Understanding HCG and the HCG Protocol (cont)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (commonly known as hCG or HCG) is a natural occuring substance. It is obtained from the urine of pregnant women.  Dr. Simeons believed the cause of obesity was an abnormally functioning hypothalamus gland. Dr. Simeons believed the use of HCG + VLCD re-set the hypothalamus to normal, thereby normalizing metabolism, hunger, and the storage of fat.

There are three types of fat in the body: 1) structural fat; 2) normal fat reserves; and 3) abnormal stored fat. Structural fat provide's protection for the body’s major organs and joints and is not burned for metabolism. Normal fat reserves are spread all over the body. These first two types of fat are needed for good health. Abnormal stored fat is kept in storage under the skin and around the organs as a “spare fuel supply.” In the obese person, it tends to collect in places like the hips, buttocks, knees, ankles, upper arms, neck, and abdomen.

Simeon’s believed that HCG keeps the structural fat and muscle intact while breaking down the abnormal body fat, using it as fuel, and causing a person to lose inches and weight. HCG is widely administered by intramuscular injection (IM) but a sublingual method (SL) is also used by many people. HCG, as a weight loss tool, helps reduce food cravings by making stored fat available for metabolism, thus helping a person stick to a rigid diet program and lose approximately one-half to one pound per day (the daily weight loss results will depend on the individual, and men tend to lose weight quicker than women). As the HCG metabolizes stored body fat, about 2,000 calories each day are released into the bloodstream.  This allows a person to eat a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), consisting of 500 calories, without experiencing fatigue, weakness, or hunger. Most importantly, the weight is not regained when you're finished with the HCG protocol as long as a healthy diet is followed.

The HCG protocol is broken down into what is now commonly known as three phases. Phase 2 consists of HCG + VLCD; Phase 3 consists of a three week period during which daily calories are increased but no starch or sugar is eaten; and the final phase, Phase 4, is the lifetime maintenance of your weight loss.  Each phase has its own set of instructions and food requirements to follow and you can read about these in Dr. Simeons’ manuscript and other available sources.  Join our Group Forum to find an elaborate and detailed breakdown of the phases, the instructions for each phase, helpful suggestions, assitance with maintenance, support, inspiration, the latest news, and more!

A few current authors have expanded on the phases and the protocol, recommending a person do colon and heavy metal cleanses, candida cleansing, etc., also known as Phase 1.  Any diversion from Dr. Simeons’ HCG Protocol is always optional and not required to be successful but some people will find such cleanses do help.  The Administrators and Moderators of My HCG Journey are rooted in being purist when following Dr. Simeons’ protocol and will always defer to the original method for success.

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; third, it is accepted as self-evident.”

(As noted by a German philosopher in 1850: The Weight Loss Cure “They” Don’t Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau.)