How Does HCG Promote Weight Loss?

     Known as the pregnancy hormone, HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is thought by many to be found only in women, but even men have their own supply of this biochemical and so do non-pregnant women. This means HCG as an aid to weight loss can work for everyone, except in cases where it is contraindicated against certain diseases and medical conditions. The question is, how does an HCG diet help people lose weight?

Background on HCG As a Weight Loss Aid

It was in 1954 when HCG as treatment for obesity was first brought up by Dr. ATW Simeons in a report published in 1954 on Lancet, one of the world抯 oldest and most reputable medical journals. According to his research, HCG injections caused rapid utilization of fat deposits and even promoted a sense of well-being in his subjects. He also said that these injections made 500-calorie- per-day diets highly tolerable in that they prevented sluggishness or lethargy that often came with very low caloric intake. These findings eventually led to HCG抯 rise to popularity as treatment for obesity. Now we go back to our question - how does HCG promote weight loss?

Utilization of Fat Stores

One of the functions of HCG in pregnancy is to allow the woman to use up her fat reserves in case she runs out of food supply. Because she is carrying a developing embryo or fetus, she needs higher than usual levels of energy from food to sustain herself and her child. In case she is unable to meet such requirement, HCG will tap on her fat reserves so she can use them instead. In weight loss, people who are on an HCG diet program are given the hormone orally or intravenously while being made to stay on a strict 500-calorie daily food plan. The technique works by mimicking the scenario where the pregnant woman runs out of food supply, and her body is forced to use up her fat stores for energy. When fat stores are used up, weight is lost.

Increase in Metabolism

One of the ways HCG helps people shed off excess pounds is by maintaining their metabolic rates even with the extreme caloric restrictions of HCG diet plans. When people cut their food intake, they often feel lethargic, unmotivated and sometimes even depressed. This is because a low calorie diet causes a drop in their metabolism and energy levels, often causing them to consider quitting and their bodies to have an even harder time losing weight. However, with HCG, neither scenario is likely to happen because the dieter抯 metabolic rate will be maintained at normal levels. Thus, the person is more likely to stay on the diet and his body will continue to lose weight, even with the strict caloric restrictions of an HCG diet plans.

One thing that sets Hcg apart from other weight loss aids is its capacity to produce fast results without the usual side effects and complications that come with rapid weight loss. This is why more and more people have been using HCG drops or injections to help them achieve their ideal weight quick and safe.

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