While it is true that someone can eat 500 calories and lose weight, this will not be allowed to happen for an entire three weeks. The body will only allow this to occur for 3 to 5 days at which point it will go into survival mode. This will be apparent by the lack of energy and an increase of hungry to the extreme. It will include hunger headaches and weight loss would stop. The body would then begin to turn everything eaten into fat stores. The body will not allow this situation to last for longer than 5 days without doing something to force the person to eat.

Exercise is NOT required while using HCG for weight loss.  We recommend that you do not incorporate NEW forms of exercise during the VLCD, although non-strenuous movement like walking, yoga (no hothouse yoga, even you have done this prior to starting the protocol) or stretching for up to an hour a day has shown to be fine.

Supplements are not required while on the HCG diet because fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats). While on the HCG diet, the body is mobilizing fat stores and would still be able to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins because of the fat (lipids) released into the blood stream by the HCG. 

While Dr. Simeons states in Pounds and Inches that it is common for people to lose 1 to 2 pounds daily during the first week or so, this rate of weight loss does not continue throughout the protocol. He states this as well but most HCG companies work very hard to keep that quiet.

When using the HCG drops, the HCG will likely not register on a urine or blood test. Most companies do not screen for HCG while doing drug testing (as doing so would be screening for pregnancy), but it would be best to check with your employer to verify.

So long as the essential oils do not contain base or carrier oil such as jojoba oil, soybean oil, or olive oil, you are free to use them while on the VLCD. For a complete list of ingredients to avoid, please refer to our HCG Diet Guide.

Your personal care products should be free of all forms of food grade oils – this includes ingredients that contain the word oil, butter, and cholesterol, etc. For a complete list of ingredients to avoid, please refer to our HCG Diet Guide.

During VLCD, you can only use personal care products that do not contain food oils. During the VLCD phase, your body is extremely sensitive and can absorb oils placed on the skin and metabolize them as fat. Your body has adapted itself to only allow for the 500 calories from the food you are eating, and it is possible that any oils placed on the skin can cause gains or stalls. You will find a list of oil-free personal care products in our HCG Diet Guide.

Your first step in the research process should be to read Dr. A.T.W. Simeons manuscript, “Pounds and Inches” from cover to cover and make notes of any questions that arise while reading. Next, read through our Frequently Asked Questions and testimonials so you have a better understanding of how the HCG diet works and what other people are saying about the HCG protocol.

There are tens of thousands of success stories by people who have used the HCG diet! All of our support staff have successfully used the HCG diet and would be happy to share their experiences with you. You can see testimonials from our clients here: http://www.ThinNow.com/realpeople.php .