The hCG hormone is a naturally occurring hormone in pregnant women. It's two main functions are to help the fetus develop gonads and to regulate the fat cells so that they store and release fat very easily. The latter function helps keep the fetus well supplied with nutrients.

The function of opening the fat cells for business, so to speak, has been exploited for weight loss in what some weight loss experts call the hCG Weight Loss Protocol.

Developed in the 1950's by Dr. Simeon, the hCG Protocol uses the hCG hormone in conjunction with a very low calorie diet—we are talking 500 calories or less—to cause extremely rapid weight loss. Since the fat cells provide the extra calories the body needs this burns from 1500 to 2500 calories a day from the body's fat stores. At least this is what Dr. Simeon hypothesized. Unfortunately he died before his research was complete.

True Believers In The hCG Weight Loss Protocol

Since the 1950's thousands and perhaps even millions of people have tried the hCG weight loss protocol and a good many swear by it. It is popular because it “git's 'er done.” User's of the protocol report ¾ to 2 pound loses on a daily basis and many lose between 25 to 40 pounds in a month.

They also report very few side effects usually associated with very low calorie diets. Most do not experience hunger, fatigue, headaches, dizziness and weakness although there are a relative few that do. The only thing that does not seem to be any better than any other weight loss protocol is cravings.

The Critiques Of The hCG Weight Loss Protocol

There are critiques of the hCG Protocol that dispute its effectiveness and even believe that it is dangerous. They point to the fact that the FDA has never given the OK for the hCG hormone to be used for weight loss and they further doubt that it is the cause of the rapid weight loss experienced by hCG weight loss protocol users. They claim that any one going on a 500 calorie a day diet would lose just as much weight.

They further state that such a low calorie diet does not supply the necessary nutrition for the body and could result in damage to major body organs and functions.

Who's Right About The hCG Weight Loss Protocol?

I can't say scientifically; however, it would seem that symptoms of malnutrition would have been documented by now with the wide spread use of the hCG weight loss protocol if the hCG hormone had no effect on our fat cells.

I also must confess that I tried this diet my self and lost over 40 pounds on it and I did not experience any symptoms other than cravings. The up side for me was reduced blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and diabetes, less joint pain, a lot more energy and increased self-esteem. I kept a diary of my hCG weight loss protocol experience.

The hCG Weight loss Protocol IsNot For The Faint Of Heart

You can't just go out and buy an hCG diet unless you are buying the homeopathic version. Homeopathic hCG solutions contain so little hCG hormone that the FDA doesn't regulate them. Many of the Homeopathic hCG solutions contain no hCG at all.

As for the clinical strength hCG you have to order it from other countries and then you have to mix it either as under-the-tongue drops or an injectable solution. I have done both and the injections are like giving yourself insulin shots.

Still, you can get all of the things you need for doing the hCG weight loss protocol for around $100 or less. You can also buy fantastic guides that will take you step by step through the process, all you have to do is follow the instructions.

In the end it is your call to make whether you thing the hCG Weight Loss Protocol is a miracle or menace.