General HCG Diet Questions

Won’t anyone who eats 500 calories a day lose weight?

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. In the event that the person refuses to eat, the body goes further into survival mode and slows the metabolism.

The body was not designed to thrive but to survive. When we use the "traditional" weight loss methods, (like extreme exercise and reduced calories), weight loss is indeed possible; however it often comes directly from lean muscle mass and the essential structural fat. That is why it is very common for people to regain the weight once returning to "normal eating". They will also gain a few additional pounds because the body is trying to create an environment for survival. The same is true when diuretics and other weight loss pills and powders are used. 

Do I need to exercise while on the HCG protocol?

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.

If you have been on a regular exercise routine prior to doing the HCG Protocol, you may continue (with the exception of hothouse yoga). You may find that after a week or so you no longer have the stamina to work out at the same pace. This is normal and is not cause for alarm. At this point, we would suggest that you cut back on the duration and intensity of your routine.

After completing VLCD, we have found it best to not add new (or increase) exercise until you have completed your first week of Maintenance 1. Remember to increase your calorie intake accordingly to accommodate your exercise routine.

Do I need to take any supplements while on the HCG protocol?

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. 

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body tissue while water-soluble vitamins are not.  This means that one can reach toxic levels of fat-soluble vitamins more easily than one can with the water-soluble vitamins, as those are the ones that the body will expel via urine if they are in over-abundance.

Before beginning any supplement, please do some research – including talking to your doctor to verify that the supplement is right for you.

What is the average weight loss I can expect while on the HCG protocol?

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.

Here at ThinNow.com, we have chosen to make sure that people understand that weight loss slows after the first week and they can expect to see 1/2 to 1 pound AVERAGE daily loss over the VLCD phase.  Men often lose closer to the 1 pound daily average; women tend to be closer to the 1/2 to 2/3 pound daily average.

Will being on the HCG diet interfere with a random drug screening?

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.

Are essential oils allowed while on the VLCD?

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.

When looking for personal care products, what ingredients should I avoid?

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.

I read that I will not be able to use any lotions or other personal care products while on the HCG protocol, is this true?

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. Once the HCG is out of your system and you are in the Maintenance phase of the protocol, you are free to resume using your personal care products as usual.

Where can I do more research about the HCG protocol?

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.

Does the HCG protocol work?

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 . If you would like to interact with people who are currently on the HCG diet, check out our support forum at http://www.ThinNow.com/forum and our Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/myhcgplus .