Diet Experiment – Part 3 of 3

The HCG program encourages you to stick with it by promising quick and dramatic weight loss each day.

Here are three local people’s experiences with the diet. Each participant followed Dr. A.T.W. Simeons’ program detailed in his manuscript Pounds & Inches: A New Approach to Obesity.

This program includes a 500 calorie diet and daily injections of the HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone. Derived from the urine of pregnant woman, the HCG hormone is hypothesized to release stored fat into the blood stream so it can be utilized.

Case Study One

Nathan, a young man in his mid-twenties, is working a full time desk job while attending college. He lost 29 pounds after completing the half HCG program (26 days). “The hardest part,” said Nathan, “was being social and refusing unhealthy yet delicious goodies.”

Nathan also had a difficult time playing basketball or working out while on the program. During these physical excursions he felt more drained than usual and had less endurance.

Although he admits the program was challenging both mentally and physically, he concludes it was ultimately worth it because he feels healthier and has learned to control his eating habits. Since the program, Nathan has kept the weight off by making smart food choices and exercising regularly.

Case Study Two

Paula, a single mother of two children, is in her early forties and works a full time desk job. She lost 23 pounds with the full HCG program (40 days). “It has been a great experience. I have energy and I would do it again,” said Paula.

While on the program she didn’t feel hungry, and became more sensitive to taste, enjoying the natural flavor foods have to offer. She also became more aware of food on TV commercials and how much our society revolves around food.

“I realize that food for me is a habit and I don’t need it as much as I thought I did,” said Paula, “I have changed my activities with my children to not include food. Rewards are not with food.”

After struggling with extreme diabetes for 18 years, the HCG program and resulting weight loss helped her cut her insulin dose in half. She can now go days without an insulin injection.

Case Study Three

Tracy, a young woman in her mid-twenties, works a full time desk job. She lost 20 pounds on the half program (26 days). While on the program, she found it extremely difficult to stick with the restricted diet, but didn’t cheat. Weekends were particularly difficult because of social eating.

“I told myself from the beginning that if I was going to do the diet, I was going to do it, no matter how hard it was,” said Tracy. “I had to take just one day at a time and know that when I got on the scale the next morning I was going to weigh less than the day before.”

Watching the pounds shed so quickly motivated her to continue. As far as long term maintenance, Tracy feels the program taught her to view food differently, as a source of nutrition not entertainment.

My Experience

Impressed by the amount of weight lost each day, I can understand why those who seek immediate gratification love this program. I am in the middle of the half program (26 days), and am already experiencing greater self confidence and loving the way clothes fit me.

However, I found the diet extremely hard to stick to after the first week. I love exotic foods and cooking. Also, sipping tea while your dinner date chows down on a BLT and fries at your favorite sports bar isn’t fun.

I’ve struggled to observe the diet exactly as directed, and realize when I stray, that no weight is lost the next day. I made a board to track my weight loss and this has helped motivate me to stick with it.

I would recommend this program to those who seek an initial jump start into their weight loss, and whose schedules make exercising difficult.

To read the first two installments of the UVU Review‘s HCG diet series, search for “Shaylene Nistler” at www.uvureview.com