HCG, or human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a natural hormone that the body produces during pregnancy by cells in the placenta and mainly helps to maintain progesterone production. HCG could also break down abdominal fat so it can be used as energy for the rapidly growing fetus. This process gives a boost to the metabolism. Based on this fact, Dr. Albert T. Simeons created the famous HCG diet weight loss protocol back in the 1950’s, which helps people reach their targeted weight by adhering to a strict diet plan and daily HCG shots for weight loss purpose.

According to Dr. Simeons, the HCG shots work with a low calorie intake diet to assist in rapid weight loss. This diet consist of 500 calories a day, which is 700 calories less than what the average human is recommended a day to stay healthy and in order for the human body to receive all of the necessary nutrients it needs. This 500-calorie diet also requires artificial sweeteners, white sugar, flour and name brand foods to be cut out of your daily consumption. Dieters are asked to stick to this very strict organic diet.

In the meantime, dieters start by injecting a HCG shot once a day. The daily injection of HCG is said to mobilize the abnormal fat stores in the body and makes it available for use as energy. While burning this stored energy, the body’s energy level increases and appetite decreases, so dieters usually won’t feel the hunger pains when undergoing this HCG diet protocol. This is partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic rate, but largely due to the amount of calories circulating in your system from the fat being released.

The HCG Injection can be prescribed by doctors, or similar products can be purchased without a prescription online. During the first two days of injections, the dieter is allowed to eat excessively. On the third day, the 500 calorie diet begins and continues up until 72 hours after the last injection. For the continuing three weeks, all foods are allowed to be consumed again, with the exception of sugar and starch. After an additional three weeks, starches may be introduced into the diet again, but in small quantities in order to maintain a healthy weight.

If HCG shots are used correctly, there is often little concern for HCG side effects. The potential side effects of HCG shots for weight loss include common symptoms associated with dieting, such as body fatigue, headaches, irritability, depression and men may also begin to retain water when they first use HCG. All individuals considering the HCG shots for weight loss are advised to consult with a trusted physician before hand and be ready to commit themselves to a very strict diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle after completion of the HCG diet protocol.