HCG Diet Dangers: Is Fast Weight Loss Worth the Risk?

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My wife and I just completed phase II without any major side effects. She lost 22 lbs and I lost 31 lbs. We learned a lot about nutrition along the way and plan to practice it, along with our workout plans. We both feel good and, if nothing else, this diet provided the perfect "kick-start" to a healthy life style.

rob of MD 4:53PM June 07, 2011

After reading this article, I took away one thing - If HCG is FDA-approved, and the FDA even says it's "not necessarily dangerous", then what's the risk in at least trying the product? If you're like me, where fat has seemed to take root in your body and refuses to leave, then it might be worth it. I also read an article on a Consumer Tip website where one of the employees tried the product - coupled with a colon cleanser called "Colon Cleanse" or something - and she said it worked. She lost weight, had tons of energy.....So again, if it's not harmful, in this society where obesity is the new small pox - I'm finding it hard to have a reason NOT to try it.

Angelia of TX 1:04PM June 04, 2011

Trubates, an online deal site (similar to groupon), is running a 60% off deal on HCG. $39 for $90 Complete HCG Weight-Loss System. If you've ever been curious, I guess now's the time to try it. http://bit.ly/TruHCG

Emma of CA 5:40PM June 03, 2011

Trubates, an online deal site (similar to groupon), is running a 60% off deal on HCG. $39 for $90 Complete HCG Weight-Loss System. If you've ever been curious, I guess now's the time to try it. http://bit.ly/TruHCG

Emma of CA 5:40PM June 03, 2011

From what I just read in this article the whole argument was about how bad it is for the human body to try and live on a 500 calorie a day diet and not be harmed. I think the whole idea behind the HCG Diet is not the suppression of the desire to eat but that while taking the HCG hormone during the course of the diet the body uses the consumed fat as the additional caloric intake as fuel. This is the reason behind the weight loss, not the low cal diet. I've done 2 full 40 day courses of the HCG diet and have lost a combined 47 pounds. I started at 227 pounds and have been at my "Playing Weight" of 181 pounds for over 3 months. Don't discount this one because it seems different. It works and I have the 32 inch waist to prove it! (Started at 40")

Brandon McManis of CO 4:46PM June 03, 2011

I've been looking into starting hcg drops and in reading people's comments have noticed that none of the naysayers seem to actually research this diet before bashing it. If you read Dr. Simeons original manuscript, "Pounds and Inches" you'll understand why it is that you can live on 500 calories a day while on this diet. Your body is releasing stored fat and that's what you're actually living on. Also for everyone that insists that "good old fashioned healthy eating and exercise" will work for everyone probably never had a significant weight problem in the first place. For some of us that route simply does NOT work. Again, read "Pounds and Inches"!

Amy of OH 9:11AM June 03, 2011

.... is the ONLY way this diet works long term. If you eat sugars and starches after your maintenance period, you regain the weight. You have to do what all dieters have to do - change a life time of bad habits. Portion control and choosing high protien, low calorie foods is the only way to maintain the weight loss. Its a bigger commitment than just 28 days of starving if you want to experience long term weight loss. The weight can come off fast, but the commitment is the key to maintaining the weight loss. No big secret or magic formula if you're looking at long term healthy changes.

jayne marie of ID 7:17AM June 03, 2011

I just started today, super excited lets see if this works because I have tried several diets and just gain the weight right back. Not sure about the 500 calorie so I think i will be chewing on a lot of sugar free gum...LOL

Moni of CA 5:00PM June 02, 2011

Now Im the First person to HATE fad diets. I have always been the No pain No gain person. Burn more than you put in. I hit the 201 lbs mark and for me thats heavy at 5'8. I am now at 165 and have been off the diet and cycle for a month NOT GAINING A POUND BACK. And eating healthy but still have pizza and carbs.
I started a workout program and a few people from work was doing this diet. I decided to give it a try and lose the weight with every intention of gaining it back after the diet but this time when I am down start the workout plan.
Now let me tell you why A LOT OF THIS ARTICLE is wrong.
First, the quote of YOU LOSE THE WEIGHT BECAUSE YOU ONLY EAT 500 CALORIES NOT BECAUSE OF THE HCG. FALSE
WHY I am the guy that doesn't eat but gains weight. Before I was on the diet I ate Nothing all day. Just coffee and then when I got home I ate a dinner. That was it. And got fat from doing it because I slowed my metabolism down. I was told "you would be perfect on this diet because you already dont eat" She was right.
Second, PLACEBOS WORK JUST AS WELL. False. See above
Third, YOU GAIN ALL THE WEIGHT BACK AFTER YOU DO THE DIET. FALSE, I am proven fact of this. I now eat anything I want. WITHOUT GOING BACK TO BAD HABITS. If you jump off and head straight to mcdonalds then yes you will gain weight...duh.
Forth, BLOODCLOTS AND SIDEEFFECTS. I did research, A LOT of research. and there has been no evidence that any of these sideffects are in any way caused with HCG. None.
Im not pushing this diet. I am not an avocate of any fad diet. Are there Healthier choices to lose weight...sure. BUT that doesn't say this doesn't work.
Now after starting at 201 I am now at 164.5 and started the workout program again. trying to build and tone. I will have abs again at 37 years old. I WILL!

Michae of MI 5:52PM June 01, 2011

I knew it was too good to be true ! When my friend first told me about the diet , I applauded her for finding something that actually worked for her , but when I found out that she could barely eat , I was NOT impressed . I honestly don't think it's worth it . People are better off exercising and eat healthily . I know I'm not a doctor but I know for sure that people have to consume way more that 500 calories a day . My friend would sometimes get sick from not eating and would beat herself up for cheating on the diet . I encouraged the cheating because she was NOT eating . She wasn't getting all the calories she needed . Do I think this diet is worth it ? NO ! Not only do you have to nearly starve yourself but also , you become more fertile . Which means those women who don't want to have kids need to be 10 times more careful . Even though my family & friends don't see a problem with my weight , I do and I actually considered going on the hCG diet but after much research and contemplating , I realize that its not worth it . I'd rather eat healthily all while getting my required number of calories and exercising .

Chelsea W of GA 1:47AM May 31, 2011