Donate

Followers

What Are The Dangers Of The HCG Diet?

Posted by Admin Friday, October 21, 2011

By Richard Greene


The HCG diet plan is really popular now in the states and is seeing a wave of resurgence over the past decade. Initially it was developed 60 years ago by Dr. ATW Simeons, who obtained HCG from the urine of pregnant females and then used it as a weight loss agent. Today the HCG still comes from the urine of pregnant females, but now it is strictly processed.

What constitutes potential HCG diet dangers? Firstly, the weight loss amount can be extremely impressive, up to 2 pounds a day. Strenuous exercise on the diet is discourage, as individuals may get hungry and cheat. Fortunately, there have not been serious consequence or overdoses seen. HCG is not FDA approved for weight loss, only for fertility.

The FDA has not approved it outright, but has not said it's dangerous - just that a lot of evidence does not exist for weight loss approval.

If the person exercises too much, he or she may get very tired and pass out. The restricted calorie diet does cause the body to use fat as an energy source, so those concerned about the low calorie dangers should realize the body is still using 1500 calories by hitting the fat reserves. Most folks who undergo the calorie restriction get irritable or lightheaded. But the HCG prevents this mostly and people actually feel energized.

There is no large study establishing the HCG safety. There is concern over poor nutrition with the low amount of calories, but a lot of doctors have upwardly shifted the calories to over 800-1200. Additionally, vitamin injections and/or supplements should be obtained from the doctor. And mostly, doctor visits should be kept regularly to monitor for issues.

The side effect profile for HCG can include blood clots, leg cramps, slight hair thinning, constipation, headaches, and breast tenderness in women. There is concern over whether the calorie restrictions will lead to gallstones, bone or muscle loss, or electrolyte imbalance. These are proposed dangers, but nothing proven as of yet.

The fact is there's a lot of debate for and against HCG as a diet treatment. Some people say it's no better than placebo. Others point to its ability to target the fat reserves and avoid hunger. There's a lot we just don't know, and hopefully studies will be forthcoming to give us those answers.




About the Author:



0 comments

Post a Comment