FAQs
COMMONLY ASKED hCG QUESTIONS
What is HCG and how does it work?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) - a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. It is the pregnancy hormone that almost completely controls metabolic functions. This hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus. This acts as a “fail-safe” mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only minute amounts of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does NOT mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both adult men and women.
Is HCG safe?
HCG is extremely safe. All women experience very high levels during the nine months of every pregnancy with no adverse effects. The small amount we use for weight loss has very few, if any, side effects.
Can men do this diet?
Absolutely. Men usually get a better result than women and it is equally safe in men as women and no significant side effects. You will not get man-boobs or estrogen effects as it is not a sex hormone like testosterone, estrogen or progesterone. It is more like the hormones adrenalin or thyroxine.
If HCG works so well for weight loss, why don’t pregnant women lose weight?
HCG works to mobilize fat for utilization by the body only when there is a decrease in calories and fat. A starvation state must exist for HCG to work. For weight loss, we use a specific fat burning food plan to trigger HCG to help rid the body of fat.
How Does HCG work?
HCG plus the 500 calorie diet work in 3 distinct ways:
A. HCG causes your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the abnormal fat storage locations so that it’s available for use. While you are only consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the fat stored in your body. Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day. The result is your body using thousands of calories of fat from your abnormal fat stores each day, the reason HCG users lose 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more, per day.
B. Maintains a normal basal metabolic rate
C. Resets the hypothalamus to prevent future regain
Will my metabolism slow down if I’m on a very low calorie diet?
Yes, normally when we cut back our calories and fat, our bodies tend to preserve fat and metabolism slows down. This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. When a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with the HCG, however, the hormone causes the hypothalamus to signal to the body to mobilize the fat out of abnormal fat storage locations and use this stored fat for energy burning excess or abnormal fat reserves without affecting metabolism. Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day resulting in a 1 or 2 pound loss of fat per day.
Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a low calorie diet without HCG?
You can lose weight by simply eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose vital lean muscle before fat. This causes metabolism to slow down, so in the long run, it would decrease normal fat stores and lean muscle mass. You will have massive hunger and fatigue. You will not lose the problem areas that secure fat deposits. Your body will not be reshaped. When you stop the diet you will immediately gain all the weight back, plus more!
By using HCG with the low calorie diet protocol, weight lost comes directly from the abnormal adipose fat tissue rather than stripping the body of much needed muscle, metabolism is maintained, and excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients are released into the blood stream to be absorbed by the body. The low calorie diet is vital in preventing immediate refilling of emptied fat cells. You benefit by preferentially getting rid of abnormal excess fat without affecting your lean muscle and normal fat stores.
On the 500 calorie diet will I get hungry?
Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are consuming fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells using 1000s of calories of fat that already exists in your body each day. After about 2 days, many patients notice a significant decrease in their appetite. Overall, most people have adequate energy and feel good while on the program.
Can I change the diet as long as I stick to 500 calories?
NO. This protocol is successful when others aren’t for a reason. It is the unique combination of the HCG, and a very strict and specific food consumption plan. The exact foods used cause specific chemical reactions in the body and with the HCG activate the hypothalamus into mobilizing the secure abnormal fat reserves causing dramatic weight loss without the loss of muscle or structural fat. It is of the utmost importance for this to work you must strictly follow it to the letter, but you will get results.
Will it help to eat even less than 500 calories a day?
The reason for the very low caloric intake is that the body will only release the abnormal fat reserves after it has burned its consumed calories. Eating lower amounts of calories do not speed up the process. Eating smaller quantities of food actually stop the fat mobilizing mechanism.
What if I am not hungry in Phase 1, do I have to eat everything listed in the 500 calorie diet?
Yes, whether you are hungry or not, you must eat the lunch and dinner in their complete form. You cannot have one big meal per day. You may take the fruit from either lunch or dinner and eat it at breakfast. Not other changes or substitutions are allowed as they slow or stop the fat burning process.
Will it affect my appearance? Will I get wrinkles or stretch marks if I lose all this weight?
No, not with this method. Abnormal fat deposits should disappear. Double chins, pot bellies, and fat around the thighs should be the first to go. The treatment does not deplete the subcutaneous or other essential fat. The face retains its freshness and natural appearance.
Has this method been used before?
Yes. When first reported in the Medical Journal Lancet in November of 1954, it had been used in thousands of cases. Since then, it had been used in many more. References for clinical studies are available upon request.
What effects can I expect from the medication itself?
Usually a loss of appetite occurs and patients notice that the severe compulsive hunger disappears.
What if I miss one or more doses?
This merely delay's the total effectiveness of the program, potentially 3 days for every dose missed. You may experience increased hunger and cravings. If you miss more than 3 doses in one week the effect of the HCG is nullified and you should stop altogether or start over.
Can I maintain the diet even if I engage in daily hard physical labor?
Yes. HCG allows you to maintain this diet even during hard work or vigorous exercise. It mobilizes and uses abnormal fat stores for calories and energy thus preventing breakdown of lean muscle.
Does the diet require a lot of work in planning and preparation?
Actually, no. Frozen white fish fillets and precooked frozen shrimp placed directly on the grill makes a freshly prepared tasty meal in just minutes. Place on organic greens from the bags with fresh lemon and you are eating a quick, fulfilling meal. Easily done with frozen boneless chicken or your lean steak as well. Another cooking tool is the GT Xpress 101 indoor electric cooker at www.GTXpress.com that is quick and produces moist or juicy food and meats. Organic sliced apples are available everywhere now and great for on the go.
What do you recommend I eat at a restaurant?
Don’t, at all, in Phase 1 if at all possible. The food is heavily processed, loaded with trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, flavor enhancers and almost never fresh. The portions are outrageously huge as is the price. If you have to eat out, choose seafood and ask that it be prepared dry with no oil or butter. Steam your vegetable of choice on the list or participate in the salad bar without the dressing and extras.
What about protein and vitamin deficiencies’ during the diet?
The diet is a very specific combination and balance of protein, carbs and fat. However, certain supplements are recommended and are provided within our plan. We recommend a multi-vitamin be taken while on the program as well as on an ongoing basis. Vitamins and minerals are the basic foundation to optimal health and generally deficient in appropriate amounts in our food due to over farming and overusing the soil. A multi-vitamin is a convenient and easy way to take all the necessary nutrients in one supplement, in order to prevent deficiencies.
What if I occasionally get jittery or shaky due to the reduced quantity of food?
That should not occur due to the mobilization of thousands of calories from fat however blood glucose levels could fluctuate creating these symptoms. A 15 calorie Lifesaver or extra fruit when necessary, usually controls this and does not interfere with the weight loss.
Can my overweight children use this program?
No. This program is not advisable for persons under the age of puberty. Please visit your pediatrician for other methods available for these cases.
Do you guarantee that I will lose weight with this method?
No. Guarantees cannot be made, as with any other medical treatment. However, most of our patients have lost an appreciable amount of weight with this program. It is the most effective method we have experienced in weight reduction.
Will HCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking? What about birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections?
HCG does not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera, so there are rarely any side effects.
Will I experience any changes in my menstrual cycle taking HCG?
Although the amount of HCG is small, there may be changes to your menstrual cycle. HCG will not affect your ability to become pregnant, nor will it increase your chances of getting pregnant and it will not make your contraceptive less effective.
Why are some people calling HCG the “Weight Loss Cure”?
HCG is also being called the “Weight Loss Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, it reprograms your body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. Or put another way, it helps you maintain your weight and not regain the pounds you’ve lost once you resume normal caloric intakes.
How much weight can I expect to lose on the program?
Much of it depends on your starting point. The more weight to lose the more weight is lost. On average, our patients lose around 8-10% of their body weight or on average 1/2 pound per day.
Does the weight loss slow down after the first month?
Many times what we see is a large amount of weight loss in the first month, then a plateau or leveling off. This does not mean that your weight loss has stopped. Typically, inches are being lost continuously while on the program, and after a period of time, patients will experience another large drop on the scale. Weight loss is thus achieved in this stair-step fashion.
How long can I continue the medication?
After 30 doses, the effectiveness diminishes due to the body's ability to develop temporary immunity to the HCG. However, if necessary, subsequent courses of Phase 1 can be resumed after a 4-week stabilizing period. In some instances, 4 or more courses have been given with continued effectiveness if a 4-week interval has been allowed between them.
Will I gain the weight back once I stop the program?
Some degree of moderation in eating will be necessary because of the tendency to gain weight after any type of weight loss program. However, at Bella Medical Spa a maintenance phase is available at the end of Phase 1. Stability of the normal weight is relatively easy because the weight loss is from storage fat and not from structural fat.
Do I have to do Phase 2?
Yes. Phase 2 is necessary to stabilize your weight and reset the hypothalamus so that the weight does not come back. It is vitally important that you follow Phase 1 and Phase 2 exactly as described. You must strictly adhere to all the instructions in Phase 1 and Phase 2 or your efforts will be wasted and you will fail.
What if I am Vegetarian or Vegan?
If you are vegetarian there are a few alternatives but the weight loss is generally slower. It is more difficult to participate in Phase 1 as a Vegan but can be done with soy protein or a willingness to consume seafood.
Do I have to exercise?
During phase 1 patients are asked not to exercise. But remember, physical activity is essential in maintaining total health for the body. A physically fit and healthy body is the result of exercise and good nutrition. A few additional benefits of exercise are; improved sleep, healthier body composition, prevention of disease and chronic illnesses, and increased energy. Exercise can resume in phase 2 of the program.
What happens if I get constipated?
That is uncommon if you are consuming the recommended water, and recommended daily fruits and vegtables. Black coffee is helpful as is Pro-C available in the supplementation package for purchase.
The FDA and HCG
The FDA's role is to set-up tests and recommends safety of drug related products on the market. As an agency they are not in the medical business. As long as a drug is safe to use then it is up to the discretion of the medical doctor to prescribe it for various conditions that they are "trained to understand and know the application for".
HCG is FDA approved to treat many various health issues and has been in existence to do so for over 45 years by the medical community. It is considered safe and has few side effects. HCG is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women, and to increase sperm count in men. HCG is also used in young boys with long, slender hands, large breasts, wide hips, buttocks and thighs with striation, knock-knees and underdeveloped genitals, often with undescended testicles. This can be caused by a pituitary gland disorder.* It has been used off label in the U.S. for weight loss since the 1970s when it was introduced from Europe. The doses used for weight loss are miniscule compared to doses used for the other conditions.
Although there are studies to demonstrate significant weight loss and thousands of case reports regarding weight loss, body contouring and HCG, the following is the FDA's position:
Indications and Usage: HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decrease the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.