Frequently Asked Questions

about the HCG

diet weight loss program.
What is HCG and how does the HCG diet work for weight loss?

HCG is 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, but during pregnancy the levels double every two days. This allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as an energy hormone for both mother and fetus. Energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount 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 men and women. This acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism with 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 should not produce any side effects.

Wouldn't I lose the same amount of weight eating a very 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 muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metabolism to slow down, so in the long run, it would make gaining weight easier, as well as decrease bone density and muscle mass. This could result in fast weight loss but unhealthy weight loss. How to lose weight without HCG is very complex.  

What do I need to get started with the HCG Weight Loss Clinic?

All you need is a desire to lose the weight, a consultation with our nurse practioner on our diet plans and the HCG.  Simple !

Where Do I get supplies?

HCG Weight Loss Clinic will provide you with all of the supplies needed for your program.


Will my insurance company cover the cost of the HCG

kit?

Whether or not your insurance company will cover the costs depends upon your coverage. We will supply you with the necessary insurance codes and with an invoice so you can properly submit a claim.  HCG Weight Loss Clinic does not directly bill insurance companies on behalf of patients. However, we have outsourced insurance billing available to our clients at a nominal fee. 

Will HCG Make Me Lose Weight No Matter What I Eat?

No. For the HCG diet to properly work, you must follow the diet plan.
 
How Does using HCG result in weight loss?

Thousands of calories in stored fat are released and are used by the body or expelled. To keep the fat cells from instantly taking in more fat, a very low calorie diet is necessary. Women produce high levels of HCG while pregnant which causes no ill effects. In fact, doctors use HCG to help women experiencing hormonal issues or fertility problems. Researchers have found that HCG can help both men and women burn fat and aid in the
mobilization of fat as fuel in the body.

Is it healthy to lose 1 to 2 pounds a day with HCG injections?

HCG weight loss studies have shown that weight lost following Dr. Simeon’s protocol comes directly from adipose fat tissue rather than lean muscle. In doing so, the weight lost comes directly from fat and does not strip the body of much needed muscle, vitamins or minerals necessary to maintain good health. At the same time, HCG releases excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients into the blood stream to be absorbed by the body for additional energy required throughout the day.  HCG dieters report the feeling and appearance of great health and marvel at the loss of the negative health risks they had as an overweight individual.

Why is it essential to follow a 500 calorie diet on the HCG diet protocol?

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamus)
The HCG diet shots cause your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the 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 in fact operating on thousands of calories a day. This is the reason why HCG dieters lose 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more per day.

Will I lose faster if I eat less than 500 calories per day?

Not a good idea! If you eat less then 500 calories, the body can go into starvation mode which initiates an energy reduction directive which slows down your metabolism and your fat loss subsides. So, make sure that you are eating your full 500 calories and that they are made up of the prescribed foods. DO NOT skip eating.

Why do I have to eat a lot during the first two days and what should I eat?

The first two days of each program are important days.Spread the calories out thoughout the day...larger amounts of junk food, things your body isn't use to ingesting, etc. This primes the HCG pump. Some clients experience more hunger pains the first week or so.

Will I gain the weight back after the HCG diet?

At the HCG Weight Loss Center our goal is to help you reach your weight loss goals safely and to keep the weight off. Through education and motivation this diet will get you in the habit of making the right choices and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

What happens if I eat something that is not on the list?

You will likely not see a loss the following day. Strict devotion to your specific diet plan is vital to the success of the program.

Why are people not hungry on this diet?

The HCG helps to release fat from fat stores. The body will release as much as the body needs to support itself. The calories released with the HCG are  in excess of what the body needs, helping to stave off the feeling of hunger.

Should I take a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral during the program?

We believe it is vital to take a daily a HCG Support and Maintenance vitamin, which is HCG Friendly. This prevents hair shedding and helps with energy.

What happens if I feel dizzy or light-headed during the day?

This may mean that your blood sugar or your blood pressure, is too low. Try eating something from the free food list in your diet program.  You may eat your fruit or a cracker. If this happens frequently and is not relieved by eating and/or drinking according your diet plan, please call the office for further evaluation and troubleshooting ideas.

I am having bowel movements less frequently. Is that normal?

Because your food intake has decreased significantly, it is normal to also have a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. One every two to three days is considered normal. If you go longer than 3 days, you would likely benefit from one of the suggestions for relieving constipation outlined in your diet program or give us a call! 
 How does Oxidative Stress affect Weight Loss?
 In the simplest terms, inflammation makes you fat.  Oxidative Stress is inflammation!  This is how it works.  Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are oxidative stress, free radicals, and single molecules of oxygen which cause damage to your cells and tissue.  Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) creates a condition known as Oxidative Stress.  The body's natural mechanisms for neutralizing Oxidative Stress become compromised through diet.  Diets that promote high blood sugar increase Oxidative Stress levels which overwhelm the bodies natural defense against Oxidative Stress or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and chronic low grade inflammation develops with the arteries and tissue.  Creating aging and cell damage leading to a multitude of diseases.  Chronic inflammation of the arteries damages insulin function.  The body can no longer use food for energy, but must store it as fat.  Reducing chronic inflammation and excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is vital for weight loss and weight control.
 How does Sleep affect Weight Loss?
 New research relates the critical role sleep plays in maintaining weight and weight loss.  Lack of sleep increases appetite, decreases metabolism, and causes you to store more fat from the carbohydrates that you eat.  Chronic lack of sleep is directly connected with a higher risk of obesity and diabetes.  New studies relate an alarming connection to sleep deprivation, weight gain, diabetes and obesity.  Lack of sleep predisposes you toward weight gain and obesity by changing the way you metabolize carbohydrates and glucose or sugar, increasing your appetite and decreasing your metabolism.  Poor glucose metabolism will increase hunger via an impaired insulin signaling which signals an increased hunger sensation.  Therefore, the mechanism of weight gain from sleep deprivation appears to be impaired glucose metabolism.  Sleep deprivation de-regulates the hormones that control appetite and insulin sensitivity.  So get eight hours of sleep a night and no processed carbs or sugar.