What is the HCG Diet?
By Pooja Malik | Published on January 25, 2010 | 0 Comments
If the thought of losing a pound a day in weight appeals to you, then read on. Dr. Pooja Malik, medical director of Mullica Hill Skincare in Mullica Hill, New Jersey talks here about the HCG Diet, which promises significant weight loss without any harmful side effects.
The full name of the HCG Diet is the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Diet. HCG is a pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta, where it is produced in the millions and trillions. It was found that when used in lower dose, like 125 units twice a day, it was seen to promote weight loss.
The HCG diet has been around for over 20 years. It requires taking the HCG hormone regularly, and it also entails being on a 600 calorie a day diet. And only certain food groups are allowed to be consumed. That entails a higher intake of fibers, protein, and certain fruits.
Available in Different Forms
HCG is available in different forms. There is a sublingual form of the medication, which means tablets that are placed under the tongue, while some doctors use the injectable form, where injections are done once a week. We only use the injectables here at Mullica Hill Skincare. Also with the HCG, a vitamin B12 supplementation that is required, along with a potassium supplementation patients must take while on the diet.
Usually people stay on it anywhere from one to three months, and the weight loss is anywhere from half a pound to a pound per day. It is safe because tests have shown that people lose the weight not from lean muscle but from adipose fat tissue. So the body is not stripped of the essential items it needs to maintain optimum health, such as vitamins, nutrients and muscle.
Who’s a Candidate?
There is no indication that you have to be a certain weight to go on the HCG Diet, and I usually take people according to their BMI, or Body Mass Index. If they have a BMI of over 25, then they are candidates for the diet.
People who should not go on the diet would be uncontrolled diabetics on insulin, people with heart conditions, and people with multiple medical problems, who should definitely consult their doctor or specialist before starting this diet. In fact, everyone should consult their doctor before going on any diet, just to make sure it is the right diet for them.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.