If you’ve started a medical weight loss program or are considering starting one, you probably know that losing weight can be incredibly difficult. We meet people who have struggled for years to reach and maintain a weight in which they are comfortable and healthy. Far too often, what they report resembles a virtual roller-coaster ride on the scale. For this reason, we are pleased to offer medical assistance to patients who want to put an end to this cycle.
Accelerated Weight Loss with hCG
More than fifty years ago, the Simeon Protocol was developed. This diet program involved intense calorie restriction for a period of approximately 23 days. Additionally, to aid in the preservation of muscle tissue and the prevention of severe hunger, this protocol also included injections of hCG, a hormone that a woman’s body produces during pregnancy. Yes, it is a hormone produced in the placenta. However, hCG is safe for use in men, too. In fact, studies have shown that, because hCG mimics luteinizing hormone, it supports optimal testosterone levels. It is likely for this reason that patients are able to avoid muscle atrophy while consuming only 500 to 800 calories a day.
There is strong evidence that the hCG diet works. What we want to discuss here is the importance of a healthy transition into lifelong eating habits after the weight has come off.
Maintaining Weight After hCG
One of the benefits of the hCG diet is that it teaches you a new way of eating – a literal new way of looking at food. If you are mindful during your 23-day program, you can develop strategies for long-term maintenance along the way. A few suggestions include:
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a major factor in feeling hungry. “They” say that we should drink 8 glasses, or 64 oz. of water each day. But, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine states that adult men need about 125 ounces, and adult women need about 90 ounces a day to actually be hydrated. Also, choose water instead of sugary beverages.
- Don’t be afraid to eat. After aggressive calorie-restriction it can be difficult to feel confident with a higher-calorie diet. However, it is mandatory that calories increase based on your final weight in order to prevent unnecessary fat-storage. We will discuss your ideal calorie range at the conclusion of your hCG protocol.
- Support regeneration and energy with a daily multivitamin. Even when you increase caloric intake, your body’s needs may require supplementation.
- Be patient. The maintenance phase that occurs after hCG injections stop can last up to nine months. After that time, your body’s metabolism should be completely reset and your weight should be easier to manage.
Surgical Treatments
If you are interested in removing or tightening up excess skin after weight loss from the hCG diet, or if you find the diet isn’t working for you, we offer a variety of surgical options including tummy tuck surgery, liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening.
Is it time to say goodbye to that unwanted fat for good? Call our Rancho Mirage office at (760) 610-8990 for more information on the hCG diet.
