The truth about the HCG diet
When the FDA puts a warning out that you should stay away from any kind of diet I think it goes without saying that you should heed their warning. The hCG diet is a weight loss plan that uses the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (yes, the one that’s found to have
elevated levels during pregnancy, it’s the hormone that sustains life) combined with a very restricted diet consisting of 500 calories. The diet plan boasts a dramatic one pound loss every day without losing muscle mass. A year ago Dr. Mehmet Oz did a series of shows looking into the diet, which has had links to its followers using over the counter droplets. At the conclusion of the series, Oz asked doctors to look into the diet objectively and collect more data on the diet’s safety. Since that show aired the beloved doctor has released a statement, “I am feeling more comfortable. I do feel there's still a lot we have to learn about why it works, but I've got to say it makes a difference to a lot of people, and it seems to very carefully allow you to lose weight without burning a lot of muscle."
I think this diet it too new to fully understand the long term effects. Sure you’ll definitely lose weight quickly if you only consume 500 calories but again, how is the diet sustainable? What happens when it’s finished? Always ask yourself whether or not a diet will teach you healthy eating habits for life. If it won’t, if the diet is a quick fix consider ditching it because you may find yourself in the same spot a few years down the road. If you are considering doing the hCG diet please consult a doctor first. I really caution you to only do this diet under the advice of a licensed practitioner. Here are a few links about this controversial diet:
Mayo Clinic - Does the hCG diet work – and is it safe?
webMD - The Truth About hCG for Weight Loss
Shape – The Truth About the hCG Diet Plan
Yes, there are sources out there that claim the diet is safe to use and perhaps they are correct. Again, I think this is one diet that cannot be done on your own and you must consult a physician before and during the diet plan.
