What is hCG?

hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadatropin (HYOO man core e ON ik go NAD o TRO pin), a hormone produced during pregnancy. During pregnancy, hCG almost completely controls a woman’s metabolic functions. hCG is also used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in men and women.

How much weight will I lose?

Most hCG dieters report an average weight loss of .5 to 2 pounds a day.

Is it healthy to lose 1-2 pounds a day?

hCG weight loss studies have shown that weight loss following the Simeons protocol comes directly from adipose fat tissue rather than lean muscle. In doing so, the weight comes directly from the fat and does not strip the body of vitamins, minerals, or muscle, yet at the same time releasing excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients into the blood stream to be absorbed by the body. 

Why the 500 calorie diet?

hCG causes your hypothalamus to mobilize fat out of the fat storage locations so that it is available for use. Although you are only consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the fat stored in your body. In other words, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day.

Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating only 500 calories without the hCG?

You will lose weight by consuming fewer calories; however, because the body stores fat in times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before adipose fat. In the long run, your metabolism slows, it is much easier to gain the weight back, as well as decreases bone density and muscle mass. By using hCG with the low calorie diet, extra fat is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated; the low calorie diet is vital in prevention of refilling emptied fat cells.

What are the side effects of the hCG diet?

There are rarely any side effects reported while on the diet. When using hCG for weight loss purposes occasional headaches, restlessness or irritability, water weight gain, depression, and breast tenderness are the only side effects reported, which has been minimal. When hCG is used for fertility reasons, there have been reports of occasional headaches and pregnancy symptoms. Some women who have used hCG have developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. hCG may also increase your likelihood of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) However, the amount of hCG used for weight loss is minimal compared to the amount used for fertility purposes.

What is the hypothalamus gland?

The hypothalamus gland regulates the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage, and your metabolic rate.

Will I gain the weight back?

You will find that your appetite has changed and your eating behavior will be changed. This is the perfect opportunity to change to healthier eating habits. A minimal amount of exercise should suffice for maintaining your new healthy body. (Yoga, 15 minutes of cardio, whatever gets your heart rate up.) Your metabolism will be different and you will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need of overeating.