Slim Medical - Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss Center
Medical Weight Loss - Frequently Asked Questions - Part 1
Q: What is hCG, in use for medical weight loss?
A: HCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a bio-identical hormone. HCG is normally produced by the trophoblastic cells of the placenta during pregnancy, and helps stabilize and maintain the pregnancy. HCG is also used as an ovulation trigger during infertility treatment, and in far higher doses than that used for the hCG medical weight loss diet. Therefore, HCG is a safe medication.
HCG works on the hypothalamus to reset the hunger thermostat, diminishing the brain’s desire for food. It differs from simple appetite suppressants in that its effect are more permanent, and if used in accordance with the hCG diet plan, has a long lasting effect. This is in sharp contrast to the appetite suppressants like Phentermine, which cause a rebound effect on hunger once discontinued. Furthermore, hCG has the ability to effect fat cells to more readily release their stored fat during a low calorie diet, resulting in better weight loss, fat release from unwanted areas, and better energy availability during the low calorie diet and therefore less hunger. The effectiveness and safety of the hCG diet plan is so far unsurpassed by any other method of medical diet. We are so impressed by the hCG diet protocol, that it is our mainly recommended medical weight loss regimen.
Q: What is the typical amount of weight loss expected with the hCG diet?
A: There is no specific amount of weight loss that should be expected for any one specific person. Each person’s body type, build, metabolism, activity, and genetics dictates a potentially different response with any form of medical diet. Also, the starting point of fat storage is important. It is important to maintain realistic goals when attempting weight loss. On average, a weight loss goal of about 8% of body weight is a realistic and achievable expectation. However, it is not uncommon for some individuals to lose more than that. Even though many patients have lost 25 pounds in one month, expecting a dramatic weight loss such as this is a recipe for disappointment, loss of enthusiasm, and failure.
Q: What is the VLCD ( very low calorie diet) with the hCG plan?
A: The Very Low Calorie hCG Diet is the original protocol developed by Dr. Simeons. It entails a 500-calorie per day diet, which is very specific in its intake, avoiding fats and carbohydrates. It is mostly a protein and vegetable diet, providing the body with the nutrients and protein it needs, while depriving it of sugars and fats. Protein intake is important to prevent muscle wasting (using muscle as fuel). Keeping sugar intake low also keeps the hormones that store fat low – namely Insulin in check. With insulin and blood sugar levels low, the body naturally resorts to breaking down stored fat and using it as an alternative fuel to sugar. This is where the hCG becomes very important. It promotes fat cells to more easily release the stored fat, thereby making fat loss easier as well as providing the energy needed to supplement a very low calorie diet’s energy needs.
Q: Will I be hungry with the Very Low Calorie hCG Diet?
A: As with any diet, the first step is proper determination and a level of discipline. Some hunger must be expected. However, the level of hunger and one’s ability to control it are surprisingly manageable while on the hCG diet plan, considering only 500 calories are being consumed. The reason is that the body’s own fat stores are more readily accessible and released because of the hCG, providing a steady supply of the energy the body needs. Therefore, hunger levels are lower.
Q: Does hCG have to be administered by injection?
A: The original research involved hCG being administered in the form of an intramuscular injection. While some hCG diet plans still insist on intramuscular hCG shots, it is not necessary. HCG can be easily absorbed under the tongue, or sublingually, by the veins that are present there. This route bypasses the stomach and intestinal tract, which would otherwise break down and destroy the hCG molecule. The convenience of taking hCG under the tongue means avoiding unnecessary injections.
Q: What if I don’t follow the diet strictly?
A: The hCG diet has been specifically designed to lower the amount of carbohydrates and fat intake in a way that forces the body to turn on biochemical pathways of breaking down the stored fat. A simple deviation from the diet does not lead to just a few extra calories consumed, but to a bypassing of the desired metabolic pathways. Therefore, even slight deviations (cheating) with this diet can lead to failure. Strict discipline is needed to absolute adherence to the hCG diet plan. You will find, however, that such adherence is not difficult, and can be easily achieved by anyone that is determined to lose the weight.
Q: How is Releana related to the hCG weight loss diet?
A: Releana is the trademark name of the sublingual form of hCG. It is as effective as the injected form of hCG, but with the convevience of oral administration. Slim Medical's formulation is similar to Releana, but the with the added benefit of Vitamin B12, which serves to further improve metabolism and energy levels.