COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING HCG WEIGHT LOSS

What is HCG?
HCG is Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin -a hormone produced by the female placenta during pregnancy. During pregnancy, HCG almost completely controls the female’s metabolic function. HCG is found only during pregnancy and in those rare cases when a residue of placental tissue continues to grow in the womb and is never found in the male.

Who developed the HCG Weight Loss Program?
The HCG Weight Loss Program was originally developed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, M.D. in Rome, Italy in the early 1950’s. Dr. Simeons studied thousands of cases involving overweight and obese individuals to develop an effective weight loss program.

How does your HCG weight loss program differ from other programs?
Our program is a medically supervised weight loss program that includes a detailed history followed by an examination, including BMI analysis and comprehensive body analysis. Blood chemistry is performed that involves CBC, CMP, thyroid, IGF-1, lipid panel, PSA, and cancer markers. Our unique program involves weekly diet and life style coaching and a detailed instruction manual for each patient. In addition, a weekly specialized Fat Burning Shot is provided to facilitate weight loss. A discount is also offered if someone needs to repeat the program to obtain their optimal weight. Our program is based on the research of Dr. Simeons as found in his manuscript called Pounds and Inches.

Jodi Arnold, BA is our Diet Coach/Lifestyle Educator and is the “key” to our successful weight loss program. She has personally gone through the HCG program and has had excellent results with patients for the last few years (refer to HCG Testimonials).

How much weight can I expect to lose with the HCG diet?
Most HCG dieters report a loss of one half to one pound a day. Most of the weight loss occurs during the first week where we have seen as much as eleven to twelve pounds lost during that time period. Factors that guarantee faster weight loss includes proper preparation before the diet starts and adhering to the proper protocol for the diet as outlined by Dr. Simeons.

How many calories can I have a day?
You are only allowed to eat 500 calories per day with your prescribed dose of HCG and the way these calories are made up is of utmost importance. It is very important to only eat the recommended combinations of fruits, vegetables and meats listed on the diet. Foods not listed in the diet interfere with the regular loss of weight. Dr. Simeons found that the specific foods listed in the diet have the proper caloric values to facilitate weight loss.

Will I be hungry on 500 calories a day?
It is common for mild hunger during the first few days; however, this will pass by the second week and many patients find that even very tiny servings tend to be very satisfying. This is partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic weight but it is largely due to the amount of calories circulating in your system from the fat being released. It is not uncommon that HCG dieters feel as though they are stuffing themselves in order to reach the 500 calorie limit.

Wouldn’t I lose Weight by eating 500 calories a day without taking HCG?
Here are some reasons why a 500 calorie diet without HCG is not the way to go:

• Without HCG, you will be extremely hungry because your body will be starving for nutrients. Dr. Simeons tells us that HCG causes over 2,000 calories to be released from abnormal fat stores into your bloodstream daily, so although you are eating 500 calories, your nutritional needs are served by the total calories in your bloodstream.
• Without this effect, your basal metabolism would become even slower, causing you to gain weight the minute that you resume normal eating.
• Because your body will be starving without HCG, it will attempt to store everything you eat as fat.

Can I take my medications while I’m on this diet?
The answer to this is most definitely “yes”. We do not want you to discontinue your present medications while you are on the diet. Because the diet has the ability to help lower blood pressure and reduce blood sugar, your blood pressure and glucose readings should be monitored while you are on the diet. Do not change your medications on your own without consulting with your Dr. Arnold first.

Is there anyone who should not be a candidate for the HCG diet?
Most people can undergo the HCG weight loss program; however, there are specific conditions that this diet would serve as a contraindication or precaution. Dr. Fred Arnold reviews each case individually to make sure each patient is a suitable candidate.

What patients do you find may not be successful on the HCG metabolic weight loss program?
Patients who by their design become creative and change and modify our recommendations are often disappointed with their results. We strictly follow Dr. Simeons protocol and find that the best results are always present when a dieter follows all recommendations made without making modifications on their own. Many times patients who listen to their friends find that the HCG program is being performed differently at another office and feel that they can modify their diet as their friend may be doing. However, we find again that these results may be disastrous for effective weight loss.

Does HCG have any side effects?
Yes, according to Dr. Simeons brittle nails may become normal and professional singers may even notice an improvement in their voice. He further states in his book that blood pressure begins to normalize, cholesterol readings become normal, and arthritis symptoms are reduced.

Why do patients report a sense of well-being while on HCG?
Commercial preparations of HCG contain beta-endorphin. This neuropeptide has been demonstrated to affect the function of limbic-emotional circuits. Therefore, the beta-endorphin fraction present in the preparation may account for the sense of well-being reported by patients. In fact, many patients are disappointed when they have to stop their injections for they feel so much better.

Is HCG the same as HGH?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is not the same as the hormone HGH (human growth hormone). HGH is sometimes called the “Master Hormone” because of its role in the proper functioning of other hormones in the body.

Why do I have to take injections?
The oral and cutaneous (creams or gels) administration of HCG and its effectiveness to facilitate weight loss is controversial and debated by different doctors and compounding pharmacies. Dr. Simeon suggested only injections and we find the best results with injections. The injection used is with an insulin syringe and one of the smallest needles. Most patients experience very little to any discomfort and are able to give the injections to them self. For those patients with an avid fear of needles, we do offer Homeopathic HCG; however, the results may be more variable.

Should I exercise when taking HCG?
Dr. Simeons does not state that exercise is necessary; although, patients may perform light exercise during their weight loss program. Many patients are able to lose their desired weight without exercise and lose 12 to 20 lbs or more but exercise helps set a pattern that will help the patient to keep their weight off once they stop their weight lose program. Dr. Arnold recommends that the patients avoid strenuous exercise until they reach their maintenance stage.

How many injections should I receive?
The number of injections you receive will depend upon the amount of weight you need and want to lose. We recommend the 8 week program, 23 injections for those wanting to lose 15 pounds or less and the 11 week program, 40 injections, for those who want to lose more than 15 pounds (average weight loss is 25 lbs.)

Where can I find the original manuscript of Dr. Simeons’ book?
A copy of the original "Pounds and Inches" book by Dr. Simeons is available on our website. Click here to view it.