Weighing in on the HCG "Diet" one last time.

Hey All,
If you care to read this, I thought I would present some evidence that was contrary to a lot of the posts on this board. Not to cause dissension but to have a thread where both the positives and the negatives on display. It is my thought that everyone needs to be well informed on a subject so they can make educated decisions on their own.

While I applaud the lifestyle changes that following a diet such as this has caused it's followers to faithfully adhere to, I feel it is necessary, to clearly and for the record state (or re-state) some of the issues.

Don't think this will make me very popular but... here goes.


Everyone will be able to find testament to support their views. There are all sorts of "testimonials" to support both sides of most diets. I personally like to go on scientific fact that can be repeatedly proven time and again regardless of passion or emotion.

Scientific Studies of the HCG Diet

"A number of studies have been conducted of the hCG diet dating back nearly to the origins of the diet itself. Some of them show the HCG Diet is effective and some of them show that the HCG Diet is hype.

Generally, the studies can be broken into two types. One type of study asks people on the HCG diet about their experiences. In this type of study those who successfully follow the diet report excellent results, and the hCG diet is deemed a big success.

The other type uses control groups or double-blind procedures in which half the studies participants are given hCG and half are given a placebo (a fake that has no effect on the body). The results of this second type of test, are nearly unanimous in showing that there is no difference between daily hCG injections and placebo treatments when the participants follow the same dietary patterns. No difference in weight loss, no difference in the level of perceived hunger, no difference in blood nutrient levels, no difference- period."

The above is from Various German, British and american medical journals, etc. AND THERE'S MORE:

HCG Diet Results

Here are the results of actual scientifically controlled studies which were conducted in 1976, 1987, 1990, and 1995. Do we really have to perform the study again every time the hCG marketing engine revs up for another round of money making? In 1976, Researchers Stein, Julis, Peck , Hinshaw, Sawicki, and Deller concluded: "There was no statistically significant difference in the means of the two groups in number of injections received, weight loss, percent of weight loss, hip and waist circumference, weight loss per injections, or in hunger ratings. HCG does not appear to enhance the effectiveness of a rigidly imposed regimen for weight reduction." A review of 20 available studies published in the German Medical Journal "Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde" concluded "These studies showed a significant weight reduction during dieting, but no differences between treatment groups in respect of body weight, body proportions and feeling of hunger," and "...the opinion of the German steroid toxicology panel is still valid, that hCG is ineffective in dieting and should not be used." A review of the data by Lijesen, Theeuwen, Assendelft, and Van Der Wal published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology said plainly "We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being." There are more, but I'll save you the time, the conclusions are the same.

In conclusion: You might feel great and this diet like some others may work for you Just be careful and really weigh your options before spending money and jumping on the next big thing.

Thanks PhitCoach. I have been wondering about that. I am in total opposition of 'miracle' diets anyway but when posters here started to tell about their exclusive great results I started doubting. This brings much information and balances things out a lot.

So Phit, you failed to mention that at least one of the drs. involved in the hcg studies was a bariatric dr.(go figure...) You also failed to mention that the majority of these studies did NOT follow Simeon's protocol exactly, in fact most were altered regarding food choices and caloric intake. Furthermore, not one study prooved or stated that Dr.Simeon's protocol had harmed anyone, EVER!! (50 yrs is a long time with no adverse reactions)

You can support the science all u want, but clearly science isn't doing too well. We (the U.S.) are a sick nation (ranking 37th in the world re.health care to be exact). Not to mention the enormous obesity in the U.S.

I'm not a stupid woman, do you actually think I haven't attempted the "eat less-move more" suggestion that everyone touts? Geeze, even my doctor is fat!!! How's that for science? You must know there are some people who cannot (myself, being one of them) lose weight just lowering their calories and exercising more. Some of us have tried everything available, and I mean everything! It's insulting and ignorant to suggest that "one only needs to eat less and exercise more" and then you too will be slim and fit. (I wonder why I didn't think of that...)

The truth is Dr. Simeon's protocol IS NOT dangerous, and I challenge you to proove that it is. I've lost 42 lbs.4 months ago and have kept it off. I'm not only slim, I feel great too. I have more energy than I've ever had in my life and am maintaining a slim 117 lbs.

Here's the thing.... I might trust the science if it were honest, unfortunately it is not. Most studies are funded by pharmaceutical companies or backed by government funding. The hCg protocol needs an UNBIASED study, ie. without bariatric doctors... Bariatric surgery, hmmm...now there's a questionable protocol...

There are many viable clinics available supported by doctors (albeit mostly naturapaths) who offer this protocol. Those of you folks suffering from obesity and unable to lose weight, please do more research before you accept "the science".

My Tree,
Great post, however, I have one thing to add. Dr Simeons' diet DOES have the science to back it. Just because "the other side" chooses to present a stilted version of their science to back their case does NOT mean that the HCG diet does not have good science to back it. That's precisely why it does work. Folks like Phit and the others that denounce the diet put the element of "fear" in others because they know that most people will not take the time or initiative to look it up and give it a little research.

Congrats, My Tree, on your loss. Thanks for posting and giving others some much needed support. I start my program next week and folks like you are going to be a much needed support.

I wish you all the best in your weight loss efforts. I pay that it continue to give you the results that you are seeking.

PEACE,
Coach Scott

The only thing worse than a diet that delivers minimal results is the freely available surgical procedures for weight reduction, some which diminish the body's ability to absorb nutrition to the point that supplements must be taken for the rest of a lifetime. There is HARD data as to the complications from the surgical procedures, just conjecture as to any possible long term effects of hCG.

There's something VERY WRONG with a government that allows radio commercials for bariatric surgery, but opposes a program that has worked since the 1950's.

Eat right, exercise, expend more calories with physical exertion than you take in. In a perfect world that'd work for everyone. For someone 300 lbs plus who can barely get off the couch, thighs raw from rubbing together and joint pain - jumping on the treadmill does not look very inviting.

Take that same person after losing 30-40 lbs, joint pain & hypertension greatly reduced, getting a little self confidence and 'tude - and they might actually WANT to jump on, power walk, take up weight training.

Bad info cuts both ways it seems, just as some gloss over the bad, a few have negative comments with little common sense. Recently someone using a $50 scale that displays body fat % came to the conclusion that they'd lost structural fat. One heck of a scale that it can decipher exactly WHERE the muscle loss came from. On the other hand, I've seen a few dozen hydro & body scan results that - well, made their conclusion seem as if it were based on a $50 scale. The test results fom the medical facilities were very constant, less than 2% of the weight loss was muscle mass.

I don't view the protocol as a quick fix -more of a springboard to get those to the point where they are apt to be more active.

Current statistics report 30+ % of Americans are obese and an additional 30+ % are just overweight, studies projecting upwards of 90% of Americans being overweight or obese by the year 2030 with per annum expense to treat weight related issues estimated at close to a trillion dollars.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/ 080728192936.htm

Interesting - that a plastic surgery text book written in the 80's lists the hcg protocol as a "safe, reliable technique for the treatment of obesity". Plastic surgeons -suggesting maybe before you go throwing someone on an operating table - try this.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Tydte5aJTW0C&pg=PA276& dq=Advances+in+aesthetic+plastic+surgery+1987& ei=RCZXSZuLLJWckATNvdSAAg#PPP15,M1

The hard to find double blind medical study that suggest people on hCG lost nearly twice as much as placebo.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/26/2/211

Currently there are 3 - count 'em THREE pharma companies with diet pills in clinical trials.. Arena, Vivus, Orexigen. For the good of mankind ? Doubtful.

They interviewed a gent who lost 50 lbs in a year using one of the new drugs... wow, 50 lbs in a year. I just had a morbidly obese woman report she'd lost 51 lbs in a single month on the hCG protocol. (THAT blew even me away, but as a reference she was over 400 lbs when she started)

With obesity at epidemic proportions they're hoping to cash in - it's estimated that in the next few years health expenses related to weight loss prescriptions will balloon from 500 mil to over 2 BILLION dollars.

Do I suggest the protocol as a first diet ? NO. With less than 50 lbs to lose I'd much rather them try a workout program such as Body for Life.

Do I think the protocol is a cure ? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Does it work for everyone? NO

Do I suggest anyone start the protocol without running it by their primary care physician ? NOT A CHANCE.

Are there health risks ? YES - and it burns me to no end the number of sites/books that wrecklessly claim otherwise. Most notably gall bladder issues from lack of fat in the diet, gout attack from a build up of uric acid, in extremely sensitive women possible inflammation of the ovaries. Less notable side effects include loss of energy, possible hair loss, hot flashes, rashes.

I'll tell you this - after having 3 friends decide on surgeries which were total disasters... I've had 5 people thus far tell me they'd lost 60 lbs or more each in four months and that surgery was no longer an option for them. Someone who HAD a gastric bypass and minimal results tell me the protocol has been more successful than they'd ever thought possible.

The protocol for a casual dieter ? No. For someone who's failed multiple diets and is thinking about surgery, serious health issues due to morbid obesity ? YES

Purchased in quantity, the expense of the protocol for a month, and an expected weight loss of 20 lbs or more - $30. Lose as much weight as the mainstream programs - Jenny, Nutri - for less than the cost of a week of their disgusting prepackaged meals... and in 1/4th the time it takes to lose the same amount of weight on their programs.

Unlike the mainstream programs and their high priced celebs - their results that AREN'T typical, and weren't even achieved on their current programs... to date 99% of the people I've worked with have lost a minimum of 25 lbs in 30 days.

There are very few risks to the protocol, and with a very small percentage experiencing any of the more serious side effects. It should be discussed rationally with a physician, and the risks weighed against current weight related health risks.

Another point - the FTC sued Simeons Mgt in the 70's, and Trudeau more recently - and the government has YET to make a claim that the protocol is unsafe or ineffective.

I'd submit that while apparently most doctors don't consider their 3000% profit margins lowering their patient's quality of life (they should, it does) the 1000 plus (and ever growing list of) physicians prescribing hCG for weight loss are not violating their most sacred of oaths - "do no harm".

Hi,

I am so excited about the hCG protocol. I found a homeopathic doctor here locally who only starts his sessions once a month. I just missed April's cut off. Now, I have to wait until the 30th to begin. I know you don't recommend starting without a doctor's assistance. I told my general physician 2 days ago that I am going to do this. He said that I should be fine, but to just keep in touch if I feel weak or feel anxious about anything. I've read Pounds and Inches. I see lots of helpful advice all over the internet, but I'm not able to find any where that tells me how to mix the sublingual vials or how much to use and when. Or, for that matter, how long. I think it's 23 days. Do you know where I would get that info. Do you think it's a good idea to jump into it on my own. I'm just too excited to wait. Do you have any suggestions about where to order it? I was thinking about ebay. There is a guy who has 4 vials (1 ounce each) of varying IU levels for $99.00. Online I found drugdelivery had ampules for $18 - $35, but I don't know what an ampule is. Advice? Ideas? or suggestions about where to get more details?

Delmem: loved your youtube video. I just watched it.

Wildly Applauding... Thank you for stating this side of the fence so exactly. For those of you that think I'm a hater... I'm not. The negative reasons mentioned in the above are exactly what I am talking about. Take a look from my side for a moment... All of the people that I see fit into the category of first time dieters or dieters that just don't want anything but the quick way out. Mind you... THIS DIET is UNHEALTHY and from my experience no matter who you are if you are ABLE to exercise and do it right you can lose weight by proper diet and exercise. Not interested in arguing this point. BUT being morbidly obese is much more life threatening than this or any diet. So, if the protocal will save your life... If that is what it takes... GO for it. Just remember to try to develop some good habits along the way. I've seen way too many people gain all the weight back plus some after the deit was done. Not Pretty.