HCG Diet Dangers
What is the HCG diet?
The HCG diet is a 26 – 43 day program where dieters inject themselves with the HCG hormone and follow a strict, reduced-calorie diet after eating high calorie foods for 3 days. The theory is that HCG, a pregnancy hormone, will signal the body to release stores of fat. HCG is a hormone that helps fat be released for the development for a fetus. So the idea is that in non-pregnant individuals (men as well as women), HCG can assist with weight loss. The daily recommended calories is only 500 and consists mostly of protein and green vegetables. It is a low-fat, low-carbohydrate and low-calorie diet. It’s essential to drink plenty of water on this program as lots of toxins will be released as fat is pulled out of storage.
HCG Diet Dangers
The HCG is controversial at best. On the one hand, the FDA has said that HCG has not been proven to help in weight loss. On the other hand, the internet is full of people who have reported startling success losing, and keeping weight off using HCG. Of all the diet dangers weight loss is only a concern because of the speed of the loss. Most doctors agree that 2 pounds per day is more than the body can handle, after all, toxins are stored in fat cells and losing weight this quickly puts a strain on the liver. HCG diet dangers for men include losing muscle mass as well as fat and a sensation of weakness as fat between muscles is lost.
If you’re concerned about HCG diet dangers thyroid issues should be discussed with your doctor if you’re currently taking medication. While many people on thyroid medication report success with HCG, it’s good to check with your physician before starting any new diet program.
Here are some HCG diet side effects that you can expect:
- Fatigue (some report this, some find they have high energy)
- Cold hands and feet (due to reduction in calories)
- Difficulty concentrating (due to reduction in calories)
- Hunger (though most say that HCG does help control appetite)
- Irritability
- Headaches (particularly common for the first 3 days after loading)
The biggest HCG diet danger is whether or not individuals who use this diet plan can keep the weight off. Changing a lifestyle requires time and energy. After the program, if a dieter resumes their normal eating patterns weight is sure to return. If, however, a dieter can gradually increase calories and avoid highly refined and processed foods, there is a chance that weight can be sustained. Before trying this, or any other low-calorie diet be sure to check with your physician to see if it is right for you.
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