Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s all the fuss about hCG and pounds and inches?
In 1954, a renowned doctor and researcher, A.T.W. Simeons, published a book called: “Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity.”
What’s so special about this book?
It describes a new theory of weight loss based on the use of hCG in combination with a very particular diet.
Is this hCG +D?
Yes, the D stands for diet. The whole thing is usually referred to as “The Simeons hCG protocol.”
So the protocol has been around for a long time?
Yes.
Why are we only hearing about it now?
In fact, it was very popular in the 70’s, then got discredited by highly prejudiced studies. (See our House of Ill-Repute: “Double-Blind Studies”) It did not get banned, however, because no harm could be detected.
What is hCG?
A hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadatropin that is found in every human cell and is produced abundantly by pregnant women (I million I.U.) a day.
How much would I have to take?
250 i.U. twice a day, the tiniest fraction of the amount produced daily by a pregnant woman.
What does hCG do in the weight-loss protocol?
It stimulates the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that regulates metabolism, hunger, thirst and fat storage) to burn stored fat.
Is it true that you lose a pound a day on the hCG protocol?
It can even happen that you lose more than a pound a day. But weight-loss, like everything else, varies with the individual.
Why do people talk about a pound a day?
Dr. Simeons found that the people in his experimental program on average lost 0.8 pounds a day. Two of his disciples, Dr. Gertrude Vogt in Switzerland, and Dr. Daniel Belluscio in Buenos Aires, treated many thousands of people and confirmed these findings.
Do you have to exercise to make it work?
No, you don’t have to but you can, especially light exercise.
Is it healthy to lose all one’s fat?
No, it’s essential to lose the right kind of fat.
Doesn’t any diet do that?
No, conventional diets use up the fat that’s needed for energy, as well as the fat that protects the body’s organs. The last fat to be burned is the fat that we most wish to lose but don’t: the fat stored in hips, thighs, stomach, breasts, etc.
Will I look drawn and haggard and be irritable from the hCG diet?
No, most likely not. That look and that irritability come from having burned up the fat your body absolutely needs. hCG does not do that. To the contrary, you may even feel like taking up the tango.
Is this a low calorie diet with a particular food restriction?
You bet! 500 calories a day, no fat, almost no carbs, only certain vegetables, proteins and fruits allowed.
Won’t I starve to death and want to kill my partner?
Many people have a feeling of well-being, are not hungry or irritable and may even find it difficult to eat as much as 500 calories a day…once they get going.
Can I get pregnant from taking hCG?
Neither you nor your boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, son or husband will get pregnant. Remember, hCG is produced by every cell in your body. However, some women report that the sense of well-being resembles what they felt during pregnancy.
Can I take hCG during my period?
Yes, you can, but you should not begin the diet at the onset or during your period. Ideally you begin it right afterwards.
Is there any medical counter-indication?
This is a question you must ask your doctor.
Should I get a check-up with my doctor before beginning the diet?
That’s always wise before beginning any diet.
Are there side-effects?
None of the numerous scientific studies since the 60’s has found side-effects.
How long is the diet?
With the oral hCG you can stay on the diet three weeks, four weeks, six weeks or more, depending on how much weight you want to lose. With the injectable form of hCG the body builds up an immunity after 40 days and requires a six-week break before beginning another round.
Have you ever heard of anyone who could stay on a diet of 500 calories for forty days?
I haven’t. But with hCG it is possible for many people.
What’s the worst thing that can be said about hCG?
It’s been said that it’s no more effective than a 500 calorie a day diet without hCG.
That’s the worst?
That’s it.
Is it more effective to inject hCG?
No studies indicate that it is. Some people prefer the injections just as others prefer pills or drops or spray.
Is the weight loss consistent day for day?
No. It’s often greatest in the first days and weeks and is then followed by a plateau with the weight loss leveling off.
During this time, however, you can continue to lose inches. After the plateau there’s often another considerable drop on the scale.
Does everyone experience a plateau?
No.
If I go off the diet for a day because it’s Thanksgiving or something, will it ruin the diet?
No, but for every change or mistake you make in the diet it could take you up to three days longer to reach your weight-loss goal.
What if I suddenly gain weight instead of losing it?
If it’s more than two pounds you immediately go on an what is called an “apple day” or a “steak day.” See the Emotional Eating House for many tips. If you opt for Coaching, the Practical Guide will provide all the information you will need.
Do I have to drink tons of water?
‘fraid so. If you can drink ¾ of a gallon per day you will be fine.
Can I drink coffee and tea?
Yes: See the Emotional Eating House for many tips. If you opt for Coaching, the Practical Guide will provide all the information you will need.
Diet soda?
Yes.
Can I wear make-up and use body lotions?
Any body products can be used that don’t contain any oil.
Why is that?
Anything we put on our skin is absorbed as if it were eaten. And this is a strictly no-fat (or oil) diet.
Where can I find oil-free products and how would I know?
Ask at your local pharmacy or health store, these products are marked oil-free. You can also find them on-line.
Will you be available to answer questions directly?
Yes, by e-mail. But hopefully only those we haven’t answered here! If you enlist for our groups or individual coaching we’ll stand by around the clock. We’ll try hard to be your guardian angels.
