FAQ's
Will I feel hungry while I take HCG?
HCG mobilizes your stored fat, your body will be constantly fed by the broken down fat. In fact, most people report a feeling of being satisfied while using HCG, even though their actual food intake is only 500 calories.
Are there side effects from using HCG?
The diet was invented more than 60 years ago by Dr. Simeons, and currently there are no known established clinical side effects to homeopathic remedies and medicines.
What is the difference between HCG drops and injections?
HCG drops are taken under the tongue and directly absorbed into the body. Our homeopathic HCG does not require a prescription. HCG injections must be prescribed by a dcotor and are administered by a shot into the muscle tissue.
How can I live only off of a 500 calorie diet?
HCG releases 1500 to 4000 calories (from your stored fat) with the additional 500 calories that you are eating is equal to a 2000 to 4000 calorie diet which is why people do not feel hungry while on the diet.
Would I lose the weigh without HCG if I was eating only 500 calories?
Attempting to lose weight solely by dropping your intake to 500 calories would cause your body to go into survival mode, and actually defeat the purpose of the diet. It is more likely that you would be physically unable to sustain a such a diet without the influence of HCG providing you with an additional energy source: your unwanted, unessential fat! Therefore, without the HCG, your body would begin to utilize important things such as proteins and necessary fats that we do not want to lose. Another way to think of it is: when the HCG is directing your body to burn the unessential / abnormal fat (the kind we all want to lose) as one of it's main energy sources, you will be protected from having your body metabolize energy from good sources such as muscle and good (structural) fat. lose.
**Please note this additonal information: Read completely: For those who are "just going to get some HCG online", you may not be getting a true homeopathic HCG or maybe it is not HCG at all (a bottle of water, alcohol, etc...) thereby putting good muscle and fat in jeopardy of being used for energy. This will NOT lead to the results that you want. It will effect your ability to stay with a low calorie diet, it will lead to unwanted side effects, and you will not have the permanent changes that you seek. At Doctors Weight Loss Center, it is our belief that anyone who truely wants success, should welcome a program such as ours that stresses weekly check ups, 24 hour support from our Doctors, and a proven effective Professional HCG Formula.
What is HCG and how does it work?
HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It is a pregnancy hormone and therefore seen in women, but it is not considered a "gender / sex hormone" such as estrogen or testosterone. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women. This hormone allows the body to metabolize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus. This acts as a “fail-safe” mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism.
Is HCG Safe?
HCG is extremely safe. Women may experience very high levels during pregnancy with no adverse affects. Currently there are no known established clinical side effects to homeopathic remedies and medicines but as with any diet we recommend that you consult with a doctor before starting this diet and if you have any swelling, shortness of breath, or dizziness consult a doctor or medical professional immediately. As with any treatment or change in your body's "normal" routine, it is important that we do not put you at risk for even a slight undesired result. That is why your program is being closely monitored by our healthcare practicioners.
I found (fill in the blank) on the internet. Is that true?
The internet is full of disinformation, assumptions taken as fact, and anecdotal rumors. Please, feel free to do your research, but keep in mind that what you are reading may not be worth your time. If you have questions, please contact one of our Doctors directly and we will certainly get you the information you need to make a wise and healthy decision.
Where is the actual HCG manufactured and what are the quality control guidelines?
Doctors Weight Loss Center is proud to be associated with an HCG manufacture that is registered and certified with the FDA, allowing you to purchase with confidence, knowing that our quality products are made in a U.S.-based, FDA approved facility. This facility is regularly inspected by the FDA for compliance. This is an important point, because there are a limited number of homeopathic HCG production facilities in the U.S. and our formula comes from one of them. The others?...We can not speak for their quality.
Much of the hCG being sold as injections in the U.S. market is currently coming from unregulated sources outside of the U.S. with questionable purity and regulation.
What sets your HCG product apart from the rest?
Our formula is produced using more expensive quality ingredients that work. Our unique formula has many advantages like added natural appetite suppressants, energy supplements and more to help optimize this diet to the fullest. Our HCG formula may not always be the lowest price on the net but does have the highest quality and positive diet effects.
Please see our Services Page for a list of the ingredients and why they will help to start you on the road to a more permanent weight loss answer.
Why doesn’t a pregnancy test show positive when I test the drops on it?
Our HCG Professional Formula is Homeopathic, which is nothing short of science meeting nature. For centuries science has used and proven these methods to be effective and safe. Homeopathic HCG usually will not show up in a pregnancy test due to the way it is derived from the source but can be tested in the lab for efficacy, if in question. Our Homeopathic formula is developed in the lab and has thousands of happy users to support its effectiveness. A negative pregnancy test result with homeopathic HCG does not mean that the HCG is not in there nor is it not potent.
What is the difference between prescription and non-prescription HCG?
Prescription HCG is usually pure pharmaceutical grade HCG with no supporting elements to help it perform at 100%. Prescription HCG can be effective but must be obtained and monitored only by a licensed medical physician or it is considered against law along with very expensive. Medical HCG is usually administered by injection only whereas Homeopathic HCG is taken as drops under the tongue.
Our non-prescription HCG Formula is homeopathically derived and blended with other effective natural ingredients, which not only makes it legally obtainable with out a prescription, but also makes it safer and more affordable, with the same average weight losses of prescription HCG.
Is HCG safe for men?
The HCG hormone is naturally present in men. It is found in every human tissue, including males, pregnant women, and non-pregnant women. Men will see the same outstanding results as women.
If HCG works so well for weight loss, why don’t pregnant women lose weight?
HCG works to mobilize fat for utilization by the body only when there is a significant decrease in calories and fat. For weight loss, a very low calorie diet of all the right foods is used to trigger HCG to help rid the body of fat.
Will my metabolism slow down if I am on a very low calorie diet?
It is true that normally when cutting back on calories and fat, our body stores fat and our metabolism slows down. This happens because fat is really a life-saving source of stored energy. When a very low calorie diet is used in conjunction with the HCG, the hormone signals the body to used stored fat for energy, and will eliminate excess fat reserves. It is a natural process, so no ill effects on your metabolism will result. The HCG keeps the body from going into starvation mode and holding onto fat as it resets your metabolism. One pound of fat has 3500 calories. And with HCG's influence, you will get your needed calories from those extra energy sources.
Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a very low calorie diet without HCG?
This is perhaps one of the most important concepts to understanding the HCG diet.
You can lose weight simply by eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metabolism to slow down, so in the long run, it would make gaining weight easier, as well as decrease bone density and muscle mass. By using HCG with the low calorie diet, extra fat is mobilized for energy and the rest is eliminated; the low calorie diet is vital in preventing immediate refilling of emptied fat cells. You benefit by getting rid of excess fat without affecting your bone and muscle. With HCG you can lose the weight quickly and keep it off!
The HCG diet is very low calorie, will I get hungry?
It is common to feel mild hunger during the first few days. This will pass and by the second week you will find your servings to be satisfying. Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. Drinking lots of the green tea or water all day helps to act as a natural appetite suppressant and keeps your energy level up. Overall, most people have plenty of energy and feel good while on the program.
Will HCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking? What about birth control pills?
Homeopathic HCG formulas do not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera. Even though there are currently NO clinically proven side effects to our Homeopathic weight loss formula, as with any diet we do recommend consulting with your medical doctor to make sure this diet is for you.
Will I experience any changes in my menstrual cycle taking HCG?
Because the amount of HCG is so small, there are no changes to your menstrual cycle. Likewise, HCG will not affect your ability to become pregnant, nor will it increase your chances of getting pregnant. It is best to avoid starting the HCG Diet if you are within 5-6 days of your menstrual period. Wait until after your menstrual period is complete to start HCG. Once you have started the HCG plan, you will need to discontinue the HCG drops while on your menstrual cycle, but continue the low calorie diet.
What about pregnancy and taking HCG?
If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the HCG diet, stop taking HCG and consult your physician.
Why are some people calling HCG the “Weight Loss Cure”?
HCG is also being called the “Weight Loss Cure” because after taking it for weight loss, it reprograms your body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. It helps you maintain your weight and not regain the pounds you lost.
How much weight can I expect to lose on the program?
Most people will lose 18-20 pounds on the 21 day program and up to 40 pounds on the 43 day program. Everyone is different. It depends on many factors including how much excess weight you have and how much needs to be lost. Often, people lose 7-14 lbs in the first week. You need to have at least 10 lbs to lose in order to start the program.
Does the weight loss slow down after the first two weeks?
Many times there is a large amount of weight loss in the first week, then a plateau or leveling off of weight loss. This does not mean that your weight loss has stopped. Typically, inches are being lost continuously while on the program, and after a period of time, patients will experience another large drop on the scale. Weight loss is thus achieved in this stair-step fashion.
Is it ok to skip a meal or protein at one of my meals?
No you don’t ever want to skip any of your meals. Its important to eat all of your 500 calories and especially your protein so that you only lose fat and not muscle.
Can I exercise daily?
No exercise! Or if you must exercise, low key exercise only. You can do about 20 min. of walking a day and a few sit ups or push-ups if you feel that is needed. Exercise burns calories and therefore causes your hunger to increase. The combination of low calorie intake and exercise could cause your body to go into starvation mode. This can negatively impact your stamina and commitment to the diet. So take it easy. And remember, you will be losing fat. So when you do go back to the gym, it’s a skinnier, more energetic you!
Is it normal to get a headache during the first week?
Some people may experience light headaches during the first week, this is because your body is releasing fat cells very rapidly and you will be going through a major detox. You may take an Aspirin or Tylenol as long as it’s not sugar coated. This is a reason that for some people we recommend our Detox Protocol.
Can I take the drops longer than the recommended days if I want to keep losing weight?
Yes! You can take them up to 40 days. After 40 days you must take a break for how many days you were on the drops before you start another session. This is to make sure your body doesn’t become immune to the HCG. 15 days is the shortest amount of days and 40 is the longest you can do the drops. Just remember the last 3 days of your plan is no drops and continue diet for 3 days until the HCG is flushed out of your body before going into the maintanance phase of the diet. Exercise is encouraged once you start maintenance and are back to 1500-1700 calorie diet.
Can you split up your fruits and eat them when you want?
Yes, you can eat them for breakfast or as a snack. Most don’t eat them with their meals so they will have a snack when they feel hungry. You get 2 fruits a day.
Can I wear makeup / cosmetics / lotion? “Is the HCG ban on using makeup or cosmetics a myth?” Again, Dr. Georgia and Dr. Bates believe that the best course of action with a ‘tried and true’ program such as the Simeon’s diet is to not reinvent the program based on each of our needs. In other words, “Don’t Reinvent the Wheel”! However, our Doctors understand the importance of aesthetics to women, and so go ahead and use such products with confidence that cosmetics and lotions are NOT likely to alter your results.
What does modern medicine have to say about that 60 years after the Simeons protocol was established? When a moisturizer, cream, lotion or sunscreen is applied to the skin, there is ready absorption into the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Most of the absorption is limited to the outer layer we call the stratum corneum (or horny layer). This layer is in a continuous process of shedding off, as new skin cells form. Very little “oil” such as mineral oil has the ability to penetrate deeper. The result is that these oils are not absorbed into the body, and do not add caloric energy for the body to use. Active ingredients in skin care products such as chemical sun blocks, AHA’s and BHA’s do have the ability to penetrate to the deeper epidermis and outer dermis, but they do not provide nutritional energy or calories to the body. The bottom line is this...go ahead and continue to use your lotions if you’d like. If for any reason you are questioning your results during the “A Thinner You” Program, we can recommend an alternative lotion / moisturizer at that time.
