HCG Diet Dangers

Are you thinking of trying the hCG diet? Think again! The hCG diet has NOT been proven effective for long-term weight loss. Yes, if you starve yourself on as little as 500 calories a day, you will lose weight. Is it safe? No. Does it last? No. Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of the hCG diet.

Stop trying fad diets and learn to eat real food! Contact Cate to develop a nutrition program that’s doable and delicious to help you achieve and sustain permanent fat loss.

Keep reading for more info about the hCG diet from guest blogger, Paula Owens!

Recently I’ve had an influx of clients come to me devastated because of the additional weight they gained after their experience with the hCG diet. They were under the belief that the hCG diet was the ‘cure all diet’ that promised to melt away their unwanted fat forever.

In our society, men and women alike have a quick-fix, instant gratification, “I want it now” mentality. And, they want it with as little effort as possible. In addition to hCG, people resort to liposuction without realizing that liposuction increases inflammation, and doubles your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The doctor never tells them that within eight weeks of liposuction, the fat redistributes to other areas of the body between the viscera tissue.

Allow me to enlighten you – your weight gain did not happen overnight. Success with anything, including weight loss, does not happen without effort, sacrifice, the right mindset or commitment.

Not only is the hCG diet unhealthy, it is one of the most unsafe methods to losing weight. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadoropin which is produced in the placenta during pregnancy and can be extracted from the urine of pregnant women.

The hCG diet is a combination of daily injections and a starvation diet that entices mainly women that they can lose weight without feeling hungry. Sure, you’ll lose weight (muscle, not fat) while on the hCG diet, however it will not be permanent unless you factor in your emotional/behavioral habits, and make the appropriate lifestyle changes and dietary modifications after you stop the hCG.

Laundry List of Problems and Side Effects with the hCG Diet
- Disruptive to hormones (specifically the thyroid)
- Damaging to metabolism
- Extremely catabolic (muscle wasting)
- Only one vegetable is allowed with lunch and one with dinner (what the huh???)
- For 99.9% of the people, all weight is re-gained, plus some extra once you cease the “Diet”
- It’s expensive $$$$$
- Deficient in nutrients
- Unbalances body chemistry
- Is actually a starvation diet at only 500-800kcals daily
- Water amount recommended on the diet is not sufficient for an adult
- Does not teach lifestyle
- There are a few reports of adverse effects from the hCG injections including headaches, restlessness, blood clots, dizziness and depression

A positive feature about the hCG diet is the dieter is not allowed to eat much junk food, refined sugar or wheat (which is healthy advice that would help anyone lose weight).

How to Achieve Long-term, Permanent Weight Loss
Here is the no-nonsense, safest and most effective approach to long term weight loss: You must address your emotional/behavioral habits, balance hormones, correct gut dysfunction, and make the appropriate lifestyle changes and significant dietary modifications. Permanent weight loss is so much more than exercising your brains out and starving yourself. 10 Rules for Permanent Fat Loss

To change your behavior, you must first have the desire. You need to change your heart, make up your mind, be determined, disciplined, take responsibility for your actions and choices, and lastly, be patient and follow through! Start with your value system, and value the effort of hard work. Be decisive with your goals and write them down. It’s the journey, not the end result that promises a leaner body, a healthier you and the ultimate lifestyle. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Paula Owens, M.S., is the author of The Power of 4 – Your Ultimate Guide Guaranteed to Change Your Body and Transform Your Life. Paula is a nutritionist, multi-certified personal trainer, strength coach, weight loss expert and holistic health practitioner. Paula comes with over 20 years of experience helping clients globally. Men and women all over the world have changed their bodies with Paula’s online Exercise and Weight Loss Program. More at www.PaulaOwens.com
Copyright © 2011 Paula Owens