Understanding the hCG Diet: An Interview with FullBar's Dr. Michael Snyder
With loyal and passionate followers and and concerned naysayers, the hCG diet is one of the most controversial diets on the market today. One of the most popular diet trends of 2009, and trending to be that for 2010, hCG is getting a lot of attention from people on both sides of the fence. Both its critics and supporters are adamant in their positions. The critics are cautious and warn those following the protocol to read between the lines of this dangerously low-calorie diet (about 500/day for some); the supporters say "don't knock it until you've tried it," raving about the results.
A probable diet supplement administered via injections, the hCG diet is controversial. hCG is the Human Choriogonadotropin hormone, the same produced by women in the early stages of pregnancy. During pregnancy, this increased hormone tells the hypothalamus to transfer nutrients and fat to the placenta. When used as part of a weight loss program, it is the fat-mobilization capability of the hormone that has been celebrated for its ability to facilitate weight loss.
Access to hCG is becoming a hot web commodity, although the protocol should be closely monitored by a health professional if you choose to do it. While some doctors are helping their patients, not all are supportive. In an interview with Dr. Michael Snyder, founder of FullBar and a seasoned weight loss surgeon, he shares his review of the hCG diet with DietsInReview.com.
DIR: What is hCG?
DR. SNYDER: hCG is a naturally-occurring hormone. But just because it's natural, doesn't mean that it's safe.
DIR: Does hCG work?
DR. S
: I have seen no indication that ingesting hCG increases your blood level of it. Your body, just like it would digest a piece of chicken, is going to digest hCG and break it down. In addition, I have found no clinical indication that hCG increases metabolism. If this were the case, we might see pregnant women who are also anorexic, but in fact, we see just the opposite: Pregnant women gain weight.
DIR: What are the risks involved with hCG?
DR. S: hCG in and of itself is not injurious but I'm skeptical that intentionally increasing your levels of hCG is effective and safe. With hCG, I see no such monitoring [as with hormone replacement therapy] being done which makes me think that either it is being prescribed in a very casual and very dangerous way or that you're simply not absorbing it. I haven't found any clinical studies that show how hCG is being dosed and monitored when it's prescribed, and if so, if it is in fact having any effects.
Click here to see Dr. Michael Snyder's hCG Diet interview in its entirety.
With a weight-loss claim that hCG can help users lose up to three pounds in a day, it's not surprising that it has appeal. The restrictive process, however, does make it surprising, as daily injections and a diet commonly made of 500 calories each day (up to 1200 for some) doesn't sound appealing at all.
"500 calories per day is severely restrictive! In fact, it is not enough calories to support normal brain function. Your body will compensate by using stores of glycogen, protein (muscle) and some fat, which lowers your resting metabolism," says Rebecca Scritchfield, Registered Dietitian for DietsInReview.com. "There is no scientific evidence supporting hCG injections as a weight loss strategy. In addition, these injections have not been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss."
If you're considering the hCG diet, you are highly encouraged to consult your primary care physician first, as well as do plenty of research.
Learn more at DietsInReview.com:
hCG Diet: Look Elsewhere for Weight Loss
The Safety and Dangers of hCG Clinics
The Skinny on FullBar
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