HomeBlog What is the HCG Diet?

What is the HCG Diet?

November 2, 2018

Many people have never heard of the HCG diet but in fact it was developed in the 1950’s by Dr. Albert Simeons as a method for quick FAT loss.  The program consists of a very low calorie, low fat diet for 3-6 weeks and the use of HCG hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin by injection, cream or drops under the tongue.  HCG is produced by the placenta and is important for fetal growth.  When used in the HCG diet it helps curb appetite and directs the loss of fat as opposed to loss of muscle mass while consuming 500 calories per day.  Loss of muscle can be a problem with very low calorie diet plans. 

The program starts with a loading phase of 2 days of high fat foods which helps to curb hunger that can occur as the low fat phase begins. 

HCG is used twice a day for the following 3 weeks while eating 2 meals per day consisting of lean meats, and limited fruit.  Breakfast is skipped, allowing a daily fasting period of 15 hours.  Water needs to be consumed throughout the day. 

At TLC we use prescription HCG, not homeopathic.   Sophisticated biometric testing is used to measure the fat loss of our patients on the plan.  Typical rates of weight loss are approximately ½ to 1 pound per day.  The program is not typically covered by insurance.   

After HCG diet is completed, we advise a low carb diet and intermittent fasting for long term maintenance of proper body composition and cell health.