The human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) is a hormone produced by the placenta in pregnant women. It affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls metabolism, which then mobilizes fat stores and brings nutrients to the fetus via the placenta. The idea behind the hcg diet plan is that the increased metabolic mobilization of fat stores combined with a very low calorie diet will result in substantial rapid weight loss. The original diet plan involves the daily injection of hcg, but there is now also the liquid hcg diet for those who do not like shots. The program is very controversial.
The weight loss effects of hcg were first noticed in the 1950s by a doctor who was treating young boys with the hormone in order to prompt genital development. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons observed that overweight boys were able to lose weight in a calorie-restricted diet easily and without suffering from hunger pangs. Hunger is not felt during the hcg and liquid hcg diet, presumably because the stored fat is released by the hypothalamus and made available to the body to use as energy. For this reason, during the first two days of the diet, or phase one of the diet, the dieter must eat as much as they can, particularly focusing on high fat foods.
Phase two of the liquid hcg diet begins on the third day of taking the drops. At this stage, which can last from three weeks to 40 days, calories are reduced to 500, and the strict diet must be followed exactly. The drops should be taken half an hour before or after the three main meals, which will comprise only eight items each day. If after a period of 40 days the desired weight loss goal has not been met, phase three of the liquid hcg diet begins. Simeons observed that there seemed to be an immunity to the effects of hcg after this time, and a break was required before weight loss was possible.
The use of hcg in a weight loss plan is a very controversial one. The only approved uses of the hormone are in the treatment of some male reproductive system problems and in the stimulation of ovulation in women who have difficulty conceiving. Furthermore, the stipulation of only 500 calories a day is considered a starvation level diet and inadequate for the normal functioning of the brain. Some of the more common side effects that have been reported include headache, depression, blood clots and confusion. A further complication reported by some women is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
