Frequenty Asked Questions about HCG
What is HCG and how does it work?
HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is found in the body during pregnancy in very high concentrations. For the purpose of the HCG weight loss program only very small amounts were used in the work of Dr. Simeons. The hypothalamus gland actually controls hunger and regulation of body weight, body temperature, regulation of water and electrolyte balance.
Unfortunately, most of our American foods have been overloaded with chemicals that have an effect on your bodily functions leading to the problem of obesity. These include the use of artificial chemical fertilizers on our foods, microwaving foods, the use of artificial sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, the use of MSG and high fructose corn syrup to name a few. Other factors leading to an abnormal hypothalamus gland include genetics, abnormal liver function, stress, drugs, dehydration, heavy metal toxicity, yo-yo dieting, and many more factors.
Another issue that can lead to obesity is Candida yeast overgrowth. This disorder is the result of an imbalance in the digestive system. If you have ever, in your life, taken antibiotics there is a high chance you have an imbalance. You can get much more information from Kevin Trudeau’s book ‘The Weight Loss Cure – They Don’t Want You to Know About.’
The HCG Diet is based off Dr. Simeons “Pounds & Inches - A New Approach to Obesity” and was previously only available in spas and weight loss clinics which made access to the diet unaffordable for most. Currently, the diet plan has proved successful and is something that could easily be done at home with the proper instructions.
The current Dr. Simeon's HCG Protocol for weight loss has been a hot new way to lose weight but his method calls for injections and a medical prescription. Many people are reluctant to inject themselves on a daily basis with the HCG hormone and to top it off, the HCG hormone is expensive and hard to locate without a doctor's prescription - costing patients anywhere between: $600 to $1200.
What if you hate injections is there another way?
Yes there is! It has been found that the Homeopathic HCG has better results than that of the HCG hormone injection. People have found they have better hunger control along with higher energy levels.
At Health Quest, our HCG is a Homeopathic remedy with the same imprint as the original HCG injections. The HCG we offer is of the highest quality manufactured in Portland, OR. The laboratory is a federally registered pharmaceutical complying with FCA regulations set forth in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia.
Follow the diet as directed and you can lose 26 lbs in 26 days. Please note that this is the average weight loss we have recorded from our clients. Some people lose more, some people lose less. The fact is, you will definitely lose weight on this program without heavy exercise and without frozen or prepared foods to buy.
Is there a difference between homeopathic HCG and HCG injections?
The HCG we sell is homeopathic. The way the homeopathic HCG is produced (in a nutshell) is by taking small amounts of the original strength HCG and making it into a sublingual mixture which is administered under the tongue. The homeopathic version is then taken 10 drops 3 times a day to keep the amount of HCG in your body constant. We have many clients who have tried the injection and the homeopathic, and report no differences between the two (except ours is cheaper!)
Is it easy to use?
Yes! It comes pre-mixed and ready to use. It comes in liquid form and the dropper is supplied with your HCG bottle, so there is no guess work in measuring. HCG is most effective when placed under your tongue and held for approximately 1 minute. Best to use 15 minutes away from food, drink (other than water), and 30 minutes away from brushing your teeth.
Who can benefit from this program?
The program works for almost everyone, young, old, male, female. You can use HCG if your BMI value is not lower than 20. Always check with your doctor before beginning any new weight loss program. DO NOT use HCG if you are pregnant or nursing.
The weight registered by the scale...
is determined by two processes not necessarily synchronized. Under the influence of HCG, fat is being extracted from the cells, in which it is stored in the fatty tissue. When these cells are empty and therefore serve no purpose, the body breaks down the cellular structure and absorbs it. But the breaking up of useless cells, connective tissue, blood vessels, etc., at times follows the fat-extraction process. When this happens the body replaces some of the extracted fat with water which is retained for this purpose. Because water is heavier than fat, the weight scale may show no loss of weight even though fat has actually been consumed to make up for the deficit in the 500- calorie diet. When such tissue is finally broken down and the water liberated, there is a sudden flood of urine and a marked loss of weight. This is the reason for the appearance of no weight loss on the scale while following the instructions of the diet.
After the fourth or fifth day of dieting...
the daily loss of weight begins to decrease to less than a pound or somewhat less per day, and there is a smaller urinary output. Men often continue to lose regularly at that rate, but women are more irregular in spite of faultless dieting. There may be no drop at all for two or three days and then a sudden loss which re-establishes the normal average. These fluctuations are entirely due to variations in the retention and elimination of water, which are more marked in women than in men.
Will I keep the weight off or will it come back again?
After the HCG diet, you will find your appetite has changed, your eating behavior will be changed and your body will have changed. This is the perfect opportunity to adopt that healthy lifestyle to maintain your weight. You will find a minimum amount of exercise will be sufficient for maintaining a very healthy body- from yoga, to 15 minutes a day cardio a day, or whatever you enjoy, that you’re your heart moving. With your hypothalamus reset, your metabolism will be different and you will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need to overeat. Amongst the people who have tried this program, 75 to 90% have had hardly any or no difficulty keeping their new, ideal weight.
Won’t my metabolism slow down on a low calorie diet?
It is true that normally when cutting back on calories and fat, our body stores fat and our metabolism slows down. This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. When a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with the HCG, the hormone signals the body to used stored fat for energy, and eliminates excess fat reserves. It is a natural process, so no ill effects on your metabolism will result. The HCG keeps the body from going into starvation mode and holding onto fat as it resets your metabolism
Without the HCG, using a low calorie diet, wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight?
It’s true that you can lose weight simply by eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metabolism to slow down, so in the long run, it would make gaining weight easier, as well as decrease bone density and muscle mass. By using HCG with the low calorie diet, extra fat is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated; the low calorie diet is vital in preventing immediate refilling of emptied fat cells. You benefit by preferentially getting rid of excess fat without affecting your bone and muscle. With HCG you can lose the weight quickly and keep it off!
With this low calorie diet, will I get hungry?
You may feel slight hunger between one and seven days. This will pass and by the second week you will find your servings to be satisfying. Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. Drinking lots of the green tea all day helps quite a bit as a natural appetite suppressant and your energy level. Overall, most people have plenty of energy and feel good while on the program.
What about any medications I am taking? Will HCG interfere?
HCG does not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera. There are NO side effects.
If I am pregnant, can I use HCG?
No. If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the HCG diet, stop taking HCG and consult your physician.
I’ve heard some people are calling HCG the “Weight Loss Cure”, why?
It’ is being called by many people, “The Weight Loss Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, the HCG reprograms your body to used stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. It helps you maintain your weight and not regain the weight you lost.
Some say the weight loss slow down after the first two weeks, is that true?
You may have a large amount of weight loss in the first week, then a plateau or leveling off of weight loss. This doesn’t mean that your weight loss has stopped. Typically, inches are being lost continuously while on the program, and after a period of time, patients will experience another large drop on the scale. Weight loss is thus achieved in this stair-step process.
Can I skip a meal or protein at one of my meals?
No! You DO NOT want to skip any of your meals. It is very important to eat all of your 500 calories and especially your protein so that you only lose fat and not muscle. This is a very important part of the program and should be followed exactly for optimal results.
Is it important to exercise daily?
Not really! If you must exercise, keep it very low key. You can do about 20 min. of walking a day and a few sit ups or push ups if you feel that is needed. Exercise burns calories and therefore causes your hunger to increase. The combination of low calorie intake and exercise could cause your body to go into starvation mode. This can negatively impact your stamina and commitment to the diet. So take it easy. Remember, you will be losing fat. Exercise is encouraged once you start maintenance and are back to 1500-1700 calorie diet. When you do go back to the gym, you’ll have more energy!
Headaches! Are they normal to get during the first week?
Some have experienced light headaches during the first week, this is because your body is releasing fat cells very rapidly and you will be going through a major detox. You may take and Aspirin or Tylenol as long as it's not sugar coated.
After 26 days, what if I want to keep losing weight? Can I continue with the drops?
Yes! You can take them up to 40 days. After 40 days you must take a break for how many days you were on the drops before you start another session. This is to make sure your body doesn't become immune to the HCG. 20 days is the shortest amount of days and 40 is the longest you can do the drops. You will need 2 bottles to go a 40 day round. Just remember the last 3 days of your plan is no drops and continue diet for 3 days until the HCG is flushed out of your body before going into maintenance.
I read I can’t wear makeup, is that true?
You may use any mineral makeup or pressed powders and of course any oil free foundations. No lotions, moisturizers or liquid make-ups with oil should be used. HCG is very sensitive to oils, creams and fats. These could very well slow the weight loss process down; you only want it to target your stored fat. Oil free eye makeup’s and lipsticks are fine. Stay away from lip glosses and Chapstick. If your lips get dry the protocol says to use Carmex. Alba makes a oil free moisturizer that is great for face and hands/arms.
How safe is the HCG Diet?
The HCG Weight Loss Program is very safe. Women experience very high levels during pregnancy with no adverse affects. The small amount used for weight loss has absolutely NO side effects. The only comments resulting from the diet are positive.
Are there specific foods I should or should not eat while on the diet?
Yes! With your purchase you will be given diet protocols and recipes for this program. You can also read Dr. Simeons’ “Pounds & Inches” for more information of what foods you can eat while on this program.
The program still requires time and effort, but the time and effort is suddenly worth it because you see immediate results. The immediate weight loss makes continuing on the program worth it and knowing the end goal is only 20-40 days away makes completing the program a sure thing even for the most frustrated of dieters!