Recently, one of my patients, with the monitoring of another physician, went through a weight loss program consisting of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections and a 600 daily caloric intake. Is this a legitimate diet and will it become the “in” way to lose weight?
Over 50 years ago a British born physician, Dr. Albert Simeons claimed that HCG injections and a 500 calorie per day diet would mobilize stored fat, suppress appetite, and redistribute fat from the waist, hips, and thighs.
There have been numerous studies that have shown that HCG is ineffectual in producing weight loss. In 2009, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians issued a position paper stating that the majority of medical reports are critical of the Simeons method. In fact, the 500 calorie per day diet is likely to result in loss of protein from vital organs.
(Did You Know? HCG is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women.)
Safe and lifetime weight loss comes from focusing on the basics. This results from making a commitment to improve your lifestyle. Changing to healthier foods and adding physical activity are the primary and most proven ways to achieve your goals. Remember it takes time but in the end will pay off.