WOULDN’T I LOSE THE SAME AMOUNT OF WEIGHT EATING A VERY LOW CALORIE DIET WITHOUT HCG?

You can lose weight by simply 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, while decreasing your bone density and muscle mass. By using HCG to supplement a 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.

THE HCG DIET IS VERY LOW CALORIE; WILL I GET HUNGRY?

Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces the appetite. So even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. After about 2 days, many patients notice a significant decrease in their appetite. Overall, most people have plenty of energy and feel good while on the program.

IS IT LEGAL TO SELL HCG?

Pharmaceutical or medical grade HCG is regulated, and legal for sale with a physician’s prescription. Homeopathic or over- the-counter HCG is not, and considered illegal by the FDA.

CAN’T I JUST PURCHASE HCG FROM THE VITAMIN STORE, GROCERY STORE OR ONLINE?

Our practices offer only medical grade HCG. There is a monumental difference between authentic medical grade HCG, and homeopathic and over-the-counter versions you can buy online or at a store. They are not the same. Other HCG may contain undisclosed additives or questionable ingredients, and may not be manufactured in a sterile and reputable US laboratory. When taking HCG that isn’t medical grade, you are really just doing an unsafe version of a VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet), and are risking sending your body in ketosis. In ketosis, you will most likely lose lean muscle tissue, bone, and easy to access fat, which your body actually needs. This will also cause your cellular metabolism to slow down, which in the long run will make gaining weight easier after you have stopped the diet.

ON THIS PROGRAM, DO YOU REALLY ONLY HAVE 500 CALORIES PER DAY?

We have found that it is not necessary to adhere exactly to the 500 calorie diet as suggested by Simeons’ protocol, and that sublingual HCG and a modified diet was still very beneficial to patients in assisting them with weight loss. Therefore, we utilize a modified low-calorie diet which is tailored to your specific needs and determined based on a number of variables. This will be discussed with a medical provider during your appointment.

CAN HCG CAUSE HAIR LOSS?

There are several misconceptions regarding hair loss being a side effect of HCG. HCG has virtually no side effects. Hair loss can be a side effect of rapid weight loss, however this is not a side effect of the medication, but rather the weight loss. We recommend taking a biotin supplement or a hair/nail formula vitamin, as well as Viviscal shampoo while on the program.

IS IT LEGAL TO SELL HCG NOW?

Pharmaceutical grade HCG is regulated and legal for sale with a doctor’s prescription. Homeopathic or over-the-counter HCG is not, and considered illegal by the FDA. Our practice uses only Medical-Grade HCG manufactured to U.S. lab standards.

IS IT FDA APPROVED?

HCG is approved for female infertility and other medical uses, so it is known to be safe. It is considered “off label use” when used for weight loss. This practice is not uncommon. There are a wide variety of medications that are prescribed for conditions other than what they were FDA approved for, such as Coumadin, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Celebrex.

ARE THERE CLINICAL STUDIES THAT PROVE HCG WORKS FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

At present, there are no studies that validate the success of HCG for weight loss. That being said, very few studies have been done on this hormone at all. It’s ironic that even without studies to prove the effectiveness of HCG for weight loss, this hormone has emerged as one of the most popular weight loss methods available. Why? Because in spite of a lack of clinical data to support it, people are having amazing results with HCG.
Our practice has prescribed medical grade HCG to thousands of people since our practice was started. Clinical records point to unprecedented success of HCG for weight loss. In decades of practice, we have yet to find a weight loss method that works as effectively. The fact that our practice has grown due to successful patient outcomes using HCG further validates this point.

HOW CAN SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUCCESS WITH HCG, YET THERE ARE STILL NO STUDIES TO SUPPORT IT?

The absence of studies doesn’t necessarily mean a drug doesn’t work. One reason there aren’t more studies has to do with U.S. Patent rights. HCG is a hormone, and as such, no one company can control its manufacturing or distribution. So, there is no incentive for one of the major pharmaceutical companies to commission a study — they wouldn’t be able to recoup their investment. The popular television show Dr. Oz examined this phenomenon, however, and after interviewing a studio full of people and hearing their HCG success stories, Dr. Oz came to the conclusion that even though there are no studies validating HCG, the anecdotal evidence should not be dismissed.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF BARIATRIC PHYSICIANS POSITION ON HCG?

Due to the lack of scientific evidence, as an organization, the ASBP does not recommend HCG at this time. It is however a significant topic at annual meetings, and is prescribed by a growing number of ASBP members in their own practices. Their primary concern stems from the potential dangers caused by a 500 calorie diet. Our practice does not prescribe a 500 calorie diet in conjunction with our HCG program, and has found great success without having patients incur such a risk.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

There are no medical studies that prove HCG is dangerous or unsafe in any way. Since the female body produces high doses of HCG in pregnancy, you cannot contract a disease from HCG. The primary risk associated with HCG is going on a very low calorie diet without a doctor’s supervision.

WHY SHOULD HCG BE DOCTOR-SUPERVISED?

A doctor is the most qualified person to help you lose weight safely. Putting your body under the stress of a VLCD (very low calorie diet), should only be done under the care of a Physician. Our Medical Director is a Board-Certified Bariatric Physician who has studied obesity related diseases for over 20 years. Our medical staff is trained to help patients overcome health issues like menopause, hormone imbalance, diabetes, high blood pressure and a variety of conditions that can prevent people from losing weight. We’ve provided treatment to literally thousands of patients, a large number of them with medical grade HCG. Our patients have experienced amazing results, many of them after years of struggling with failed diets.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR ME TO KNOW WHEN CONSIDERING WHERE TO PURCHASE HCG?

Pharmaceutical HCG is regulated and legal for sale with a doctor’s prescription. Homeopathic or Over-the-Counter HCG is not, and considered illegal according to the FDA.
Make sure you only use HCG obtained with a doctor’s prescription.