Cutting Edge Weight Loss: What is HCG?

HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone that is naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy.  This hormone goes a long way toward controlling the metabolic functioning of the pregnant woman.  In addition, it helps to prevent the deterioration of the corpus luteum in the ovary.  As a result, the corpus luteum is able to continue producing the progesterone that is necessary during pregnancy.Since HCG is produced during pregnancy, medical professionals routinely check for elevated levels of HCG when testing for pregnancy.  As a hormone that is associated with pregnancy, HCG is used to help treat women with fertility issues as well as other hormonal problems.In addition to the effects that HCG has on hormones, it has also gained a great deal of popularity as a dietary aid.  In order to assist men and women with weight loss, HCG is injected into the dieter’s muscle on a regular basis.  When the injection is taken in conjunction with a very low calorie diet of 500 calories per day, those trying to lose weight can lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time.One of the reasons HCG is so popular when used with a very low calorie diet is the fact that it makes it possible to consume a low amount of calories without experiencing the side effects that are commonly associated with eating such a small amount of food.  In fact, those that follow the diet along with the HCG injection generally do not experience hunger pains and have a heightened level of energy.  In addition, they do not lose muscle mass, which is a common concern when following a very low calorie diet.There are some potential side effects when taking HCG, though these side effects are more common in women taking the drug for fertility purposes than in men or women taking the drug to help with weight loss.  This is because women taking HCG for fertility have to take significantly larger doses than those taking it for weight loss.  For some, headaches occur when taking the drug and some people experience other symptoms that are commonly associated with pregnancy.  When taking HCG for weight loss, however, these symptoms are extremely rare.It should be noted that HCG has not been approved by the FDA for use as a weight loss aid.  It is, however, considered a safe drug to use for other medicinal purposes.  Since it has not been approved as a dietary aid, it is considered an alternative form of weight loss therapy.