HCG Diet Controversy

I have been hearing lots about the controversial HCG weight loss diet, so I did a bit of digging around to find out the latest scoop on this diet.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the diet, HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone naturally produced by the placenta in pregnant women and one that almost completely controls the metabolic function through the hypothalamus throughout the pregnancy.  Apparently, HCG has not only been linked to supporting a woman through her pregnancy, but has been linked to playing a role in helping a woman control and manage her weight as well. 


So how does the HCG Diet work?  In order to gain the full benefits of this program, dieters are required to have HCG injections in order to promote the mobilization of fat out of the fat storage locations so that it's available for use.  I should note that it's not only the shots alone that cause weight loss.  While following the program, dieters are only allowed to consume 500 calories, so that their hypothalamus continually works to support the release of fat stored in the body.  As a result of the HCG injections, coupled by the consumption of limited calories, dieters can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds, while on the diet.


Now I don't know about you, but common sense, not to mention the amount of reading I've done over the years on every diet you can imagine, tells me that, any short term fix as far as weight loss is concerned (shots, pills, limited consumption of calories) spells danger!  I know this diet has been getting rave reviews on many diet forums and boards, but before you consider putting yourself through such extreme measures all in the name of weight loss, I advise you to do your homework and know exactly what your getting yourself into.  


For more on this controversial diet, take a look at the recent episode Dr. Oz had done on the HCG diet.  

Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 1.


Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 2.


Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 3.


Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 4.


Weight-Loss Controversy: HCG Diet, Pt 5.


Source:  www.hcgdietinfo.com