What is HCG?

The HCG diet requires you to take a daily dose of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin also known as HCG. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. It is a hormone produced during pregnancy that regulates the nutrients given to the fetus to ensure that it develops normally by allowing the mother to use abnormal fats stored in her body for nutrients and energy.

HCG’s utility in weight loss was discovered in the 1950s, and today millions of people have used some form of the HCG diet to shed anywhere from a few unwanted pounds to fighting obesity.

How Does it Work?

With HCG, the body is better able to tap into its stored fat for maximum utilization. Skin & Body Refinery combines this hormonal treatment with light exercise, a calorie-restricted diet of fruit, vegetables and protein, which makes your body more reliant on the stored fat it already has. With this treatment, your body can burn upwards of 3500-4500 calories (or 1-2 pounds) of stored fat a day!

While on the HCG Diet Plan, you will be taking in only 500 calories a day. While this doesn’t sound like a lot (and is very unhealthy when done without HCG), the HCG treatment actually makes this intake quite comfortable. Many patients report that they sleep better and feel better than they did before they started. You can follow the program for 4, 6 or 8 weeks, though maintenance and healthy choices after the diet concludes are very important. The HCG Diet works equally well for men and women.

Will I Be Hungry While On HCG?

No. The HCG uses your stored fat so that your body is essentially always feeding. In fact, most of our clients report being satisfied with their intake. HCG releases from 1500 to 4000 calories of stored body fat a day in addition to the 500 that you eat, which keeps you from feeling hungry.

It’s important to know that HCG is a critical component. If you simply eat 500 calories a day with no hormonal supplement, you will suffer from a variety of side effects like nausea, headaches and fatigue. Likewise, your body will think you are starving, and will begin storing additional fat to combat this. HCG is absolutely necessary to make the 500-calorie diet work.

How Do I Keep the Weight Off?

You can keep the weight off by eating healthy and exercising.

HCG isn’t just a diet. It’s a combination of better eating and hormonal treatment that resets your body’s metabolism so that it doesn’t continue storing unnecessary fat. Once you’re off HCG, of course, you will need to continue making healthy food choices and exercising regularly. HCG provides the clean slate to build the new you.

Should I Have a Doctor Involved in the HCG Diet?

You should always discuss any weight loss programs you’re considering with your healthcare provider.