The hCG Injection Diet Explained
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The
hCG Injection Diet
Explained
Page: 1
Medical Disclaimer
The use of hCG has not been approved by the TGA as an effective treatment for obesity or
weight control. There have been no approved clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy of hCG
with regards to weight loss, body composition or it’s effect on hunger and the hypothalamus.
Side Effects
Side effects can occur and, if serious, it is recommended that you cease using the products
immediately and seek the assistance of a physician.
Contact your doctor if you experience headaches, irritability, restlessness, slight water retention,
tenderness of breast tissue, swelling of the injection sight, and depression.
Ovarian hyper-stimulation is rare but possible in females and requires immediate medical
treatment. It is identified by the following symptoms: severe pelvic and abdominal pain, swelling
of the abdomen, feet, legs, and hands, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, a
reduction in urination, and weight gain.
hCG must not be used
• during pregnancy or breast feeding, or
• with a history of breast cancer or
• with current Type 1 diabetes.
No Guarantees
As with any weight loss program, results will depend on a number of factors. There are no
guarantees. The information given in this document is based on research and case studies
however individual results may vary.
No medical advice
The information provided in this document is not medical advice, and should not be treated
as such. You should always consult your doctor or physician before commencing any weight
loss program. If you are suffering from any medical condition you should immediately seek
medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or
discontinue medical treatment because of information in the document.
Limitation of warranties
The information in this document is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties,
express or implied. DermiCo makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical
information on this website.
DermiCo does not warrant that the medical information in this document is complete, true,
accurate, up-to-date, or non-misleading.
Liability
Nothing in this medical disclaimer will limit any of our liabilities in any way that is not permitted
under applicable law, or exclude any of our liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable
law.
Page: 2
Introduction
This booklet contains information about the hCG Injection Protocol. It is
provided to give you a general understanding of the theory of how hCG
works and it’s use in weight loss programs.
You will be given information about the hCG hormone, recent case studies
and research findings as well as personal stories from those who have
completed the program. This is provided to allow you to make an informed
decision regarding whether the program is right for you.
There is much controversy surrounding the use of the hCG hormone as a
weight loss aid. It does not have TGA approval for this indication in Australia.
hCG has been approved for use in infertility and hypogonadism and is
deemed safe and effective for these conditions. hCG can be prescribed for
weight loss as an “off-label” use at the prescribing doctor’s discretion.
Page: 3
Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is hCG
3. The Research
4. The hCG Injection Diet Protocol
5. Results
6. Side Effects
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Success Stories
9. Why Choose the DermiCo hCG Program
10. What to do next
Page: 4
What is hCG? hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) is a hormone that is produced in both the testes in males and ovaries in females at all times. During pregnancy hCG is produced in abundance. It is believed that when calorie intake is low, hCG uses stored fat to provide energy for the developing fetus, whilst preserving the mother’s muscle tone. When used in conjunction with a low calorie diet, hCG is thought to release abnormal fat stores in the body, while sparing muscle and organ use. This results in significant weight loss as well as an improved body composition. History The use of hCG as a weight loss protocol extends back to the 1950’s. It was originally researched by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, an Endocrinologist who specialised in the treatment of obesity in England. Dr Simeons spent over 40 years researching the effects of hCG on body composition. He initially used the hormone to treat teenage boys with hypogonadism, a disorder that causes under-developed testes and abnormal fat distribution (giving a more female appearance in males). During the course of the treatment, Dr Simeons found that the subjects not only underwent normal genital development but their body fat composition and distribution improved. This occured despite no reduction in calorie intake. He then modified the protocol by reducing calories to allow for fat loss and improved body composition. After observing thousands of cases, Dr Simeons developed the hCG Injection Protocol for weight loss. See manuscript Dr Simeons “HCG diet explained - Pounds and Inches”, available at www.dermico.com.au/hcgdiet. Dr Simeons theorized that hCG is an effective treatment for fat loss when combined with a very low calorie diet (VLCD). This combination allows the body to utilise stored fat reserves to meet energy requirements for the body. This constant release of fat also reduces the appetite and hunger. Dr Simeons’ also observed that hCG seemed to work at the level of the Hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that is responsible for the release and control of a number of hormones critical for metabolism and weight management. By it’s action on the hypothalamus, hCG is able to re-set a new stable weight. It was noted that after the new weight was stabilized, patients were able to eat normally and not regain the weight. To summarise, hCG is believed to: • Target and release stored fat when calorie intake is low • Reduce appetite, hunger and cravings • Improve body composition • Act on the hypothalamus to re-set a new stable weight ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 5
hCG Formulations In Australia, hCG injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, who obtains the hormone from a compounding pharmacy. The production and composition of the complete product is strictly regulated by Australian standards. hCG comes in 3 forms: 1. Injections 2. Nasal Spray 3. Drops or oral form All studies conclusively show that the only effective form is in injections and only those given on prescription by a doctor. The nasal sprays and oral/drops forms have been deemed ineffective as they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore they do not contribute to fat loss, body composition, satiety and re-setting a new stable weight. Nasal sprays and oral forms of hCG have been banned in America due to fraudulent claims of efficacy. More than 95% of people will regain the weight after using the drops, oral form or nasal sprays. Information contained in this booklet relates to hCG INJECTIONS and only those that have been prescribed by a medical doctor. ©Copyright DERMICO 2011 Page: 6
The Research
Critics of the hCG injection diet believe that a VLCD will give the same results
regardless of whether hCG used or not. While this may seem quite reasonable, there
have now been a number of studies to dispute this.
Independent clinical trials have shown a significantly higher amount of fat loss with
hCG compared with VLCD alone. Serial body composition scans were performed on
a group of patients who followed the hCG Injection Protocol (the study group) and
another group (the control group) who followed the VLCD without hCG injections.
Those following the hCG Injection Protocol showed a significantly higher proportion of
fat loss as well as a higher total weight loss while maintaining muscle mass. In addition,
they experienced significantly less hunger and cravings compared with the control
group and were more likely to complete the program. The control group showed a
higher proportion of fluid and muscle loss compared with the study group. (1 & 4)
The significance of this is that fat is difficult to regain and therefore hCG is more likely
to provide long term success. Fluid losses experienced on the VLCD diet alone will be
easily regained soon after a normal diet is resumed. Muscle loss is undesirable in any
diet and is usually replaced with fat gain after a normal diet is resumed.
Both of these factors make long-term weight management difficult after following a
VLCD without hCG.
The full effect of hCG on the hypothalamus, hormone production, metabolism and
muscle composition is still unknown however several case studies and independent
research has shown beneficial results in all of these processes. (2 & 3)
................................................................................................................................
1. Int J Med Sci. 2011;8(6):445-52. Epub 2011 Aug 1.
Effect of weight reduction on cardiovascular risk factors and CD34-positive cells in circulation.
Mikirova NA, Casciari JJ, Hunninghake RE, Beezley MM.
The Riordan Clinic, 3100 N, Hillside, Wichita, KS, USA. nmikirova@riordanclinic.org
2. Methods for Chronic Pain Management and Treatment using HCG
US 20120265712 A1
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/
3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Pain Treatment, Forrest Tennant MD, DPH
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/hormone-therapy/human-chorionic-
gonadotropin-pain-treatment
4. hCG Diet Research Study, Sherri L Emma MD
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hcg-diet-research-study?page=2#copy
Page: 7
Emerging Theories: Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the process that allows the brain to develop new neural
pathways in order to provide optimal metabolic, hormonal and automatic
responses.
Stable weight, how weight is lost and gained, when, what and how much food
is consumed, as well as how the body processes and stores macronutrients
(carbohydrates, fats and proteins) - are all under the control of specific automatic
neural pathways. It has been long known that these pathways are dynamic and
can be changed depending on your environment (neurplasticity). With regards to
weight loss, it is these pathways that determine long term success. If you develop
new pathways that help you eat when you’re hungry, stop when satisfied, choose
only healthy foods you will maintain a new set weight as well as process, burn and
store macronutrients in a way that enables weight maintenance (rather than weight
gain).
There are many theories on how these pathways form and when it comes to weight
management, how they form WITH hCG and how they form WITHOUT hCG.
WITH hCG
hCG is a hormone that directly acts on the hypothalamus (a hormone regulatory
centre in the brain). It is believed that the hypothalamus is responsible for setting
a stable weight (ie the weight your body tends towards after weight has been lost
or gained). The direct action of hCG on the hypothalamus is believed to change
neural pathways within three to six weeks and re-set a new stable weight. Part
of the reason that weight is re-set so quickly may be due to the direct action of
hCG on the hypothalamus resulting in release of a specific combination of weight-
regulating hormones. In addition, it may also modulate automatic behaviours when
it comes to what, when and how much food is consumed, as well as how the body
responds to food. These are all under the control of automatic responses in the
brain.
WITHOUT hCG.
During a traditional diet and exercise plan the process is much longer. New
pathways only begin to form at three weeks. When the goal weight has been
reached and a new eating pattern has been established, the subject must maintain
that weight and eating pattern for four to six months for these new neural pathways
to perform in an automatic pattern. In addition, a very specific combination of
macronutrients would need to be consumed for the same period of time to obtain
optimal hormonal release that is conducive to weight maintenance.
Page: 8
The Protocol: General Information The program involves: • Daily self- injections of hCG hormone (using an insulin syringe) • Calorie intake of 500 calories per day • Adherence to specific dietary guidelines • Daily supplements The hCG mobilizes stored fat to be used as energy, reduces cravings and re-sets a new stable weight. The supplements provide all the required nutrients as well as fat burning components, while the dietary recommendations provide a specific combination of protein and carbohydrates for optimal fat mobilization. The HCG Diet kits contain: • 1-2 vials of hCG hormone • Syringes • A proprietary blend of dietary supplements • Multi-flora probiotics • Digestive enzymes • Patients’ Manual • Recipes • Medicate swabs The Program has 4 stages and these are described in detail below. The injection stage is the period during which the fat is lost rapidly, while the stabilization stage allows your body to re-set a new stable weight. Both of these stages are crucial and will determine how much you lose and your long-term maintenance success. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 9
The Protocol: Stages Stage 1 : Normal diet plus supplements For one week a normal diet is consumed and the supplements are commenced. This allows your body to become nutritionally prepared for a reduced calorie intake. Stage 2 : Injection Stage This stage takes either three or six weeks, depending on how much weight loss is required (see Expected Results). Supplements are continued during this stage. Day one and two of this stage requires commencement of injections plus fat loading, ie. eating large amounts of fatty food. Patients are likely to gain some weight during this stage. This will be due to fluid retention and will come off after day three. Day three is when calorie restriction commences. Patients continue with daily injections and supplements but reduce calorie intake to 500, following the specific dietary guidelines in the Patients’ Manual given in the pack. This stage lasts until day 21 (for the 3 week program) or day 42 (for the 6 week program). Patients tend to lose weight rapidly during the first half of the program and then this slowly tapers. The final weight loss will be as per “Expected Results”. No aerobic exercise is allowed during stage 2 (a walk, yoga session or moderate resistance training are acceptable forms of exercise during this stage). The patient MUST adhere to the recommended diet to achieve optimal results. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 10
The Protocol: Stages Stage 3 : Stabilization Stage For the first two days of this stage, patients continue the 500 calorie diet as the hormone is still present in the blood and will continue to have an effect on weight loss. On day three, they return to a normal calorie intake for their Basal Metabolic Rate. NO SUGAR, STARCH OR PROCESSED FOODS ARE ALLOWED DURING THIS STAGE. During this stage the body resets to a new stable weight and may fluctuate for the first 2 weeks. If more than 0.5kg is gained during this stage, the Patients’ Manual advises on how to return to the previous weight rapidly. Stage 4 : Life-long maintenance. On completion of Stage 3, patients can introduce all the foods they like within a serving intake that is close to their Basal Metabolic Rate. Weight may fluctuate by one to two kilograms and this is usually fluid retention. There are simples measures to follow in order to rapidly return to the new set weight. The occasional holiday or special event will not have an effect on long-term weight as it is very difficult to regain fat if completing Stage 2 and 3 correctly. It would take approximately 20 days of consistent over-eating to gain one kilogram of fat and most people are unable to overeat for that long after completing the program. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 11
Expected Results
As a guide, patients who need to lose 7 kg or less, require a 3-week
program. When a patient has more than 7kg to lose, a 6-week program
should be undertaken.
Average weight loss WOMEN MEN
3 week program 5-7kgs 7-10kgs
6 week program 10-15kgs 12-15kgs
As this weight loss is fat, the weight is not regained if simple
recommendations are followed. With hCG, more than 95% of the weight
loss recorded is FAT loss and will not be re-gained on completion of the
program.
Following a 500 calorie a day diet without the hCG hormone or using
oral or nasal sprays, the expected fat loss will be 1kg every 7-10 days for
women and every 6-7 days for men. Any additional weight loss recorded
would be fluid or muscle, and weight regain would occur rapidly on
completion.
In the DermiCo Clinic, the long-term
success rate of the hCG Injection Diet
Program is over 90%.
9o%.
The average success rate
for most diet and exercise
programs is 5%.
Page: 12Side Effects
hCG is a hormone with a relatively low side effect profile. In the dose
and duration given for weight loss, there have been very few side effects
reported.
Despite being a “pregnancy” hormone, hCG does not cause symptoms
of pregnancy eg nausea, breast enlargement and fluid retention. This
is due to the low dose of hCG prescribed and short duration of the
program.
Common Side Effects:
• fatigue,
• dizziness,
• constipation,
• redness at injection site lasting 24 hours
Uncommon Side Effects:
• diarrhea,
• low blood pressure
• menstrual irregularities
Rare:
• allergic reaction
• ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (this has occurred when hCG is
used in IVF treatment, where the doses are high and intermittent).
Page: 13Contraindications
There are three major contraindications for participation in the hCG Injection Diet
Program:
1. A current or previous diagnosis of Breast cancer,
2. Type 1 diabetes
3. Pregnancy
There is no link between hCG and the development of breast cancer, however if
a cancer is present prior to commencing the program, there is a risk of increased
growth. VLCD diets may lower immunity resulting in cancer growth, if one is already
present. It is therefore recommended to have a mammogram and blood tests prior to
commencing the program.
Other serious medical conditions may also prevent participation in the
program.
Page: 14Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I complete the hCG protocol if I follow a special diet? A: Yes. You can choose foods that are appropriate alternatives for your needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) as per patient manual. Q: Why do I “fat-load” for the first 2 days of the injection stage? A: It takes 2-3 days for hCG to completely enter your system; fat-loading will provide a readily available source of energy and help with hunger in these first few days of the program. Q: Won’t I feel hungry eating only 500 calories per day? A: No. hCG releases your fat reserves and this provides you with a stable source of energy and satisfies your hunger and appetite. Q: Will I lose exactly 0.5kg every day while on the program? A: No. Most patients will lose approximately 0.3k-0.6kg each day in the first 7-10 days. This then reduces with time and the amount of continued weight loss will depend on how much weight you need to lose. On completion of the program, you should lose the expected amount ie 5-7kgs in 3 weeks or 10-15kgs in 6 weeks. Q: What extras can I eat while on calorie restriction? A: You can have pickled vegetables as long as the vegetable is on the “allowed list” and the product does not have any sugar. Jalepenos, capers and pickled cucumbers can be added to meals, however, these are usually high in salt, so if you find that it effects your weight loss, then avoid these products. Q: What do I do if I reach my goal weight before I finish injections? A: You must continue injections and increase your calorie intake to 1000 calories a day until you complete the injection phase, then follow stage 3 & 4 as per your manual. Q: Can I do hCG if I only have a couple of kilos to lose? A: Yes. If you’ve found it hard to lose those last kilos, even if it is as little as 2kgs, you can still do the hCG protocol. hCG is very effective in releasing stored fat from stubborn fatty deposits and many body builders and models will use hCG prior to an event for this reason. When you reach your goal weight, you can increase your calorie intake until you complete th injections. Q: Can I still take my medications while on hCG? A: Most prescription medications can be continued during the program and this will be advised at the initial consultation. Q: Can I do hCG if I have a chronic medical condition? A: There are very few medical conditions that would prevent you from being able to participate in the hCG diet program. Type 1 Diabetes and a history of cancer are absolute contraindications. If you have any other medical conditions, the doctor will do a thorough assessment and determine your suitablility. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 15
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will hCG affect my high blood pressure, cholesterol or sugar levels? A: Many patients will experience an improvement in blood pressure, sugar levels and cholesterol during the program. Depending on the degree of your weight loss, you may have a permanent improvement in these health parameters. This means you may be able to reduce your medications. It is best that you see your GP on completion of the program to determine whether your medications need adjusting. Q: Will hCG affect my menstrual cycle? A: hCG can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle however these usually resolve on completion of the program. Rarely, patients may experience mild irregularities for up to three months after completion. Q: Why cant I have injections during my menstrual cycle? A: Women produce a small amount of hCG during menstruation and this can result in an excess of hCG and stimulation of the ovaries. If you are on the pill, you can choose to take the active pills to prevent menstruation during the injection stage. Q: How intense can my exercise be while on the program? A: During the injection phase you should only perform low-intensity exercise such as walking, pilates, yoga or gentle resistance exercises. You can increase your exercise intensity in Stage 3, although as you are still on a low carb diet, it is best to not exceed a moderate intensity until stage 4. Q: Can I take panadol or cough medicine? A: Yes, you can take general over-the-counter medications as long as there is no sugar in the products and they are not supplements (as you have been given all the supplements you need for the program). Q: Can I receive a refund if I don’t lose weight? A: No, results are completely determined by adherence to the program. If you have not lost weight as expected, it questions whether all recommendations were adhered to as per protocol. Results are entirely dependent on your adherence to the strict protocol and therefore, we cannot provide you with a refund if you have not lost the expected weight. Any change to the protocol will affect your final result. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 16
Why Choose the DermiCo hCG Program? DermiCo has been providing the hCG Injection Program since 2012 with great success in over 400 patients to date (June 2013). See our “Photos and Testamonials “ section over the page. Dr Agnes Warchalowski has used her knowledge in intergrated medicine to incorporate the standard hCG Protocol into a multidisciplinary comprehensive weight loss and anti- ageing program. Our program provides a more individual approach, ensuring ease of participation and optimal long-term results. In addition to the hCG program pack, DermiCo also provides: * A thorough medical consultation by a General Practitioner and Cosmetic Physician * Relevant examination, investigations and tests * Phone access to our hCG Consultant and Dr Agnes throughout the program * An individual Stage 3 and Stage 4 diet program developed according to your Basal Metabolic Rate. No need to count calories. * Access to our on-line forum with useful tips and support * Comprehensive information regarding long-term weight management * “Your Healthy Ageing Prescription”, an e-booklet containing findings from current medical research rom a range of health-related disciplines. It will help you determine the best long-term options for you with regards to diet, exercise, lifestyle and behavioural interventions. ©Copyright DERMICO 2013 Page: 17
Photos and Testamonials
Dr Agnes Warchalowski
Before After
“hCG helped me not only lose weight but it also improved the distribution of body fat
by removing fat from my upper arms and thighs. It’s liberated me from a restrictive diet
-I always had to be very careful with what I ate- but now, I can eat things I like and still
stay slim. I wish I could have done the program in my 20’s and spared myself years of
torture!”
Page: 18Photos and Testamonials
All photos and testimonials appearing on this website have been sent to DermiCo by
patients who have completed our hCG Protocol. They are not professional photos and
therefore, the quality is variable. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of
all of those who have or will complete the hCG program. Individual results will vary.
These testimonials are not intended to make claims that hCG can guarantee weight loss
but rather are individual experiences of those who have completed the program.
NICK A, NSW lost 12kgs
Before Afterrepresentative of all of those who will
use our products. Individual results may vary.
T hese
testimonials are not intended to make claims that these products can be used to d
nse “hCG has really changed my life. The diet was simple, the weight came off quickly
and I’ve kept it off for 15 months. I haven’t even worried about what I eat or how much
I exercise - it just doesn’t come back on. I can’t believe how well it’s worked and am so
glad I’ll never have to diet again!”treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease, or as a
guarantee for weight loss. These claims have not been clinically proven or evaluated by
Page: 19Photos and Testamonials
reals, flour, b, bi
Carolyn E, QLD lost 17kgs
Before Afterre
pr
“Feel Amazing !! HCG was money well spent and the best thing I have ever done. I’m so
determined to keep this weight off, my brain has been retrained about food. Can’t say I
miss bread ( thought I would) and not going to add it back into my diet . I used to love
bread , eating up to 6 slices a day easy. I have not suffered from any bloating or sore
stomach the whole time I have been on this diet.”
Page: 20Photos and Testamonials
Louise R, VIC lost 12kgs
Before Afterr
Louise has not provided a written testamonial but has provided the
photo for others to see her results. Louise is very happy with theweight
loss and has recommended the diet to others.
Page: 21Photos and Testamonials
Tory A, QLD lost 6 kgs
Before Afterr
“I lost 6kgs just in time for my holiday. It was the best feeling to be able to sample the
food and not worry about weight gain! Best holiday ever!”treat, cure, mitigate or prevent
any disease, or as a guarantee for weight loss. These claims ha
Page: 22Photos and Testamonials
Julie A, QLD lost 9kgs
Before Afterr
“Being over 45 I had resigned myself to the fact that I’ll never have my young body back.
But in just 3 weeks I lost 9kgs and could fit into a dress I hadn’t worn in 10 years! I’ve
now kept the weight off for over 8 months and it’s really been no effort at all. I’ve got my
confidence back and my outlook on life is so much better. hCG is the best thing I’ve ever
done for myself” claims ha
Page: 23Photos and Testamonials
Meredith, NSW lost 14kgs
Before Afterr
““I lost 14kgs in 6 weeks and I’ve kept it off for almost a year. It was the easiest diet I’ve
ever followed and the most life-changing me. I’ve recommended it to all my clients
and those who’ve done the program have never been happier. My husband and two
daughters have now completed it and we’re all elated with the results!”
Page: 24What Next?
If you are interested in the DermiCo hCG Diet Program, please email
hcg@dermico.com.au or call 1300 552 932 and our hCG Consultant will
discuss the initial process with you. We have clinics in most major cities in
Australia.
Summary of the program process:
Step 1.
Complete comprehensive questionnaire and email or fax to DermiCo
Step 2
Initial Consultation with hCG Consultant to discuss specifics of the program
Step 3
Medical consultation with doctor. Relevant referrals and recommendations
will be made.
Step 4
A non-refundable deposit is paid. The program pack is ordered.
Step 5
Collect the program pack and pay balance. Measurements and photos
taken.
Step 6
Receive all the additional information, booklets and individual plans to help
with long-term success.
Step 7
Return for review on completion of Stage 2 of the diet.
Step 8
Regular follow-up by our hCG consultant to ensure success in further stages
of program.
Step 9
Enjoy the rest of your life without needing to diet ever again!
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