Introduction
The HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) diet is among the unscientific fad diets (quick weight loss plan) forms in existence, utilizing illegal supplements of HCG or its injections. Unfortunately, fad diets integrated into current dietary plans, recommended either by drastically cutting back on calories or limiting certain food groups, can lead to severe health issues. These diets often lack essential nutrients, causing nutritional deficiencies and compromising overall health. Moreover, the rapid weight loss associated with such diets is typically unsustainable and can result in the loss of lean muscle mass rather than fat. It is essential to approach weight loss with a balanced, evidence-based approach that prioritizes long-term health and well-being. Read the article to understand the negative impact of this diet and explore safer, more effective alternatives for achieving health goals.
What Is the HCG Diet?
HCG, short for human chorionic gonadotropin, is colloquially referred to as the pregnancy hormone in medical literature. This nomenclature stems from its primary production in the maternal blood circulation during pregnancy by the placenta. But what exactly is the HCG diet? Surprisingly, from a nutritional standpoint, this term bears no relation to pregnancy. The HCG diet is an exceedingly controversial weight loss regimen devised by certain healthcare practitioners. It is purportedly associated not only with negative impacts on organ systems but has also faced widespread criticism from global health experts and nutritionists for its adverse dietary effects.
The HCG diet typically involves the use of manufactured HCG supplements or injections of the HCG hormone, purportedly aiding in weight loss. This is combined with a severely restricted calorie intake per day. As many are aware, hormonal supplements and HCG injections are illegal. Therefore, any individual following this diet should report it to a registered healthcare professional or their local health council to ensure appropriate action is taken against practitioners advocating for such practices.
Moreover, the severe calorie restriction associated with the HCG diet can lead to a host of health issues, including fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and even heart problems. Additionally, the reliance on hormonal supplements raises concerns about potential long-term impacts on hormonal balance and reproductive health. It is crucial to recognize that sustainable weight loss and overall health are best achieved through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications.
Why Are HCG Supplements Illegal?
According to current recommendations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the only approved prescriptions for HCG drugs are for the treatment of female infertility and must be administered by a registered gynecologist. HCG supplements for weight loss, which claim to offer benefits, are not legally permitted to be sold in the United States. Similarly, in most other countries, HCG supplements or injections for weight loss are not only strictly prohibited but also contraindicated in several medical scenarios due to their potential life-threatening impact on organ systems. This is to prevent any possible adverse effects or interactions in patients.
As per reports and information from the FDA, warnings have been issued in the public interest regarding safety concerns and fraudulent weight-loss claims propagated by the media or certain practitioners of HCG supplements or injections. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to be aware of and avoid such illegal and unsafe dietary plans. For consumers or followers of diets, it is important to understand that maintaining a healthy weight is not only an indicator of systemic health but also a factor that can influence long-term risks of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Following fad plans, on the other hand, can deplete the body of essential micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and healthy carbohydrates or calories needed for daily bodily metabolism, circulation, and organ functions.
What Are the Phases of HCG Diet Plan?
This plan, which aims for short-term weight loss, is primarily divided into three phases. It is designed as a short-term eating regimen, typically lasting three to six weeks, targeting individuals seeking rapid weight reduction. As of today, according to the FDA, there is no substantial evidence supporting the positive impact of such eating plans on overall health or immunity.
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Loading Phase of HCG diet: This phase is purported to prime the immune system and circulation for the subsequent calorie restriction. During this phase, individuals starting the diet can consume high-fat, high-calorie foods, up to a maximum of 8.818 ounces of fat per day. This is combined with daily HCG hormone supplements or injections, aligning with the dietary plan.
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Weight Loss Phase: In this phase, HCG supplements are continued as the individual consumes approximately 500 to 800 calories per day, distributed across two meals. This phase typically lasts from three to six weeks, depending on the individual's weight loss goals.
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Maintenance Phase: During this phase, followers of the diet typically discontinue HCG supplements or injections while gradually increasing calorie intake through daily diet. This phase usually occurs after the individual has achieved their desired weight loss goals.
Even during the weight loss phase, certain foods are discouraged, while others are considered acceptable. Protein sources such as lean meats, chicken, white fish, crab, lobster, scallops, extra-lean beef, and egg whites are emphasized. Additionally, specific vegetables like spinach, lettuce, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, onions, chard, beet greens, cabbage, shallots, and radishes can be included. Lemon juice, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, or garlic can be used as seasonings for these lean meats and vegetables consumed during the final phase of weight loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the illegality of HCG injections or supplements used in this diet, lacking scientific evidence linking them to weight loss, renders it one of the most dangerous dietary plans of the current day. Always consult a registered healthcare professional before taking any supplements. Not only is the HCG diet plan deemed extremely calorie-restrictive according to current medical research, but it is also potentially hazardous due to unknown safety concerns and interactions associated with the HCG hormone. Furthermore, one major drawback is that the HCG hormone has not been scientifically linked to weight loss. Any healthcare practitioner promoting this diet should be aware that HCG itself does not affect weight gain or loss. Instead, studies and case reports suggest that weight loss primarily occurs due to calorie restriction from the low-calorie diet rather than from the supplement or injection itself.
