How Does HCG Work? A Definitive Guide With Everything You Need to Know
HCG was first discovered in the body of a pregnant woman. During pregnancy, this hormone’s production is at its all-time high.
In the past decades, researchers have found out that it has more benefits than just helping grow the baby in the womb. But, are their claims true?
The HCG diet is a diet that helps users lose up to 1kg a day. It also claims that although users get limited to about 500 calories a day, they do not feel starved.
What is HCG and how does HCG work? Here’s a definitive guide with everything you need to know about this weight loss diet!
Benefits of HCG
With the prevalence rate of obesity being at almost 40% in the country, this diet has been readily accepted by consumers as a weight reduction method even though the FDA has not approved it yet.
Therefore, here are the main benefits of an HCG diet.
Puts Your Weight in Check
HCG treatment was first used by the British physician Dr. Albert T. Simeons in 1950 to help users with the treatment of obesity. According to him, HCG allows users to eat a lower amount of calories in their diet.
It allows dieters to have a reduced craving which in turn promotes fat loss. When dieters adhere to this diet, it will stay on track and ensure that hunger cravings diminish during food restrictions.
Patients get a total of 125 international units six times a week. In total, you will get about 40 injections. In fact, you will be able to see the changes in your weight in just a few days. This will ensure that you have enough motivation to stick with the supplement, exercise regimen, and diet.
In addition to the weight loss, you will also get a host of other benefits which include:
- Better weight distribution. It mostly targets problem areas which are the thighs, stomach, and arms. It keeps the body well proportioned.
- Lower cholesterol levels, which reduce pressure on the heart and other complications
HCG boosts your metabolism and allows you to lose large amounts of fat. However, it is important that you note that the weight loss is only because of the ultra-low-calorie intake, and not because of the hormone itself. Its main aim is to significantly reduce hunger.
It Also Improves Your Sex Life
One of the most important things you will notice is that your sex drive increases. HCG is a pro-hormone, meaning they encourage the production of other hormones in the body. In this respect, it ensures that sexual endocrines such as testosterone get released into the body.
The testosterone increase ensures that your libido is back. One of the main causes of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction is obesity. Therefore, the more weight you lose in this process, the higher your sexual functionality will be.
It Enhances Your Performance in the Gym
HCG encourages your body to produce hormones that help grow your body and get toned up. It is easier for you to last longer in the gym and get maximum benefits from your workouts. This hormone restricts muscle loss and is a consequence of striking a low-calorie diet.
You also increase muscle retention without derailing your weight loss. The doctor also claims that it is safer for athletes to take the HCG hormone more than taking steroids. The steroids will shrink testicles after habitual use, reduce sperm production and lower testosterone levels in the body.
Helps Support Fertility
One of the main reasons that you might consider using HCG is to boost your fertility levels. This is especially crucial for women who need to prepare for pregnancy. HCG injections have a tendency of triggering ovulation and the release of eggs.
Men can also use it to boost their fertility because it boosts their libido. It also helps to increase the sperm count, improving their chances of getting a woman pregnant. For couples who suffer from fertility problems, this treatment will reduce their waiting period.
For this to happen, it is important that the hormone gets used under the strict supervision of a doctor.
How Does HCG Work?
There are three phases to this type of treatment as per doctor Simeons recommendations. See here for more details. Below is a brief description of the three main phases:
- The loading phase is where a patient begins taking HCG. They also have to eat plenty of 1200 calories for two days. The food should be high in fat and proteins.
- Weight loss phase: The patient continues with the hormone but reduces their calorie intake to 500 calories. This lasts for 3-6 days each week.
- Maintenance phase: Here the person stops taking HCG. They will increase their food intake to recommended calories depending on their body weight and needs. But they will have to avoid starch and sugar.
For people who want to lose the minimum amount of weight loss, they will spend more than three weeks in the middle phase. However, for obese people, they may be recommended to go for more than 6 weeks or repeat the phases to maximize their weight loss.
In the middle phase, you will be asked to do a form of intermittent fasting where you only eat two meals a day, lunch and dinner.
The meals should contain one portion of lean protein, fruit, vegetable, and bread. You will also be asked to stay away from sugar, oils, and butter.
It is also recommended that you drink half your weight in water. Coffee and tea are accepted.
Side Effects
This is not a mode of treatment that should be done without a doctor’s supervision. The calorie intake is lower than that recommended for an adult. For this diet, you can expect the following side effects:
- Depression
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- In some rare cases, a person might develop clots in their legs and lungs
It is important to note that the FDA is not supporting it.
Still Wondering How Does HCG Work?
If you want to try this diet, you may want to go slow and stop anytime the effects get too much for you. There are numerous success stories that should keep you motivated. This information on how does HCG work has shown you how you will benefit from the HCG diet.
For more information and tips on how you can improve your health, read on.