THE LONGEVITY HCG DIET QUESTIONS

What is the Longevity HCG Diet Protocol? 

The Longevity HCG diet is a unique diet plan using Rx Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) combined with a low-calorie diet (500-800 cal) per day. Rx HCG will be taken in the form of injections or an oral troche for a period of 23 to 60 days while observing a specific food plan on Phase 2 (fat burning phase).  While on the HCG Diet, the body begins to use excess fat stores for fuel. 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.  It has been said that the daily Rx HCG helps to release between 1000-2500 calories per day from fat stores for your body to use as fuel.  This explains why you are not calorically deprived on the protocol and many have little to no hunger.

After the “fat burning” phase, you will begin the “stabilization phase.”  In this phase, you will resume a normal caloric intake with a variety of foods.  We limit carbs, starches and sugars for 21 days on phase 3. Finally, in the “maintenance phase” or “lifestyle phase,” you will begin to slowly incorporate carbohydrates back into your diet. You will have incorporated new and healthy habits into your daily routine.

What is the history of Rx HCG and the HCG Diet?

HCG is a peptide hormone that has many uses in the medical world.  In high doses, it is used in fertility, men’s hormone optimization and young boys with a lack of sexual development.  For weight loss, Rx HCG is used in very small doses to accelerate fat metabolism alongside the specific HCG phase 2 diet.  The FDA does not approve weight loss as a use of Rx HCG.  Weight loss is an “off-label” use which is common with many medications.  In our experience Rx HCG is extremely safe.  We have seen little to no side effects in our patient population.

The HCG diet protocol was developed by Dr. Simeon’s in the 1950’s.  Through research, he discovered the connection between Rx HCG, a specific diet and weight loss. His patients had positive results and an improved overall metabolism. We recommend reading a free downloadable version of Dr. Simeon’s protocol called “Pounds and Inches.”  Google Dr. Simeon’s “Pounds and Inches” to find it online.

Are there any clinical studies with using the HCG Diet for weight loss?

The HCG Diet has been used for medical weight loss for over 70 years.  I have had 16 years of clinical experience in using this method of weight loss very successfully with almost 4000 patients.  Unfortunately, no one has spent the $ to do a well-funded research study on this protocol.   In our experience with facilitating this program for well over a decade with thousands of patients, we have consistently seen amazing results and little to no side effects. The book “Weight Loss Apocalypse” by Robin Woodall has some nice research on the HCG Diet.  I highly recommend this book while going through our modified version of the HCG Diet.

What are potential side effects with the HCG Diet? Is it Safe?

Most of the HCG Diet side effects are positive … we have seen rashes disappear; arthritic conditions improve; blood pressure and blood sugar normalize; cholesterol levels lower (but can be harmlessly higher during treatment) and patients simply feel better. Other conditions that we have seen improve with the HCG Diet protocol are colitis, allergies, ulcers, migraines, depression, hypoglycemia and insomnia.  The “side effects” revealed by many patients on our program are: discovery of a new wardrobe, better lab results, more energy, ability to discontinue meds, optimistic outlook and a feeling of improved self-confidence and control.

There are a few conditions in which we take precaution with the HCG Diet. One of them is a pre-disposition to gall-stones.  The diet itself could aggravate this problem because of the small amount of fat in the 2nd phase. Gout symptoms may also become more severe for those who have Gout.  In rare cases, ovarian cysts may grow.   In doing this protocol with nearly 4000 people in 15 years, we have seen 3 patients have gall bladders removed; 2 patients stop due to ovarian cyst growth; 1 patient stop due to pregnancy induced goiter growth (could have been circumstantial); two patients experience transient hair loss (after multiple rounds of the program); and one case of gout aggravation.  In literature on using HCG for fertility in doses 20-40x higher than that used in the HCG Diet, I have read about high doses of Rx HCG causing ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome in which there can be pelvic pain, swelling of the feet, hands and abdomen along with shortness of breath. I have not seen this before associated with the HCG Diet program.

With any drug, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction. We have not heard of any severe adverse reactions to HCG at these very low doses (200-300 IU). Some may experience headaches in the first few days and this is most likely due to the cleansing and detoxification that takes place at the start of the program.

In higher doses (5000-10,000 IU), which are used for fertility treatments, side effects have been known and are listed in this link. https://www.drugs.com/hcg.html

What if I followed the “low calorie” HCG Diet without using Rx HCG?

If you just follow the very low-calorie diet in phase II of this program and do not use the Rx HCG, you will lose weight. The problem is, you will be very hungry, tired and most importantly you will most likely be losing lean mass that we need for metabolism and protection.  With Rx HCG in combination with our specific diet, you will most likely lose excess fat deposits in problem areas.  In our clinical experience, we have seen the HCG Diet allow the body composition to change for the better and keep metabolism strong.  We conduct body composition analyses on our patients to be sure that very little to no lean mass is lost through our program.  We find those on a low-calorie diet without Rx HCG lose a lot more lean mass, while those who follow the HCG Diet plan with Rx HCG lose 95-100% of their weight from FAT STORES!

Will I be hungry on phase 2 of the HCG Diet program? Is the low-calorie part of the program safe?

The HCG Diet mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as caloric energy and therefore, reduces appetite in most people. Even though you are taking in fewer calories, your body is able to access caloric energy from your stored fat.  Most people have plenty of energy and feel great while on the program. Sometimes, people report feeling hungry during the first week.  You are adjusting habits at this time and your body is also cleansing and detoxing. We medically supervise our HCG Diet program to help trouble shoot any issues as they arise.  Most of our patients report a “manageable” level of hunger and when this happens they eat.

Dr. Cara has modified the original HCG Diet protocol to make it easier for those living the modern, busy lifestyle.  Most of her patients feel amazing on the protocol.  Occasionally, some may experience hunger but this is the “rare” case and she works with all of her patients as individuals to troubleshoot any issues that arise!

Research now confirms that cultures who naturally consume a calorie restricted diet actually have an increased overall level of health and a longer life span. When you are following this diet with HCG injections, it is hypothesized that your body is being flooded with about 1000 or more calories of energy daily from your excess fat reserves. This is the reason that most of our patients are not hungry and have great energy on P2.  The research on the CRON (calorie restriction and optimal nutrients) diet is amazing!

Does the Rx HCG or the HCG Diet interfere with any medications?

The HCG at the dose given for the HCG Diet has not shown to interact with any medications.  We have found that patients taking prednisone or other steroidal drugs at higher doses lose weight at a much slower rate.   Those patients who come in on blood sugar and/or blood pressure lowering medications are monitored closely.  We adjust medication doses as needed (we keep the prescribing doctor in the loop).

 What if I cheat on the HCG Diet plan?

Cheating is not advised on this program. If you cheat, you might suppress your stored fat from being mobilized.  On this program, it is truly IMPORTANT that you do NOT CHEAT as you may sabotage your hard earned progress.  If cheating happens, recommit and jump back on board with the plan right away!

Is it important to choose Organic, clean sources of food?

Yes! I believe it is important to have clean sources of food. If you continue to ingest chemical pesticides, toxins, growth hormones and antibiotics your health will pay the price over time.  Please make eating organic a priority! Google “dirty dozen and clean 15” to learn what fruits and veggies are the most heavily sprayed each year.  Please be sure all protein options are non-GMO, grass fed and pasture raised if possible.

Can I take Rx HCG in an oral form if I am afraid of needles?

With our program, HCG can be taken in an injectable or an oral form.  The injectable form uses a very thin needle and is virtually painless and very easy to administer.  We prefer this method as we know the amount that goes into the body!  We will provide you with pre-filled syringes each week that you are on the Longevity HCG Diet Program.  We can also have our compounding pharmacy make an oral form for those who cannot overcome the fear of injecting.  We have had great results with the oral form in our patient population.

How often do you give yourself the Rx HCG injections or oral Rx HCG? 

For best results, we recommend the injection or oral formulation daily alongside our specific Longevity HCG Diet food plan.  This Rx HCG and specific phase 2 diet, along  with a high-potency daily multi-vitamin (if needed) will ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that you will need to properly burn fat stores and detoxify your body.

 What are the Phases of the Lipotropic Weight Loss Program? How long can I stay on Phase 2? 

The Loading Phase (Day 1-2) – two days of focusing on healthy fats as the main portion of your dietary intake. Rx HCG injections begin here.

The Fat Burning Phase (Day 3-60) – in this phase, the Rx HCG injections are taken daily and the specific Phase 2, “fat burning” food plan is followed.  Many of our patients stay on the plan between 21-60 days depending upon their weight loss goals.  Based on our research and clinical experience, it takes 30 + days to change habits and patterns in the body.  Re-creating habits and patterns is a very important part of this process.  After spending the last 2 years working closely with behavioral eating psychologists, we have learned the importance of TIME when it comes to resetting habits and patterns in the body.  We have also found that losing between 35-45 lbs max in one round of the Lipotropic HCG Diet Weight Program works best.  Allowing your body to take a break and maintain your new weight is important between “rounds” of the diet.

The Stabilization Phase – this phase is very important for maintaining the weight that you lost on the “fat burning phase” of the HCG Diet.  This part of the plan involves a Slim Shot™ injection weekly (if desired) and a specific stabilization food plan. This phase is for 21 days or longer (depending upon the time in phase 2).

On this phase, we begin to create your “lifestyle diet” that you will follow moving forward 80-90% of the time, while allowing yourself the occasional indulgence!

How much weight be lost on the Longevity HCG Diet Program?

The fat burning effect of the Rx HCG will begin to work almost immediately.  However, noticeable weight loss may take a couple of weeks. In general, the scale will reflect a loss of 2-4 lbs per week.  We see transformational results in most of our patients.   Results will vary and exact results cannot be guaranteed.

We find that most will lose an average of ½ lb per day. The first 2 weeks you may find the speed of weight loss is faster.  Some of this is water due to decreasing inflammation in the body and burning excess glycogen stores.  Stalls are also very normal!

 Does the Slim Shot weekly Injection™ help with Weight Loss?

The effectiveness of our specifically selected lipotropic ingredients, alongside our Longevity HCG Diet program can assist your fat stores to be broken down and utilized for fuel.  These ingredients allow the body to utilize energy more efficiently, boost immunity, suppress appetite, remove toxins from the body and break down fat stores.

Injectable formulations can enter the body and find their way directly into the blood stream without compromise.  Oral supplementation with these nutrients simply will not have the same effect due to the challenges with absorption and the first pass effect of the liver. It is also very important that the nutrients are in the proper ratios in the formulation for optimal results.

Is the HCG Diet for me?

Every individual has different needs and goals.  The wonderful thing about the LONGEVITY HCG DIET WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM is that it’s safe for almost everyone.  If you would like to simply cleanse/detoxify your body; reset habits and patterns with food; or lose 7-100+ lbs this program could work for you!

We like to see blood work within the past year and may require specific tests based on medical history.  We may also suggest cleansing first depending upon medical and medication history. This is not for children, pregnant/breast feeding women, type 1 diabetics, etc.

Physician Supervised Weight Loss Plan!!!

Dr. Cara has 15 years of experience in facilitating her patients very successfully through her weight loss program(s). This path of helping people lose weight and feel like the very best version of themselves is her deepest passion.  She makes a strong commitment to “show up” as a guide for all of her patients.   At the initial visit, she will conduct a full medical history, review lab work, assess current health conditions/medications; as well as, provide a full body composition analysis.  She will look at you with a “whole person” approach and the program will be uniquely tailored to fit YOUR specific needs!

This path of the Longevity HCG Diet is her deepest passion and commitment!   Her lipotropic formulation is of the highest quality of nutrients and specifically formulated based on in depth research and clinical experience.  Your program will be medically-supervised and you will have guided support the whole way through.

Categories: Eating Well, General Wellness, hCG Diet, HCG Diet Weight Loss, HCG Weight Loss, Weight Loss