What is hCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is a substance which occurs naturally in pregnant women. It has the effect of releasing abnormal stored fat primarily from the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, while preserving structural fat as in the face, hands, feet and skin.
Is hCG approved by the FDA?
hCG is approved by the FDA for various medical conditions; however, it has not yet been specifically determined by the FDA to be effective for weight loss or weight management. Many studies have been conducted revealing positive results for weight loss using hCG. A.T.W. Simeons, M.D. and Dr. Daniel Belluscio have performed two well-known studies whose data has shown hCG to be primary in helping people lose and maintain their ideal weight. For more information on these studies, go to hcgdietinfo.com/HCG_Diet_Info_Dr_Simeon.htm. See “Dr. Simeons Manuscript” on the left-side menu bar.
How does the hcg diet work?
During pregnancy, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is believed to help insure that the fetus will have access to its mother's stored fat supply, regardless of the amount of food she ingests. After birth, hcg ensures the newborn will receive nutrition for the first 72 hours if it’s not getting proper nutrition. In overweight adults, hCG seems to work by the same method - namely making available permanently stored supplies of fat, as well as making it possible to adhere to the low calorie diet. However, if hCG is used alone, the program depends upon the daily injection of the hCG hormone plus a very precise diet.
How long does Phase I of the program last?
The first round of hCG injections is 40 days long. One week after Phase I is complete (one week after your last injection), you must return to one of the clinics and have a follow-up exam completed. Should you decide to proceed to a second round, or Phase II, of the program, you will need to have a second follow-up visit six (6) weeks following the last injection of Phase I.
What happens on the first visit?
You will complete a medical history and physical evaluation, which includes all blood work. Lab tests take approximately 2-3 working days for the results to be returned. FASTING for eight (8) hours prior to lab testing is preferred and labs can be drawn at the time of the first visit, or at another convenient time for you. Once the results are available, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) will call you to discuss your results and eligibility to proceed with the diet. The first visit usually takes about an hour.
When can I come in for my visit?
Treat n Go Clinics are walk-in, no appointment necessary clinics. Due to the extended visit with the NPs for a new weight loss patient, we accept these patients on MONDAYS through FRIDAYS. We cannot perform first visits for weight loss patients on WEEKENDS or HOLIDAYS. It is highly recommended that you call 254-399-6364 before you arrive at a Treat n Go Clinic for an initial/first-time weight loss visit to confirm availability for that day.
Can both men and women take hCG?
Yes. It has been used with equally good results in both.
Can anyone take hCG?
No. Most people are able to participate in the hcg weight loss program. However, among some conditions, any type of cancer (past or current) rules you out as a candidate for this diet. If you are currently being treated for anything other than cancer, make a detailed list of any form of treatment and/or medications (prescription, over-the-counter and/or nutritional) you are taking and bring this information with you. If we feel you are a candidate, in some cases, we may require your physician’s approval prior to proceeding (which may occur before or after your lab results have been evaluated). In addition, these injections are not advisable for persons under the age of puberty.
Other weight loss methods are available for these cases above.
Can this be harmful in any way?
All weight-loss programs can have side-effects and should be discussed with your healthcare provider first. hcg is produced daily during pregnancy in a quantity hundreds of thousands of times the amount used for the treatment of obesity, yet it harms neither the mother nor the child.
What effect can I expect to have from the injection itself?
Usually a loss of appetite occurs and patients notice that the severe compulsive hunger disappears completely.
How long can I continue to use these injections?
After about 40 days of daily injections, the effectiveness diminishes due to the body's ability to develop temporary immunity to the hCG. However, if necessary, subsequent courses of injections can be resumed after a Metabolic Recovery period. In some instances, 4 or more courses have been given with continued effectiveness if an appropriate waiting interval has been allowed between them.
Will I gain weight once I stop the hCG diet?
Some degree of moderation in eating will be necessary because of the tendency to gain weight after ANY type of weight loss program. However, a stabilizing period is recommended at the end of the injection series.
Can I maintain the diet even if I engage in daily physical labor?
Yes. hcg allows you to maintain this diet even during hard work.
What about protein or vitamin deficiencies during this diet?
None has been observed with this method due to the quantities of both stored in the fat.
Besides fat loss, are there any other reactions or side effects?
Yes, but everyone is different. Blood pressure and cholesterol reading could improve and arthritis problems could lessen. No adverse reactions to the injections have been experienced to our knowledge.
Do you guarantee that I will lose weight with this method?
No. Guarantees cannot be made, as with any other medical or weight loss treatment. However, in our experience, this has been a most effective weight reduction method.
What if I do not lose much weight?
Our experience has been that in cases where there is no or slow weight loss, a very common cause is the patient's depressed metabolism. Past dieting, chronic low intake, etc., is frequently the cause of this and can often be corrected. Slow weight loss can also be due to associated medical problems, which should be identified and addressed. Once this is accomplished, weight loss should occur.
How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program depends on how many Phases of hcg you might need. Each Phase requires one visit before your injections begin and one visit after you’ve completed your injections. Your initial visit is the most comprehensive and is all-inclusive in pricing. The follow-up visit, following your injections, is at a much lower cost. As long as you comply with the clinically recommended protocols regarding the follow-up visit schedule, the program is extremely affordable.
In order for us to most effectively and safely monitor your responses to hcg, you must return for the follow up visits. If you miss the one-week follow-up visit after your last injection of any Phase, your baseline tests are no longer valid and we will need to establish a new set of baseline information to ensure that you remain an eligible candidate for the weight loss program. Call 254-399-6364 for specific pricing information of each visit, or inquire at a clinic near you.
Treat n Go Clinics do not provide the hCG medication. The cost of this medication and syringes varies.
