If you are struggling to lose weight, the HCG diet could be the answer. This hormone is naturally made by the placenta in a pregnant woman’s body.

The HCG diet can help reduce hunger and promote weight loss by mobilizing the fat present in your body. However, you must consult your doctor when starting this diet plan to lose weight.

When you’re on an HCG diet your dietician will restrict your caloric intake to 500 calories maximum, so that your body will enter into ketosis faster. Of course, you don't want to eat more than 500 calories per day on this diet but still, aim at 30-minute intervals between meals because it may help increase metabolism.

1. What is HCG, and how does it work?

HCG is short for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, it performs various functions, ranging from helping a pregnant woman to continue her pregnancy to sperm maturation in males and even more.


It is produced by the placenta of the pregnant woman. It helps to maintain the pregnancy and growth (thickening) of the uterine wall to contain the embryo. [1]

When it comes to the weight loss function of HCG, it mobilizes the fat present in your body to help you lose weight quickly. Most people lose 0.25 to one pound per day while taking HCG injections. Many people lose more weight when combining HCG injections with a low-calorie diet.

If you are taking HCG as a treatment for weight loss, your healthcare provider might recommend that you should follow a very low-calorie diet.

2. The recommended dosage for weight loss

When starting HCG, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage. The typical dosage for HCG injections is 500IU (International Units) per day. Some people also find that it can be helpful to break up their daily dose of HCG into two or three smaller doses taken throughout the day.

This can help ensure that you get the most out of your HCG supplement and minimize any potential side effects. However, if you choose to do this, be sure to keep track of how many IU's you are taking each time so that you don't exceed the recommended daily dosage.

Some people find that they need to increase their dosage to see results. If you are not losing weight at the rate you expected, speak to your doctor about managing your dosage.
It is important to only increase your dosage under the guidance of a health professional. If you take too much HCG, you could experience adverse effects.

Some people need to decrease their dosage to maintain their weight loss. It is essential to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. This medicine is either injected into a muscle, like a thigh or buttocks, or it may be given under the skin instead. Ask your doctor which way is right for you. [2]

HCG drops can also be used, but they are not as effective as injections. If you choose to use HCG drops, it is essential to follow the instructions exactly. Do not take more or less than what is recommended.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when taking HCG for weight loss:

  • Only increase your dosage if your doctor advised you to do so.
  • Take HCG injections or drops under the guidance of a health professional.
  • Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed.
  • Do not take more or less than what is recommended for you.

3. How the HCG diet works to promote weight loss

The HCG diet theory is based on the theory that when combined with a low-calorie diet, HCG can help promote weight loss. The idea is that HCG can help mobilize stored fat and encourage its use as energy leading to weight loss. [3]

Basically, HCG puts the body in an anabolic state (in which the body builds and repairs its muscles and utilizes the fat), ultimately resulting in fat loss. That’s why it is also known as a fat mobilizer.

4. Who should use this type of diet, and what are its side effects?

If you are obese or have a lot of weight to lose but never achieved the results in the past, despite being consistent with your different diet plans, this diet may be an excellent option. There are very few side effects associated with HCG diets. 

Many people have more energy, better mental clarity and zero to no side effects while being on the HCG diet. However, some people experience mild side effects such as headaches, fatigue, or constipation. If you do experience any adverse side effects, consult your doctor immediately. [4]

This diet is not for everyone. For example, if you are under 18, pregnant or nursing, have diabetes, heart disease, or other major medical conditions, the HCG diet may not be right. And you should consult your doctor before starting the diet. 

5. When should you start an HCG diet?

If you have a lot of weight to lose, and have tried multiple different methods in the past, your doctor may recommend starting the HCG diet. Your doctor can help you determine if you need to start with a low dose of HCG and increase it gradually, or have a different approach. Remember that everyone is different, and you may need to adjust the dosage depending on your own body needs.

But some important prerequisites that must be checked before starting an HCG diet are:

  • You are obese (BMI>30).
  • You have tried different diet plans but nothing ever worked for you.
  • You cannot follow complex diet plans.
  • You have less time to achieve your goal.
  • Your physician has advised you to start HCG diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HCG work for everyone?

HCG is not a magic pill and will not work for everyone. Some people have reported great success with HCG, while others have not seen any results at all. It is important to keep in mind that each person's body chemistry is different and what works for one person may not work for others. Because of this, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting HCG therapy.

How long does it take to start seeing results with HCG?

Knowing the correct dosage for your needs is essential if you want to start losing weight with HCG. Most people will begin to see results within two weeks of starting the HCG diet. However, your results may vary depending on your body’s metabolism and the number and type of calories you consume daily.

How much does an HCG kit cost?

There are many HCG kit brands in the market. The price range is anywhere from $30 to $200. It is best to consult with your doctor before purchasing to ensure that you get the right type of HCG kit for your weight loss needs.

Takeaway

Now that you know more about HCG and how to take it for weight loss, you may be wondering what the recommended dosage is. As with any medication or supplement, it is always best to start with the lowest dose (according to your age, gender, weight, and height) and then adjust the dose if needed.

In most cases, a dosage of 125-250 IUs (International Units) per day should be enough to produce results. However, if you are extremely obese and have a lot of weight to lose and are not seeing results after several weeks on this dose, you can increase it by 50-100 IUs (as advised by the physician) until you start seeing the results.

Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before changing your dosage, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements along with the HCG diet.

Citations
  1. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, August 8, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/ Assessed: January 22, 2023.
  2. How should I use this medication? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18559-human-chorionic-gonadotropin-hcg-injection Assessed: January 22, 2023.
  3. HCG for Weight Loss April 18, 2014, https://www.acam.org/blogpost/1092863/185813/HCG-for-Weight-Loss Assessed: January 22, 2023.
  4. What Are the Side Effects of the HCG Diet? October 22, 2021 https://www.verywellfit.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-the-hcg-diet-5204585 Assessed: January 22, 2023.

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