The hCG Protocol is a result of years of work and research done by British endocrinologist Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950-60’s, who published his findings in a book entitled “Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity”.
Dr. A.T.W. Simeons
More importantly, these patients were losing body fat from areas that had in previous typical “diets” proved to be completely resistant to the patients efforts. This phenomenon is explained in it’s entirety in Dr. Simeons book.
The protocol is a fat loss regimen consisting of a daily dose of hCG in conjunction with a simple (VLCD) Very Low Calorie Diet of 500 calories per day. The protocol progresses in phases as follows:
- Loading phase (also called “Binge” or “Gorge” phases)
- Core phase
- Elimination phase
- Stabilization phase
- Maintenance phase
The Loading Phase – Days 1 and 2
This phase constitutes the first two days of the protocol and you now begin taking the daily hCG injections or drops. During this time you are encouraged to “eat to capacity of the most fattening food (you) can get down” until the day of the third dose.
This may seem beforehand to be a quite enjoyable period, but many claim feeling stuffed and disgusted during the second day.It is typical to gain weight during this phase (obviously) but the weight quickly and surprisingly disappears after the third day.
The reasons for this “gorge” are many. According to Dr. Simeons it appears to take about three days worth of injections before adequate fat deposits start circulating in the bloodstream and become available for energy use. It is reported that the more you eat during the Loading phase, the better you will do over the next few days as your body becomes accustomed to it’s new lower calorie diet and the hormone now present in circulation.
The Core phase – Day 3 thru 23-40
Day three commences the strict 500 calorie diet that is followed until 3 days after your last dose of hCG (we will cover the actual diet in the next post). Injections or drops continue during this phase until you either reach your desired weight, the minimum 23 days, or reach the maximum 40 days on hCG. It is important to weigh yourself every morning and monitor your weight loss which should be 1/2 to 2 lbs per day.
The minimum amount of time you must take hCG is 23 days. This period of time is ideal if you need to lose 15 lbs or less. Dr. Simeons states it takes at least this long to prime the hypothalamus (your brains control center for metabolism) to accept your new set weight. Stopping hCG before 23 days and returning to a regular diet would cause you to regain the weight you just lost, and probably a few more pounds to boot.
Simeons also states the maximum amount of weight you should lose on one course of hCG is 34 lbs. So if you need to lose more than that, you stop hCG at either 34 lbs or the maximum 40 days, whichever comes first. A second (third, fourth…) course will be necessary to lose more. It is advised that you wait 6 weeks before starting a second course.
The protocol does not say why 34 lbs is the magic number to stop at, but when you think about it, taking 30 plus pounds off all but the largest of frames is a lot of weight in a short period of time. That’s the equivalent of losing the mass of a three year old child in roughly a month!
There is also the issue of hCG “immunity”. As with any artificially supplied hormone the body’s mechanisms will, over time, become resistant to it. After 40 days on the hCG it makes sense to stop and give the body time to adjust and find equilibrium at it’s new weight for a few weeks before continuing another course.
The beauty of this phase is that it teaches you new eating habits, and allows you to develop an appreciation for food you may have never possessed. Food simply tastes and smells better, even plain raw vegetables taste amazing. You may never take food for granted again!
The Elimination phase – for 3 days
This three day phase begins the day after your last dose of hCG. You simply continue the 500 calorie diet for three days while the hCG clears from the system. It is very important to not increase calories during this time period. Your weight on day 3 of this phase is your new set weight.
The Stabilization phase – for 21 days
The 500 calorie VLCD ends and stabilization begins. You may gradually increase your calorie intake to a point that allows you to stay at your new weight. The only limitation during this time is avoiding sugar and starches (more on the diet in the next post).
During this phase you will continue to weigh yourself every morning, as it is important to stay within 2 lbs of your final weight. If you pass this threshold, that very day calls for a “steak day” – no breakfast or lunch, only unlimited calorie free liquids (water, tea, coffee) until dinner time when you have a large steak and an apple. Your stabilization diet continues as normal the next day, and you should be back to your set weight.
Maintenance phase – the rest of your life!
Now that you have stabilized your weight you are free to eat a normal, well balanced diet of healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains and nuts. You may gradually increase your carbohydrate (sugar and starch) intake to a point that allows you to stay within reach of your set weight.
“Steak days” can and should be used as needed, though you shouldn’t be relying on them to control your weight. That’s what exercise is for!
A quick word about exercise – Dr. Simeons says, and it has been the experience of thousands of people, that exercise is not necessary to lose the desired weight with the hCG Protocol. I think it would be a travesty though, to not develop a physical routine during the course of the protocol.
Just a simple 30 minute daily walk does wonders for heart health (see the Honolulu Heart Program). Not only will it facilitate your weight loss, but it makes it that much easier to maintain your weight once your done with the protocol.
It is paramount that you establish an exercise regimen you can stick to for the long term. It is simply useless to go through the trouble of adjusting your metabolism and set weight, and not do what it takes to maintain it. Falling back into your old ways and eating habits will undo everything you’ve worked so long to lose. Though hCG has been hailed as “the cure” to obesity, it is not a magic bullet and it’s effects can easily be undone.
If you monitor your daily weight, eat healthy nutritious foods in moderation, splurge occasionally, and exercise regularly, you should have no problem maintaining your new weight permanently.
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