacy.

The assumption is that since HCG helps to maintain the production of hormones like estrogen and prevents muscle loss, it can work as an effective supplement to a rigorous diet plan. A doctor-led HCG regime is built to improve fat loss, sex life, fertility, your metabolism, and cravings. 

An HCG diet will generally be prescribed in three phases. The loading phase, the weight loss phase, and the maintenance phase. 

The Loading Phase

At this stage, someone partaking in the HCG diet will start taking the hormone and eating a diet of high-calorie foods. This will last for around 2-3 days.

The Weight Loss Phase

The dieter will then cut their diet down to 500 calories a day. This will last for a variable amount of time depending on weight loss goals. This means meals are generally reduced down to 2 a day. 

Maintenance Phase

The dieter will then stop taking HCG and will increase calorie intake back to normal levels -while still making sure not to eat many sugars or starches.

Some people will repeat this cycle in order to hit their goals. The weight-loss stage should only be done under medical supervision, should be limited, and should not exceed what your body can handle.

This is a strict diet and will lead to rapid weight loss. The very low-calorie intake ensures this. This is HCG is theoretically used, to limit the deterioration to your body from such a low caloric intake. This is also why a doctor who can prescribe you a nutrient fresh diet and can monitor your progress is required.