The Skinny on the HCG Diet: How Does it Work and Is It Really Effective?

If you’ve ever heard of the popular HCG diet, you might think that it’s just the most recent health trend. But did you know that this diet plan got its start back in the 1950s?

Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a respected endocrinologist, first noticed that HCG was a great way to help people lose unwanted pounds fast. His Pounds and Inches manuscript, which outlines the HCG diet plan, became the backbone of this modern diet as we know it today!

If you’re curious about the HCG diet, or if you just aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know about the basics of HCG and its efficacy.

How Does the HCG Diet Work?

As you might expect, the HCG diet works through the power of a hormone called HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is naturally found in the human body, though it’s seen at the highest levels in pregnant women. During pregnancy, HCG helps the body to break down fat stores, which allows them to be used as food for the mother and the developing baby.

The HCG diet is a low-calorie diet, with most plans calling for an intake of 500 calories per day over the course of a month or more.

During this time, you’ll use either HCG diet drops or HCG diet injections on a regular basis, with the specific dosage dictated by a medical professional. For more information on injections and injection supplements like bacteriostatic water, see here.

In addition to taking HCG, you’ll also need to follow a regimented HCG diet menu for best results. The HCG can help you feel full on fewer calories, as its interactions with your hypothalamus help control your sense of hunger.

As you can see, this diet has very strict requirements, but you’ll only need to carry them out over a short-term period.

Is the HCG Diet Effective?

Once you’ve taken HCG and spent a month adhering to your specific diet plan, can you expect to see results?

The answer to this is yes—though your results will vary. Like any diet, the HCG diet will offer different results to different people based on a number of factors, such as your activity level, your current weight, and your age.

Due to the low caloric requirements, however, most people can expect to lose anywhere from half a pound to a full pound each day of the diet. Think about it this way: one pound is the rough equivalent of 3,500 calories, meaning that your low caloric intake can help you shed your weight fast.

It is, however, worth considering your ability to keep the weight off once the diet is finished. Some dieters find themselves trapped in the habit of “yo-yo dieting,” or a pattern of losing weight fast and then regaining it. Make sure you establish a long-term diet and exercise plan to help you keep the weight off for good!

Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today

If you’re ready to see fast results over a short period of time, the HCG diet may be perfect for you. In just a few weeks, you can shed significant weight, though you’ll want to make a careful plan to keep that weight off for the long term. Talk to your doctor to decide whether this diet option is right for you, and get started on your weight loss journey today!

Looking for more helpful health and fitness guides? Check out our other posts for more insights.

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