HCG Diet: 5 Reasons it Is Bad - By: Rick Valence

There are numerous ways to lose weight, but one of the most controversial diet programs is the HCG diet. What exactly is the HCG diet? Well, we begin by defining what HCG actually is and how it functions in the body. HCG, which stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a glycoprotein hormone found in pregnant women. In pregnant women it is produced by the developing embryo to protect the ovary and promote a steady level production of progesterone which is necessary for expecting mothers. HCG does not occur naturally in men, however if used by men it would maintain a steady level production of testosterone.

Knowing what HCG is and its primary function, how does all this fit into a diet program? An English doctor devoted much of his academic study towards understanding obesity and metabolic disorders 'symptoms, causes, and how its effects (in the physical sense) can be undone. He discovered that by combining a regime of intravenous doses of HCG with a low calorie diet, anyone could effectively lose weight or at least alter how the body would metabolize food. His theories, though tested to work, were mostly rejected, often cited by the scientific community as 'fringe science'.

So where is the risk in this diet program? For one, since it was theorized over 50 years ago there has been no scientific evidence that proves the method actually works. To date there have been no government institutions that endorse the diet program. In fact, the FDA requires that all proprietors who sell HCG diet programs clearly show their clients a disclaimer on its use and effects. Second, Dr. Simeons (inventor of the program) has categorized fat into different 'sub 'groups' stating that with this dietary program, the obese person can reduce the amount of fat of a particular subgroup (not muscle fat, but fat around the arms, etc). Again, there is no medical basis for such a claim. In fact, six placebo tests have been conducted since 1974 with two sets of groups on the same amount of calorie intake (one group using the hormone) all losing the same amount of fat with none losing more fat from a localized part of their bodies.

The most significant danger of HCG use in diet programs, our third point, is the risk of attaining counterfeit HCG. In most jurisdictions, HCG is sold by prescription from a licensed medical doctor only. People are in potential risk of injecting themselves with unknown substances if they buy HCG over the internet. The fourth reason HCG is a bad choice is because without a full understanding of your body's metabolic rate, undersupplying your body with the right nutrition can cause it to eat away muscle tissue. Lastly, in women, extensive use of the hormone can cause OHSS or Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome. Before going into any form of long term diet program, always consult with a licensed nutritionist and dietitian; you will find that most will NOT recommend this diet.

About the Author

Rick Valence is a camera repair specialist at one of the highest rated camera repair Phoenix destinations in the country, C.R.I.S. Camera Services. Rick is also the administrator for the C.R.I.S. company camera repair blog.

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