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

I did the HCG diet for the first time from mid November to December for 40 days. I took HCG sublingual tablets prescribed by my MD and bought it at a compounding, organic pharmacy. CAREFUL BUYING MEDICATIONS ON-LINE! I lost 24 pounds easily with the only side effects being thirst, which was good since they recommend drinking a lot to flush the broken down stored fats out of the body. I was carefully monitored by a physician. Everyone said I was crazy to do it over the holidays, but what better time to not be hungry and have no cravings for sweets or junk food? For the month off after the first round, even on increased calories, I maintained the same weight (I allowed myself splurges, like a glass of wine, but planned for it). I have become much smarter about how to cook and how to eat healthy foods. That's the key to keeping the weight off. My goal was 50 pounds. I started round 2 a week ago and have lost another 5 pounds already. I am a Nurse practitioner, like most nurses who are overweight, we work long hrs, in stressful situations and don't always get to eat, drink and sleep when we should. I have carefully followed my blood work and blood pressure. It's all better that 2 months ago! The negative press about HCG is disappointing, HCG success will be huge competition for bariatric procedures (& plastic surgeries) which cause life long healthcare needs. HCG promises a healthier future if you are motivated to make it happen. Look for a Dr/Practitioner who has experience with HCG patients and I bet you will be happy with the results

Maggie of MD 9:55AM January 20, 2013

I have just started this diet 2 weeks ago. I am 63 and active but enjoying life at my age shows up when I enjoy too much food or the wrong kind of food. So I've lost 10 pounds and I'm stuck. I will stop the melba toast and fruit since I do take a multivitamin. It seems like I'm not hungry but I do get lightheaded in the morning if I eat nothing. So now I eat when I used to (breakfast lunch dinner snack) and follow the low cal without the extra carbs and sugar of the melba and fruit. Once I get rolling again I will try to add them back in, subbing whole grain for melba. Has anyone like me, age and weight 181, had this slowdown and what did you do about it?

Melissa of MI 9:03AM January 18, 2013

I have been debating doing the HCG diet and i think i will do it. When i first experience HCG, it was when i was pregnant with my daughter. I lost 15 lbs in my first 2 months being pregnant, and when everything was said and done my whole pregnancy i only gained 10lbs! Ever since having her ive ballooned to my heaviest, over 300lbs! i know this will work for me because it did naturally, and i ate very little, while carrying a baby and she turned out perfect. I can understand it wont work for everyone because not a lot of women do loose weight since it technically is a pregnancy hormone. YOU ARENT STARVING YOURSELF!!! 500 calories seems like a little, but that's INTAKE. you body is able to use up the stored extra fat its carrying along with you not shoving in more on top of it. Simple science people. I am worried to try the drops though because i read they dont have much hcg, and i dont know where to get injections, i dont want to waste time or money. Any helpful tips?

elizabeth of MI 8:57PM January 09, 2013

Funny how everyone scoffs at this diet and states that you can lose the same weight starving yourself! It's just NOT true. I've had three kids and struggled to lose the weight after my third. After the first two babies, I was back to pre-pregnancy weight by two years. I held on to the weight after the third for four years:( I worked out 5 days a week, had a personal trainer and followed Weight Watchers, all VERY consistently. It worked the first two times but my weight didn't budge after the third child. I had my thyroid checked as well. I got so desperate that I tried basically just eating fruit but to no avail. I was also stomach gnawlingly starving. Then I discovered HCG. I lost 65 pounds in 4 rounds and even took breaks for vacations and holidays during two of my rounds. It is over two years later and I've kept off all but 15 pounds. My husband was in a near fatal accident and my eating went down the tubes while I cared for him and my family! So, here I am again to do another round and take off the 15! Also, I used homeopathic drops and EACH time they worked. I had an empty feeling but not the feeling of starvation that I have without them. I find ways to stretch my calories. I eat 3 cups of mixed greens and fat free salsa with my P2 chili, I ALWAYS allow myself as much veggies as I'd like and I mix veggies (just no starchy veggies) and I cut out the melbas and grissini. I thank God I found HCG because I was SO frustrated and driving myself crazy working out at the gym (and, yes, I continue to moderately exercise with light walking and some stretching) and paying people to help me fail. Whatever the reason my weight wouldn't budge, HCG was the catalyst for removing the barrier!!!!! And, I did NOT starve. I felt amazing!!!! I totally understand why it's not for everyone and why some people believe it's scary. However, if you stick to it and get rid of your long term obesity, OMG, it's awesome! Finally, with ANY diet whether it be vegetarianism, Paleo, etc. there are possible nutritional deficiencies. I was anemic while a vegetarian and have watched many of my friends with food allergies struggle to maintain their higher weights (they look emaciated) and their health due to said deficiencies. If you can stick to this diet and are willing to change your lifestyle, enjoying snacks as a treat as opposed to habitually, then this diet could save your life!

April of MA 4:37PM January 02, 2013