Risks of the HCG Diet
The HCG diet requires the dieter to take low doses of the hormone HCG (by drops or injections) on a daily basis while they are following a very low calorie diet. Although HCG has not been approved by the FDA for use as a weight loss treatment, it is used, in much higher doses in the treatment of other medical conditions.
HCG treatment is generally safe, although it is advisable to consult with a doctor before beginning to take it since it may be unsuitable for some people. No scientific evidence has been found which proves that there are risks involved in using HCG for weight loss. The risks of obesity appear to be much higher than any risks that may be associated with the HCG diet.
Other concerns about the HCG diet are the consumption of a diet that is extremely low in calories and the rapid weight loss that is typically between one and two pounds a day. Concerns have been expressed that 500 calories a day may be an unhealthily low amount and that weight loss this fast could be harmful for the body. It is also important to realize that the rapid and significant weight loss associated with the HCG diet is only suitable for people who have plenty of excess fat to lose. Anyone who just wants to drop a few extra pounds should avoid the HCG diet since their fat stores may not have enough energy available to support them through the diet.
It is vital to ensure that, if you want to use the HCG diet protocol, you take all of the necessary precautions, such as discussing it with your physician and ensuring that you do not exceed the required HCG doses or try to eat less than the suggested number of calories. You should also try to vary your diet as much as possible, in order to ensure that you are getting as wide a range of nutrients as possible. You may also want to consider using a slower form of weight loss before turning to the HCG diet since you may find it possible to lose your excess weight without having to resort to such extreme dieting methods.
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