Anyone doing the HCG diet?

[Odoyal Rulez]

I agree with the above poster. Real HCG is a controlled substance and it has to be delivered either subcutaneously or IM to be effective. Those drops are not the same thing as real HCG, even tho they put a lot of convincing "studies" on their websites and bottles. Those studies are not scientific and none of them are published in any medical journals.

If anything, im glad those people doing this are losing the weight..even if its a starvation based unsustainable diet plan.

As a side note, males should never take the HCG (real hcg not the fake pills) unless its prescribed to raise your sperm count, or for other PCT reasons. It can have very unpleasant side effects in males and can shut down your HPTA after taking it for a bit.

[beg4cruz]

HCG works by ELIMINATING fat cells. It does not shrink them, it ELIMINATES THEM.

IF a person has read the actual science, and not just the de-bunk articles, then they would be informed and not talking out of their ...

ONCE HCG is introduced into your system, after 2 load days, then it allows your body to use stored fat as energy, and not simply your food intake. So, yes, you are losing weight because you are on a restricted calorie plan... you are LOSING INCHES because the HCG in your system allows your body to burn fat as stored energy.

When I recently completed a 30 day HCG cycle, I lost 20 pounds and over 14 inches on my body. I was INCREDIBLY hungry the entire time - and the first 2-3 weeks were the easiest for me, it was the last week and a half that was really difficult! It was great to see the physical changes, not just the scale change.

I also agree that on the cruise, you should just try to get in some exercise each day and not worry about if you gain weight! Enjoy yourself, enjoy the food, and when you get back home get right back on track with only the guilt of having ejoying yourself!

As far as purchasing HCG, the homeopathic form will not be very effective as it is minimally pure. The injections you purchase may have to be 'mixed' before you can use them. I suggest searching for a doctor that prescribes it, and you will also be monitored during the program. The doc visits are covered under most commercial insurance plans but you will have to pay for the HCG. I paid $250 for 30 days of the oral HCG drops, 2 months of multi-vitamins, vitaminD with probiotics, probiotics, and betten-aid.

There are many good articles on this site in regards to HCG diet, as well as probiotics and vitamin D with weight loss. Also, this doc has tried for over 22 years to lose weight - he is a very holistic MD and doesn't believe in pills, vaccines, drugs or surgery. He has lost over 90 pounds on HCG in the last year...

www.homefirst.com

[onevacationlover]

I just posted this same question before I read yours..

[onevacationlover]

Originally Posted by snorkelman

Wake up people. These fad diets have too many of you yo-yoing through life. The only reason this "works" is because it is a very low calorie diet. Of course, it is not something that most people can do for long periods, hence the weight gain...yo-yo.

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov.../he-nutrition2

http://www.dietscam.org/reports/hcg.shtml

Most diets will make your body hold fat since it thinks it is being starved but with HCG that is not the case; you are using body fat as part of your energy which is how you loose the wieght so fast....plus it teachs you what to eat and portion control ...it has worked for several of my friends...and one had lap band surgery before..

[soohoo]

I have taken both the shots and sublingual drops. In May, our state pulled the sublingual the Dr's were giving off the market saying they weren't effective. Now, I lost 20 lbs on them and struggled to eat my food. Now, I am on day 32 of shots and went to a different doctor for the shots (which average $125 per week) and I love this diet even better. Although the diet is about the same, each doctor had a slightly different twist, and this one allows for a scoop of protien powder per day. I add it to my coffee and then, I struggle to eat my food for the day. But the nice chocolate flavor is such a treat! My goal is to not gain the weight back before October Epic Cruise!

[writerchick1982]

I hope to start this very soon. I am in touch with a clinic that has a program. I have lost 70 lbs since christmas 2008, but for the past month or so everything has been at a standstill for me. I am going on my first cruise with my boyfriend on 12/04/10. We'll be on the NCL Epic! So excited, but I'd love to lose another 30 lbs by then.

[texanslovetotravel]

I start the injections next week. I'm so excited. Plan to be at goal and on maintenance by the time we cruise at Thanksgiving.

[snorkelman]

Originally Posted by onevacationlover

.plus it teachs you what to eat and portion control ...it has worked for several of my friends..

No. HGC does not teach you what to eat. Perhaps the person selling it to you offers an educational plan to teach you what to eat, but the few people who don't yo-yo and pack the pounds back on are able to do so because they were the few who actually learned portion control and the ability to reduce caloric intake. Some learn that from programs such as WW after they lose weight with the very low calorie diet (VLCD) which is what HCG essentially does for you.

Originally Posted by beg4cruz

When I recently completed a 30 day HCG cycle, I lost 20 pounds and over 14 inches on my body. I was INCREDIBLY hungry the entire time

Not surprising at all. You ate drastically below your maintenance level. It will be a challenge to maintain that weight loss. Check back in 6 or 12 months and update us on whether you were able to keep the pounds off.

Originally Posted by beg4cruz

IF a person has read the actual science, and not just the de-bunk articles, then they would be informed and not talking out of their ...

Please feel free to post citations to any peer reviewed medical journal articles that support your beliefs, because you are not on solid ground. I have read the literature and let's just say that the science does not support that HCG is doing what you people think it is. This is not something new. There are studies from decades ago.

[onevacationlover]

It is still working for me...It really has changed my thoughts on what and how much to eat...

[CannieD]

It is working for me too.....I do not like to tell others about it though....
for the very reason here. Seems like everyone wants to attack you for it.
All I know is....if I were eating this low calorie normally, w/o the hcg, I would have no success. I know this because I have been on several diets before that were calorie restrictive and I could not do it because of hunger. I was very skeptical when I heard about this plan....but I thought what the heck....i have been very happy I did. I lost 20lbs the first time and maintained it over 6 weeks....this includes a vacation out west.
So if it makes someone able to lose the weight....why can't people just be glad for them and let it go at that. Good luck to all who go on the hcg venture or whatever diet plan you choose to use.

[gizmo]

This thread should be for people who want to discuss their hcg diet, NOT be critizied for it.
It is VERY RUDE to belittle people for their weight lose method.

[onevacationlover]

Originally Posted by gizmo

This thread should be for people who want to discuss their hcg diet, NOT be critizied for it.
It is VERY RUDE to belittle people for their weight lose method.

Yes...I agree..
I wish someone had told me about this diet a LONG time ago...it would have saved me some money....money I could spend on cruising

[snorkelman]

Sorry that some of you don't like to hear anything that doesn't support your current belief, but sometimes you need to hear things that you may not like to. If you are losing fat while you are spending money on this treatment, then there will be an expectation bias. I am honestly happy for anyone who is losing fat while on this, but my goal in addressing this issue to to send a wake-up call to people that the only reason this works for some people is because of the very low caloric intake. I am a firm believer in the power of the human mind and there is a placebo effect that takes place with many supplements and treatments. If this product allows you to reduce calories where you couldn't do it with willpower and discipline, well, then it is effective for achieving that goal. However, claiming that you have maintained weight loss for 6 weeks is certainly not saying much. The number of people who maintain at the 12 month mark is nothing to brag about. Essentially, for the vast majority of people, this is a waste of money.

Since nobody has provided any solid research contesting my comments, I guess I will provide some so that you start questioning your current beliefs. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess if there is scientific ground for the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. See, The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. G K Lijesen, et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1995 September; 40(3): 237–243.

Essentially they reviewed published papers relating to eight controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials that measured the effect of HCG in the treatment of obesity. They concluded "that there is no scientific evidence that HCG causes weight-loss, a redistribution of fat, staves off hunger or induces a feeling of well-being. Therefore, the use of HCG should be regarded as an inappropriate therapy for weight reduction...."

You may also want to look at the May 2010 edition of the Harvard Women's Health Watch in which there is an article titled, By the way, doctor. I've been trying to lose weight for a long time and nothing seems to work. What do you know about the HCG diet? by
Robb-Nicholson C. See, Harv Womens Health Watch. 2010 May;17(9):8.

[CapeCodCruiser]

Originally Posted by snorkelman

Sorry that some of you don't like to hear anything that doesn't support your current belief, but sometimes you need to hear things that you may not like to. If you are losing fat while you are spending money on this treatment, then there will be an expectation bias. I am honestly happy for anyone who is losing fat while on this, but my goal in addressing this issue to to send a wake-up call to people that the only reason this works for some people is because of the very low caloric intake. I am a firm believer in the power of the human mind and there is a placebo effect that takes place with many supplements and treatments. If this product allows you to reduce calories where you couldn't do it with willpower and discipline, well, then it is effective for achieving that goal. However, claiming that you have maintained weight loss for 6 weeks is certainly not saying much. The number of people who maintain at the 12 month mark is nothing to brag about. Essentially, for the vast majority of people, this is a waste of money.

Since nobody has provided any solid research contesting my comments, I guess I will provide some so that you start questioning your current beliefs. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess if there is scientific ground for the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. See, The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. G K Lijesen, et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1995 September; 40(3): 237–243.

Essentially they reviewed published papers relating to eight controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials that measured the effect of HCG in the treatment of obesity. They concluded "that there is no scientific evidence that HCG causes weight-loss, a redistribution of fat, staves off hunger or induces a feeling of well-being. Therefore, the use of HCG should be regarded as an inappropriate therapy for weight reduction...."

You may also want to look at the May 2010 edition of the Harvard Women's Health Watch in which there is an article titled, By the way, doctor. I've been trying to lose weight for a long time and nothing seems to work. What do you know about the HCG diet? by
Robb-Nicholson C. See, Harv Womens Health Watch. 2010 May;17(9):8.

Snorkelman - although you are entitled to your opinion - it does not belong here - the topic of this thread is "Anyone doing the HCG diet" NOT "who wants to cram their opinion of HCG down others throats". Please create your own thread discussing your topic and stop trolling this one!


Now for my experience:

I completed a 40 day treatment using the homeopathic sublingual drops I purchased on the web for 39.95 - 10 drops 3 times a day. I lost a total of 25 lbs in my first round. I stuck strickly to Dr Simeons diet and only had a few times where I felt hungry. Actually the last couple of weeks I had to spread out the fruit from my main meals because I would be full.

I took 7 weeks off and ate about 1500 calories a day most days but I did allow myself some indulgences - pasta, italian pastry, the terribly addicting Snyder's Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces - these were a daily indulgence! I gaind about 2 lbs back in the 7 weeks.

I am now on a 2nd course of the drops - day 11 and am down 7 lbs.

I tried losing other ways with ZERO results - my metabolism is virtually non existant. I rode a stationary bike 3 hours a day - that's about 17 miles a day - for 4 months on a 1200 calorie/day diet and while I should have been losing 2 or 3 lbs a week I lost 7 lbs in 16 weeks - totally depressing!

Naysayers be damned - I am a fan of HCG!

[CannieD]

Good for you Capecodcruiser....not only for your results but also for kicking that guy to the curb!!!

[onevacationlover]

Originally Posted by CapeCodCruiser

Snorkelman - although you are entitled to your opinion - it does not belong here - the topic of this thread is "Anyone doing the HCG diet" NOT "who wants to cram their opinion of HCG down others throats". Please create your own thread discussing your topic and stop trolling this one!


Now for my experience:

I completed a 40 day treatment using the homeopathic sublingual drops I purchased on the web for 39.95 - 10 drops 3 times a day. I lost a total of 25 lbs in my first round. I stuck strickly to Dr Simeons diet and only had a few times where I felt hungry. Actually the last couple of weeks I had to spread out the fruit from my main meals because I would be full.

I took 7 weeks off and ate about 1500 calories a day most days but I did allow myself some indulgences - pasta, italian pastry, the terribly addicting Snyder's Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces - these were a daily indulgence! I gaind about 2 lbs back in the 7 weeks.

I am now on a 2nd course of the drops - day 11 and am down 7 lbs.

I tried losing other ways with ZERO results - my metabolism is virtually non existant. I rode a stationary bike 3 hours a day - that's about 17 miles a day - for 4 months on a 1200 calorie/day diet and while I should have been losing 2 or 3 lbs a week I lost 7 lbs in 16 weeks - totally depressing!

Naysayers be damned - I am a fan of HCG!

That is awesome! I am in Phase 3 awaiting to go back on for a few weeks precruise on Oasis...

I totally agree - it is the best diet for quick results and easy to maintain...I have a friend right now who is depressed because she has exercised for 22days shraight and cut back calories and has only lost 1.5 lbs....I keep telling give hcg a try..you WILL HAVE RESULTS..

Are you still on this round?

[marriednlovinit]

Just wanted to stop in an say that I have started back on this again over the weekend. I am so excited and for my personal experience, this is wonderful.

I have always been up there in weight compared to friends around me especially after my second pregnancy. I have tried pretty much every diet out there over the past 18 years with no success until I tried the HCG Diet. The best part is that it has been over 6 months since I did the protocol and have only gained 3 pounds. I have even gone back to my "normal" eating habits since then. I have noticed that my portion size has decreased and I will eat/snack more sensibly than before. But have decided that I need to get back on this to loose those additional pounds. I would love to get to the 150 mark, but I would say that is an unreachable target for me, so loosing 20 - 40 more pounds would be great and acceptable for me.

Good luck to all that are doing this protocol.

[CapeCodCruiser]

Originally Posted by marriednlovinit

Just wanted to stop in an say that I have started back on this again over the weekend. I am so excited and for my personal experience, this is wonderful.

I have always been up there in weight compared to friends around me especially after my second pregnancy. I have tried pretty much every diet out there over the past 18 years with no success until I tried the HCG Diet. The best part is that it has been over 6 months since I did the protocol and have only gained 3 pounds. I have even gone back to my "normal" eating habits since then. I have noticed that my portion size has decreased and I will eat/snack more sensibly than before. But have decided that I need to get back on this to loose those additional pounds. I would love to get to the 150 mark, but I would say that is an unreachable target for me, so loosing 20 - 40 more pounds would be great and acceptable for me.

Good luck to all that are doing this protocol.

Tammy - keep at it and never say something is unreachable. Were you on the shots or the drops? I have found the drops to be very effective and much more affordable for repeated courses. You could just keep doing 5 week courses with 2 or 3 weeks off in between until you reach your goal.

[snorkelman]

For those of you undergoing this and finding success in retraining yourself on proper amounts of food (especially for when you go "off" the HCG and your caloric intake increases), congratulations.

Anyone undergoing this very low calorie diet (VLCD) may want to consider taking up weight training. One of the biggest problems with a VLCD is that you lose significant amounts of muscle since it is challenging to keep protein levels adequate. Nonetheless, it is possible to gain muscle on a calorie restricted diet. About a decade ago a study came out which tested the effects of resistance training vs. aerobic (cardio) training when on a very low calorie diet (VLCD). This study involved unconditioned and overweight subjects consuming only 800 calories per day. This study concluded that the addition of an intensive, high volume resistance training program resulted in the preservation of lean body weight and resting metabolic rate. Over the 12-week test period, the subjects that did cardio only lost an average of 7.4% body fat, but also lost 4.1 % lean mass. Whereas those who did weight training lost 8.6% body fat, and only lost 0.8% lean mass. This demonstrates that resistance/strength training (rather than aerobic training – a.k.a. "cardio") should comprise the bulk of the training in a severe caloric deficit.

See, Effects of resistance vs. aerobic training combined with an 800 calorie liquid diet on lean body mass and resting metabolic rate. Bryner RW, Ullrich IH, Sauers J, Donley D, Hornsby G, Kolar M, Yeater R. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Apr;18(2):115-21. PMID: 10204826 http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/18/2/115


You can take steps to further limit the lean body mass (muscle) losses when on your VLCD by making sure that you are taking in sufficient protein.

Good luck on your journeys.

[amedawn]

I just wanted to add my 2 cents to this topic. I started my HCG journey almost a year ago, and have great success. I was at a point in my life where I was seriously considering weight loss surgery. I had several medical problems that were becoming serious and surgery seemed like my last hope after a lifetime of "dieting". My sil who is an RN suggested a new diet (HCG) that several of the Dr's she works with were on. I thought she was crazy at first...500 cals! No way!...but I did tons of research and decided to give it a try. I have done 3 rounds and lost a total of 108lbs to date. I truly believe that this diet has helped me change my life around and has given me a second chance. Do I think that it's a magic cure, no. I still had the choice every day to stick to the menu plans and not put certain things into my body. I will say that being able to see results, on a daily basis, certainly kept me motivated to keep on keepin on. I still have a LONG way to go before I am at a "healthy" BMI, so I will be doing a few more rounds of HCG. Hopefully by next summer I will be at my goal weight. There is a HUGE group of HCG'ers on fb and youtube that I consider my family. They have supported me and been my rocks. We are actually doing an HCG group cruise next September to celebrate our weight losses. As far as cruising while on HCG...I wouldn't recommend it if you are on the vlcd's...but if you are on the maintenance phase...you will be able to find plenty of safe foods. Congrats to everyone who has been successful on HCG!!