Frequently asked questions about our custom hCG diet

At this time, HCG is only offered in the injectable form.

HCG is a peptide that is naturally produced in large amounts by the placenta during early pregnancy.  It has multiple functions in utero and is used clinically to treat a range of conditions.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. Simeons made a groundbreaking discovery with HCG and weight loss! He discovered that when patients were given the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), along with a specific low-calorie diet, they experienced increased weight loss from fat stores while preserving lean mass. In Rome, Dr. Simeons treated thousands of patients successfully with his protocol.

HCG was thought by Dr. Simeons to act on the hypothalamus, where it is believed to stimulate the release of “abnormal” fat stores for fuel. For the hCG Diet to be effective in burning stored fat, a specific, low-carbohydrate, low-fat diet must be followed.  Most of our patients experience little to no hunger on the program and lose little to no lean body mass.

Although you are eating a low-carb, low-fat diet, the HCG is theorized to allow your body to burn an average of ½ to 1 lb. of fat per day … this puts an estimated 1300 – 2000 calories into your bloodstream to be used for fuel. Remember, you are also eating 500-700 calories daily of food. Therefore, you are not at a caloric deficit during this time.

The Natural Path HCG diet program is based on Dr. Simeon’s original protocol. However, over the past 20 years, our doctors have revolutionized the diet by integrating modern science and years of clinical experience. During the program, Rx HCG will be administered daily for a period of 23 to 42 days (depending upon the patient’s specific goals) while observing a particular diet.  During the HCG Diet, the body begins to use excess fat stores for energy.  It is theorized that the hypothalamus gland, the “master gland” in the brain that controls appetite and fat burning, is “reset,” leaving you with a new metabolic set-point.

On average, most patients will lose ½ -1 lb. per day while on phase 2 of the HCG Diet program. In most cases, the weight stays off while healthy dietary and lifestyle habits become established through the “stabilization phase.” We are dedicated to helping our patients maintain their weight loss by guiding them every step of the way through all phases of the hCG diet program.

In our experience, most of the HCG Diet side effects are positive … energy begins to rise, sleep gets deeper, blood pressure and blood sugar tend to normalize, cholesterol levels lower, arthritis and joint pain will often improve, skin conditions clear, mood elevates, digestive symptoms improve, and the list goes on.  We also help our patients identify specific food sensitivities that may contribute to health issues and weight gain.

There are a few conditions in which we take precautions with the HCG Diet.  Patients with a history of gallstone formation may develop stones during the program. This is due to the low-fat diet, not to Rx HCG as a substance. Gout symptoms can occur in patients who have a history of gout episodes. In patients with a history of ovarian cysts, there have been noted cases of ovarian cyst stimulation on the HCG Diet. Over the past 10 years of facilitating this diet, we have observed only 5 patients experiencing any of the above issues. Adverse effects of the HCG Diet are rare in our clinical experience.

The hCG Diet has been clinically shown to be safe.  Women experience incredibly high levels of hCG during the early months of pregnancy and can be pregnant many times without adverse effects.  The small amount of hCG used for weight loss has little to no side effects on men or women. The specific diet used in conjunction with the Rx hCG has also shown to be safe in our clinical experience. We rarely have patients who deal with a strong sense of hunger on the program. We provide our patients with comprehensive medical support during their care.

Most patients will achieve their weight-loss goals on the hCG Diet program. We spend a great deal of time educating our patients on how to maintain weight loss through specific dietary and lifestyle changes.  Most patients appear to have no difficulty losing an average of 0.5 to 1 lb per day during phase II of the hCG Diet. The amount of weight you lose really depends on the amount of abnormal fat stores that you have to burn.

The answer is YES! This is our goal for you! Through the HCG diet program at The Natural Path, we will teach you some easy, manageable diet and lifestyle changes to keep you on the path to optimal health. The “stabilization phase” or phase 3 of the HCG Diet program is of utmost importance. This phase must be followed to maintain the weight lost during phase 2 (HCG phase) of the program.

As with any weight-loss program, it would not be difficult to regain some weight if you return to eating a variation of the standard American diet. The HCG diet protocol is not a “magic wand” that can remove fat stores forever, reset the hypothalamus, or allow you to eat anything you would like.  After phases II and III of the HCG Diet, it is essential to implement manageable dietary and lifestyle changes to support the body.

With medical supervision, the hCG Diet can provide a safe, reliable means to treating obesity.  One of our favorite things about the hCG Diet protocol is that our patients lose the majority of their weight from fat stores and not lean body mass. Results are fast and long lasting if you’re willing to make simple, healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle.

If you follow the specific HCG diet food plan outlined in phase II of the hCG weight-loss program and do not use the Rx hCG, you will most likely lose weight.  The problem is that you will most likely be very hungry, tired, and, most importantly, you will be losing muscle from lean body mass. Without Rx hCG in combination with the hCG-specific diet, you will most likely not lose any of the excess fat deposits in the problem areas.  In our clinical experience, our patients lose little to no lean body mass on our hCG Diet program, and metabolism stays strong

The HCG Diet Program is a weekly based program fee which includes medical support, our evolved HCG Diet protocol, Rx HCG, body composition analysis and weekly office visits or check ins.  We also provide support to our patients as needed via email, text or phone.  On our program, you do not have to wait until our your next visit to have a question answered. We are here for you!

HCG Diet Program: Initial Consultation & Comprehensive Start

Initial Visit Fee: $295 (Includes the first week of Rx HCG in injectable form)

Start your journey with a detailed, personalized consultation lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. You will meet with either Dr. Madda or Dr. Phillipo for:

• In-Depth Medical Review: A thorough evaluation of your full medical history to ensure the program is safe and effective for you.

• Modernized Protocol Overview: A detailed explanation of our updated HCG Diet Protocol, developed from nearly a decade of clinical research by Dr. Cara Phillipo.

• Precision Body Composition Analysis: An analysis using our state-of-the-art InBody scanner. This scan provides detailed metrics to accurately set realistic weight loss goals and establish your unique baseline. Your body composition will be monitored regularly throughout the program to track progress.

• Exclusive Resources: You will receive the comprehensive Natural Path HCG DIET MANUA, proprietary tools essential for your success.

The HCG Diet program is meticulously tailored to fit your body, your goals, and your lifestyle for optimal results.

Weekly HCG Program Support & Guidance

Weekly Program Fee: $150

Ongoing support is key to successful weight loss. Your weekly fee covers:

• Personalized Follow-Up: A dedicated check-in (in-person/text/email/phone) with Dr. Cara Phillipo ND

• Flexible Scheduling: While weekly check-ins are recommended, patients have the flexibility to schedule follow-ups every other week or every 3-4 weeks, based on personal preference.

• Continuous Support: Dr. Cara is always available via email to provide guidance and support between your scheduled office visits.

Program Duration: Your program length is customized to your weight-loss goals. Each round, or cycle, of the HCG Diet consists of 23 to 90 days in Phase 2 (the HCG phase), followed by a mandatory minimum of 21 days in Phase 3 (the Stabilization Phase) to ensure lasting results.

Optional Metabolism Support

“Slim Shot” Lipotropic Injection: $40

Enhance your results with our optional “Slim Shot,” an injection shown to support fat metabolism. This powerful lipotropic blend includes:

• High-potency B-12 and a full B-Complex.

• Three essential amino acids: Methionine, Inositol, and Choline.

• The thermogenic nutrient Carnitine. We have found this injection to be highly effective in boosting energy  during the HCG Diet.