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

I was the biggest skeptic of the hCG diet, like many other HCPs and judgmental people who say they eat right and exercise to lose weight (like who hasn't). Until I tried it myself that is. I used prescription grade tablets that dissolve under the tongue. The first round I followed the original protocol to the letter. I lost 21#, had shiny hair, and thick, long fingernails I could never begin to grow prior to hCG. I never felt sick, my mood improved markedly, and I was seldom hungry. I lost fat, not muscle as evidenced by the 10" missing from my waist, abdomen, and hips. My thighs underwent very little change, and my calves are still the same today. I am a masters prepared RN, and can quickly identify malnutrition and wasting. Nutrition science has changed markedly since the original protocol was written, so for my second round I increased my calories to 700 by adding additional lean protein. I am only a week in to this new round, and have lost 9.0# already. My theory was correct. I still lost weight with slightly higher calories (and yes, I am aware 3500 calories = one pound, and 700 is a small portion of that; and then when you consider the basal metabolic rate, of course you will still lose weight). The hCG diet is low GI, lean protein, low fat. It's healthy except for the very low calorie nature. I stopped craving food, and eating when I wasn't hungry. I got in touch with why I over ate, and 28 days of not doing it helped establish new eating patterns. I am monitored by a licensed health care professional, and will have labs drawn shortly. If my cholesterol goes down as my blood pressure has, you will have a hard time convincing me hCG doesn't work and it's placebo effect. I couldn't lose weight and keep it off on 1200 calories of Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, or just plain eating healthy. I believe 500 calories probably is too low. New placebo controlled studies (not those from the 70s or 90s) are needed to determine exactly why people lose weight and have good outcomes with varying degrees of caloric intake on hCG. If people can safely lose weight on prescription grade hCG, as many have, under the supervision of a HCP (I don't have an opinion on homeopathic drops), what's the problem? To each his own. Don't knock it until you understand it, and study it. Lastly, the protein portions are 3.5 oz., which is a standard serving (3-4 oz). Please do your homework before putting out incorrect, incomplete information. Thank goodness Dr. Atkins kept up his research along with Dr. Agatson!

GolfGirlRn of MI 9:52PM May 12, 2011

What can one say... be as judging and suspicious as you want . I know it works.

It changed my mental state about food and cravings. It just went away after a week on the drops.

Robert of AR 9:23AM May 11, 2011

I have lost over 40 lbs just by getting out of my computer chair, eating a wide variety of healthy foods ( in proper portions) and moving my body. At first I could barely walk a mile but I kept at it and adjusted as my capabilities increased. Today I have conquered asthma, knee problems, sciatica and feel( and look) better than I have in ten years. Our bodies are amazing! They are just begging for some real nutrition and activity! I feel if it's at all possible avoid these extreme diets and just utilize the awesome power of our bodies.

-Jenny

Jenny of CA 2:22PM May 10, 2011

I did the diet and lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks... It works...its been 7 months I eat carefully but healthy and have kept it off.. eating 500 healthy calories for 3 weeks is VERY doable...

elizabeth g of ME 5:28PM May 06, 2011