|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

HCG Effect on the Hypothalamus

The HCG diet protocol has gained much popularity and speculation since its increased availability to consumers in 2009. It is believed this hormone assists in weight loss by coaxing the body and hypothalamus gland to use stored fats.

  1. History

    • Dr. A.T.W. Simeons first discovered the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), on the brain's hypothalamus in 1954. He released his findings in the 1971 study, "Pounds and Inches." Since then, weight loss clinics around the world have implemented the HCG diet protocol for obese clients. Author Kevin Trudeau also reviewed and discussed his findings on the HCG diet protocol in, "The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About."

    Function

    • The hypothalamus is located near the pituitary gland in the brain and controls automatic bodily functions including breathing, heart rate, reproduction, sleep and digestion. The presence of HCG in the body signals the hypothalamus to release stored fats when low levels of calories are consumed. This hormone is naturally present in pregnant women to ensure the fetus is receiving enough nourishment.

    Benefits

    • Dieters on the HCG protocol inject the hormone daily up to 40 days. The consumer is also restricted on the varieties and portions of foods. The lack of normal supply of calories and the presence of HCG, causes the hypothalamus to release stored fats for the body's use. After the 40-day period, the hypothalamus is reset to maintain the lower body weight.

    Warning

    • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved HCG as a weight loss treatment. The low level of only 500 calories daily is considered potentially dangerous. Substantial proof has not yet been found to support weight loss benefit claims of HCG. Additionally, any weight loss plan should be discussed with your primary health care provider before you begin to implement it.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of HCG include headaches, mood swings, restlessness, water retention, and swelling at the injection site. Rarely, ovarian hyper-stimulation in women can occur.

Weight Loss - Related Articles