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Quick and easy weight loss…think again! When it comes to weight loss, there is no such thing as quick, safe and easy--otherwise all of us would never have to diet or go to the gym. The HCGdiet is one of the fad diets like the Atkins or the tapeworm diet.
The following is some basic information about the HCG diet and its potential problems:
The basics of the diet : People on this diet typically do a daily injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), a pregnancy hormone, combined with a fat-free, 500 calorie per day diet. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. There is no reliable evidence of weight loss, fat redistribution, decreased appetite, or improved mood. Possible side effects include ovarian hyperstimulation, swelling, ovarian cyst rupture, multiple births, headache, irritability, depression, fatigue, restlessness, clots in the arteries, and allergic reactions. Individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, seizure disorders, migraines and asthma should be warned about taking this, as it may worsen their condition.
The problems: Proponents of this diet say that this pregnancy hormone and fertility drug redistributes fat, decreases hunger and improves mood in women. This has not been proven. The probable weight loss is due to the low-fat, low calorie diet. There are concerns about possible loss of protein from vital organs and nutritional deficiencies. The starvation which occurs can decrease minerals and cause an electrolyte imbalance. These electrolytes are needed for proper heart function. Heart disease may worsen or a heart attack may occur.
Think about it: On this diet, you will pay money to suffer on the 500 calories a day for about a month, you will probably be moody, you may damage your body, you may gain the weight back and you definitely will make someone else rich.
Try instead : Mediterranean diet
Add a Comment66 Comments
I was a size 18 before and I am now a size 8 and healthier than EVER thanks to HCG. This diet is not a fad diet. It's been around for over SIX decades. It's just getting to the main stream public because it's cheaper since they've found an over the counter way to administer the drug. Ignore this article.
April 18, 2012 - 2:26pmThis Comment
It is a fad died.... and a dangerous one at that. My twin sister passed away at age 26 due to hcG injection and the stupid low calorie diet that comes with it. The cops pronounced her dead due to a cardiac arrest. Still waiting on toxo. hcG is no joke and very dangerous. She was on the hcG died for 6 weeks when she passed away. Loosing your life is not worth it. Go to the gym, eat healthy and most importantly loose weight slowly!!
May 11, 2014 - 8:50amThis Comment
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I had a really bad experience with this diet too. This is scary because my heart was having problems soon after starting this diet. I took drops though. I hope you get the word out that this diet is truly dangerous.
May 11, 2014 - 12:19pmThis Comment
Size has nothing to do with it... as long as you are healthy. Read your books and be smart - HCG diet IS a fad diet! Cheaper is not better. Remember that you are the one that has to suffer the consequences. You are the one that has to go home and suffer. None of these people who promote the HCG diet will go home with you and support you, right? Will they pay your bills if you get sick from it? Think about it and be smart.
April 23, 2012 - 10:09pmThis Comment
I work as a respiratory therapist, and this is not my first case of seeing someone coming in the emergency room with a heart attack thanks to the HCG hormone. Sadly all these people coming in are in their mid 30's and end up on ventilators with more than 10 IV's running at a time. People do not realize the unseen damages they do to their bodies by trying out things advertized on TV/ billboards/news papers.
February 18, 2012 - 6:21amThis Comment
My cousin was found dead in her home yesterday. A normally healthy 53 year old who wanted to lose weight only to be more healthy. The only change she had made in her life recently was that she was on this diet.....so no thanks on the dont knock it till you try it. I believe strongly that this contributed to her sudden death and I dont believe anyone should try this EVER!!!!!!!!!
February 8, 2012 - 6:56amThis Comment
I am very sorry to hear about your cousin. If the HCG diet played any role in her death then I definitely hope more research is performed on this "diet" and the effects that it can have on the heart.
My condolences to you and your family,
Rosa
February 8, 2012 - 8:22amThis Comment
I started on the HCG diet on 10-21-11. On 11-4-11 I got up with an odd sensation in my chest. I attempted to feel my pulse and could not. With my stethoscope (I am a cardiac step down nurse) I listened to my heart beat an irregular 160 beats per minute. When I arrived at the ER, my heart rate was jumPing from 150 to 300 beats per minute. I was found to be in atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response. My potassium a d magnesium had to be replaced. After several failed attempts at chemical cardioversion, the next evening underwent a cardiac ablation that successfully put me back in normal rhythm. My cardiologist recommended I drop the diet and.believe me I have! I won't risk my health again with a medication that's use has not been approved by the FDA.
December 7, 2011 - 6:25pmThis Comment
I lost 20 pounds over 40 days had slightly more calories than 500 (700 as reccomended by Dr OZ) I felt great the whole time - it fixed my IBS - in fact since I have been off it (2 months) my weight has not increased -I felt great while on the drops - I wish there was something I could take everyday - not for the weightloss but for the lack of food intolerance which I didnt experience at all. I did notice introducing wheat back into my diet has had a negative effect on my IBS. There is not lack of calories as you are burning other calories from fat so there is no tiredness infact like other commenters I also had more energy. I also wasnt hungry more than twice and I used my brain and those times ate extra apple or watermelon. I am eating much healthier after I finished as a new way of life. Within the first two weeks I could see the fat going from my back, stomach and chin - have done many diets and have never seen this happen so quickly or noticeably. I would definately do it again to loose the last 10 pounds - in fact Im looking forward to it.
November 26, 2011 - 8:57amThis Comment
I agree with you Meg, I tried this diet and cannot believe that people can actually function properly while being on 500 calories. I was in the middle of studying for my state exam and decided that my license mattered more to me than feeling like I had no energy and constantly hearing my stomach growling from the hunger--not to mention its other adverse effects. At the end of the day, you can fool a person, but not your body.
November 20, 2011 - 6:23pmThis Comment