The hCG Diet- Is it A Quackery?

Article written by Lara Veazey, MA/RD/LD, CPT written for Edmond Active magazine
http://edmondactive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202&catid=44&Itemid=84


As a Registered Dietitian in private practice, I have had numerous questions from clients about this new HCG Diet trend so I decided to research for myself to see what the buzz is all about.


What exactly is hCG?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women to help the body bring nutrients into the placenta, fueling the fetus to provide energy for the fetus to grow. It is approved by FDA for treatment of certain problems of the male reproductive system and in stimulating ovulation in women who have had difficulty becoming pregnant. No evidence has been presented, however, to substantiate claims for hCG as a weight-loss aid.” via the FDA

hCG and the Weight Loss Claim:
The hCG diet was first invented by Dr. Simeons in the 1950’s and re-born in Kevin Trudeau’s weight loss book. Dr. Simeons contended that hCG injections would enable dieters to subsist comfortably on a 500-calorie-a-day diet. He claimed that hCG would mobilize stored fat; suppress appetite; and redistribute fat from the waist, hips, and thighs. According to the hCG weight loss claim, you can expect to lose up to 1-3 pounds per day.

hCG Diet and the Truth behind these weight loss claims:
A 500-calorie (semi-starvation) diet and combining the shots of the hCG hormone is extremely dangerous and likely to result in dangerous adverse side effects such as; loss of protein from vital organs, life-threatening blood clots, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, birth defects, and many others. Furthermore, 500-calories per day is severely restrictive for anyone. In fact, it is not enough calories to support normal brain function. Your body will compensate by using stores of glycogen, protein (muscle) and some fat, which lowers your resting metabolic rate and can make it extremely difficult to maintain the quick weight loss which can increase the chances of gaining the weight back over time.

There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In addition, these injections have not been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss. In fact, the FDA has required that all labeling and advertising of hCG must state the following: “hCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ‘normal’ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.”

Bottom Line:
The general consensus among medical and health professionals regarding the hCG diet is that it is both ineffective and dangerous. The hCG diet is essentially an expensive and extremely risky starvation diet. Following any sort of starvation diet will put you at risk for nutritional deficiencies and serious health complications.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is and always remember to do your research before starting any type of weight loss program. Weight loss is hard work and it won’t come in a potion, pill, or injection. There is no magic bullet and the key to sustained weight loss is creating lifelong behavior habits focusing on health and disease prevention. Seek a registered dietitian and personal trainer to help you come up with an individualized nutrition and fitness plan to meet your goals. Also, consult with your physician before starting any type of exercise or diet plan.



Lara Veazey's Lifelong Weight Loss Tips:

1. “Stop dieting because DIET means restriction. For sustained weight loss, you must make lifelong behavior changes. Listen to your body’s hunger cues and provide your body with healthy options. Instead of trying to just eat diet foods and low-calorie items, focus on eating healthy nutrient rich food to fuel your body for energy and try to shoot for a protein and fruit or vegetable with fiber at every meal.

”2. “Accountability is key for weight loss. Start tracking your calories by keeping a food diary and exercise journal.”

3. “Planning is key. Plan out your meals and snacks at the beginning of each week and make a grocery list with your meal plan. Always eat breakfast every morning and eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar in control and to prevent out-of-control hunger and snacking.”

4. “Adding an exercise plan along with eating healthy is very important for weight loss. Exercise should be performed on most if not all days of the week. Include cardiovascular, strength training, and stretching in your exercise plan. Exercise goal should be a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity of any cardiovascular activity most days of the week at 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Also, get off the couch and get active and increase your non-exercise activity such as cleaning the house, walking the dog, taking the stairs, playing outside with your kids, etc. It all counts.”

5. “Portion control is crucial. Measure out portions frequently and use smaller plates. When dining out, split meals with a friend or ask to have half of your meal bagged up.



http://edmondactive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202&catid=44&Itemid=84