Is the HCG Diet a Risky Fad? Part 2



As reported online for yesterday’s HealthLine on Yahoo! Health, the so called health experts are purposefully trying to scare the public at large away from Medical hCG for weight loss. Today is Part 2 of Question and Answer…the real Answers about hCG Diet being a Risky Fad.

How does the hCG diet work? They printed-Developed by a European doctor in the 1950s, the diet is based on the theory that taking oral or injected hCG will reduce appetite, thus making it easier for followers to stick to the required limit of just 500 calories per day, the equivalent of 4 ounces of tortilla chips. Its proponents say that it can lead to loss of a pound a day or more, which isn’t surprising, given the near-starvation calorie restrictions. We Disagree-hCG uses fat stored in the excess fat reserves of the body for energy and for the additional nutrition needed daily, which attributes to the rapid weight loss without leaving sagging, hanging skin, such as happens after bariatric surgeries; which are closer to starvation diets and not being constantly harassed.

Does hCG increase weight loss? They printed-No—since the 1970s, the FDA has required a warning on the drug’s packaging that it does not increase weight loss beyond that due to calorie restriction alone, create a more “attractive” distribution of body fat, or curb  “hunger and discomfort” from dieting, as advocates claim. And more than a dozen clinical trials have found no benefit to using hCG for weight loss. Some MDs contend that all hCG does is provide a rather expensive placebo effect that may make some people on the 500-calorie-a-day diet imagine that they are less hungry. Let’s Agree to Disagree-There is simply too much evidence proving the impressive weight loss being reported in record numbers by actual people with untouched “before and after” pictures and testimonials. These are people with previous medical conditions who are now very healthy, fit and on few to no prescription medications. Visit our website and see for yourself what Medical hCG can actually do for you!!!

http://www.barretohealthcare.com/Testimonials.html

Is the HCG Diet a Risky Fad? Part 1



And the so-called health experts just will not let this go. As reported online for today’s HealthLine on Yahoo! Health, the following was printed:

As obesity hits an all-time high, desperate dieters may be risking their health to take pounds off with the controversial hCG diet.  A fad that started in the 1950s—and is now the latest weight-loss craze—the diet involves daily injections of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) combined with extreme calorie restriction. Women all over America are flocking to doctors’ offices and weight-loss clinics to shell out up to $1,100 a month for a medical visit, a supply of the hormone, and syringes to inject themselves. 

A cheaper version of the hCG diet, heavily promoted on the Internet, uses hCG drops, sprays, or lozenges that claim to be “homeopathic.” Both versions of the diet have sparked medical debate. “This diet is appalling,” Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Center, recently told ABC News. “It takes irresponsible diets to new heights.” Yet Dr. Mehmet Oz has promoted the diet on his popular TV program and declared it “worth a try.” So who’s right—and what’s the medical skinny on the hCG diet?

What is hCG? Human chorionic gonadotrophin is a hormone produced during pregnancy to help nourish the uterus. An injected form of the hormone is FDA-approved as a fertility treatment for women. We Agree…but what they did not print was that hCG for fertility is used in much larger doses than that which is used for medical weight loss.

What’s in the homeopathic drops and sprays? The “homeopathic” drops and lozenges claim to contain an oral version of hCG. While these products, which are also sold at drugstores and General Nutrition Centers, according to USA Today, typically promise drastic weight loss (in combination with a low-cal diet), such claims are both fraudulent and illegal, the FDA warns. We Agree…homeopathic is not the real deal. You can only get Medical grade hCG prescribed by a licensed physician and supervised in a clinic such as ours.

Check back tomorrow and we will fill in more blanks conveniently left empty by the health experts who are purposefully trying to scare the public at large away from Medical hCG for weight loss. We have provided a link to Dr. Oz’s video segments featuring the hCG Diet.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/weight-loss-controversy-hcg-diet-pt-1

Is hCG Hormone A Steroid Like Estrogen Likely Causing Cancer?

Confusing the hCG hormone with steroid hormones such as estrogen and testosterone is a common mistake, and usually only made by lay people or those groups of people with a certain agenda. The propaganda against Medical hCG for weight loss, being spread by some in the medical community can be easily overcome if one simply uses good old fashion logic.
Logic #1: hCG is a protein hormone and not your typical “steroid”. Hormones are simply biochemicals that are made in one place in the body and sent to another specific place, carrying a signal for some kind of action. They typically work at very low concentrations.

Logic #2: There are several different hormones in the human body each with a unique and very specific mode of action. hCG is a hormone produced mainly during pregnancy, and has its unique action in the body during this time. It is a well known fact that pregnancy with its associated astronomical hCG levels does not cause cancer in women. Pregnancy is a nine month condition, not an illness or a disease. In fact, pregnancy (having kids) is considered as PROTECTIVE against developing Breast Cancer later in life. More to the point, women who have never had children (no pregnancies) are accepted and considered by specialists as high risk for Breast Cancer.

Logic #3: If overweight people with medical conditions requiring multiple prescription medications, lost weight on Medical hCG, and got healthy and did not require any or nearly as many medications, Dr’s visits, labs, etc. Guess who loses money? You Got IT!

hCG Myth: Diet Provides Poor Nutrition



The hCG Diet as set forth by Dr. ATW Simeons in the 1950’s is designed to make sure the necessary nutrients that a person needs are attained. The daily lean protein requirement is more than met. Two servings each of vegetables and fruits are required, which is more than most people eat in a day. If one ate only the food on the diet, there is no question that this much food would not be enough to provide the daily necessary vitamins and minerals. There are Carbs. and 1 TBL. of dairy, although minimal, allowed daily.

Some physicians allow supplements to provide the extra nutritional needs not obtained from the foods on the diet. Most people don’t even get proper vitamins in a regular diet, and taking supplements while on the diet could induce a habit they can continue for life. Basically, the hCG making use of the excess fat reserves, provides the additional support needed. Dieters should remember that all menu items on the diet are fresh or frozen; nothing canned or packaged with preservatives. This in itself is an added bonus.

So, the rumor of the hCG Diet having poor nutrition is simply just a myth. The food choices on the diet are very nutritious and healthy, and the diet teaches portion control with lifestyle changes in eating habits, and please remember this protocol is not a lifelong commitment, but rather a short-term weight loss effort with great success rates over the long-term.

True hCG Diet Success



The secret to losing weight on the hCG Diet is adhering to several common sense fundamentals of the diet. These secrets will enable you to successfully lose weight and keep off those extra pounds forever.
A large part of the hCG Diet is about being accountable. You should weigh yourself daily in order to chart your weight loss progress. You should also weigh and measure all of your food and keep track of it in a food journal. This will help you learn the correct portion sizes and also help you learn the amount of calories in the foods that you typically eat. Writing down everything that you eat will help you make better choices because you will be able to track your eating habits in order to change them for the better.
Light to moderate exercise, like walking or light cardio, is a new aspect of the hCG Diet. No weight lifting or heavy cardio classes. If you are already used to exercise when starting hCG then continuing to exercise will help you burn fat and calories in order to maximize your weight loss.
Nurture support within your community. Whether it be your friends, family or co-workers, it is important that your loved ones support your weight loss efforts. They will help you make weight loss your main priority and keep you focused on your goals. Your loved ones will also help you maintain your motivation by telling you how great you look since you’ve lost weight!
Finally, set goals and work hard to achieve them. Persistence is key when trying to lose weight. Getting off all those prescription medications or at least lowering the dosages and getting healthy is vital! Then think thin! Picture yourself in that new outfit or a whole new wardrobe. Envisioning your goals will enable you to take each day at a time and celebrate each small victory. Setting a goal will help you practice better habits, choose better health and ignite the passion within you that you need in order to lose weight and keep it off forever.

Not All Fat Loss is the Same



One of the most important benefits of the hCG Diet is that it ensures that energy is released from the right type of fat, which means that it is the unhealthy, abnormal fat that is lost when this diet is being followed, rather than the useful types of fat which may also been lost when following other types of diets.
The three types of fat in the body are called structural, normal and abnormal fats. Structural fat plays an essential role in many parts of the body, for example by providing the cushioning in the soles of the feet that make it possible to walk comfortably and by surrounding and protecting the internal organs. Normal fat is also a useful type of fat in the body. It is stored just under the skin and it is also known as subcutaneous fat because it can help to keep the body warm.
Abnormal fat is the type of fat that people notice and want to eliminate. It tends to accumulate in certain parts of the body, such as the stomach, buttocks and thighs. This type of fat can begin to cause serious health problems and it does not perform any useful function in the body. Having a small amount of abnormal fat is not generally a problem, but large amounts of this fat can be very unhealthy. The hCG Diet targets abnormal fat because the hCG stimulates the release of the energy that is stored in the abnormal fat, rather than that, which is found in other types of fat in the body.

Men + Medical hCG = Weight Loss?



Putting a pregnancy hormone, hCG, in a testosterone filled man’s body cannot possibly be healthy or effective, and must have adverse side effects. So, are there side effects and how can men even benefit from the Medical hCG Diet?

This question is yet another common misconception associated with the hCG Diet, a diet that’s been around since the 1950’s. The Medical hCG Diet, is an effective yet controversial program for men & women, who are looking to lose weight quickly and efficiently. Yes it is true, hCG is a natural hormone that is produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy. The hCG Diet is so powerful because the hormone delivered in small, regular doses into the body is released and when processed through the pituitary gland can actually increase testosterone, resulting in increased energy levels and feelings of well-being. Additionally, through this same process the hormone also resets the hypothalamus (metabolism) and targets excess reserves of fat in the body, so when used in combination with a very low calorie diet the body is forced to use the stored nutrients, leading in turn to quicker fat burning and utilizing fat stores for energy.
Contrary to what many believe, the hCG Diet is great for both men and women. Men will not suffer any adverse side effects such as increased breast size, and more often than not, men will lose more weight than women. In addition, neither men nor women have to worry about having any symptoms of pregnancy while on the hCG Diet. Women are typically advised to go off the hCG during their monthly cycle, while remaining on the very low calorie diet; which can cause some hunger issues. Men never have this particular issue to worry about, which may account for their higher weight loss averages. The hCG Diet is not a forever diet. It is used for a certain period of time to lose unwanted weight, to reset the body’s metabolism, learn portion control, make lifestyle changes and to get healthy.

For more information visit our website at:

http://barretohealthcare.com/

Is Homeopathic HCG Really Copycat hCG?

hCG is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat infertility in both men and women. But its weight-loss roots trace back to the 1950s, when British endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons realized that giving small, regular doses of Medical hCG, coupled with a 500 calorie a day diet, could use the body’s fat reserves for daily energy & weight loss, while preserving muscle.  

Exactly why the hCG diet is experiencing a revival now is unclear, but the hype has sparked many hCG spin-offs and copycats, like homeopathic HCG, which have forced a response from the FDA. The agency warned that homeopathic HCG is fraudulent and illegal according to the US News & World Report. Though the FDA said such products aren't necessarily dangerous, their sale is deceptive, since almost all homeopathic HCG products will test negative for any trace of Medical hCG. It is a very simple test should one want to check the validity of the product they are purchasing/have purchased. Several drops on a pregnancy test should show positive if hCG is present.

If there is no medical hCG in the system while on a 500 calorie a day diet, the body will use muscle as well as fat, but yes a person will still lose weight; just not healthy weight. With fake HCG the dieter is always hungry and very tired, their skin looks saggy and unhealthy and they have a general drawn facial look (an emaciated look). This is not healthy and is due to the starvation diet.  So it’s the fake homeopathic HCG that’s hurting us all! True medical hCG must be prescribed and supervised by a reputable licensed physician in a clinic.

FYI: The correct spelling for prescription/medical is hCG. The fake or copycat is usually spelled HCG.

hCG Doesn't Work? Well Take a Look at Penny Now!!

KWTV- News 9 Facebook asked people this week whether they thought hCG worked for weight loss, and then they later aired a negative story about hCG for weight loss being nothing more than an expensive placebo. Here’s our answer to KWTV-News 9—and no, it’s not sign language. Let’s just tell it like it is, because it’s actually a wonderfully inspiring story!!

The following are three (3) comments posted by our very “real” patient, Penelope Bishop, on KWTV- News 9’s Facebook about her experience with Medical hCG for weight loss:

Penelope Bishop

“I would like to add that I am on a 1200 calorie maintenance diet after HCG and I am doing fine. I have no regrets and would do it again. My reduction of my medications, cholesterol etc. Speaks for itself.”

“Some of the comments talk about exercise. I walked a treadmill 6 days a week. At first could only walk for 15 minutes. Now I can walk 5 miles in 1 hour daily. Couldn't climb stairs and now I take the stairs instead of an elevator. Next for me......I have purchased a bicycle and plan to ride around Lake Hefner.”

“Jay I do not Process carbs also so my physician has devised a balanced diet and my carbs are through fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein and low fat dairy. I am doing great on my maintenance after HCG and maintaing my 225 lb. Weight loss, now for 6 months.”

For those of you who would like the whole story in a nutshell, Penny lost over 200 lbs. in 10 months on Medical hCG at our clinic. She went from 22 medications, down to 7 medications and is exercising regularly and is very healthy now, where she had major health issues before. We are very proud of Penny!! She is one of many at our clinic who have had amazing results with Medical hCG!  You can read more testimonials on our website at http://barretohealthcare.com for inspirational weight loss & wellness stories.

HCG Diet Debate: Exactly Who’s The Fraud?

Debate over the hCG Diet is never ending. Some Medical experts say there's no good evidence it (hCG) works. But hCG dieters insist they're dropping pounds, fast. Thousands of people are latching onto a diet that promises rapid weight loss—up to 30 pounds a month—and, judging by its recent surge in popularity, actually delivers. But the so-called hCG diet is either a weight-loss miracle or a dangerous fraud, depending on who's talking. The plan combines drops or injections of hCG, a pregnancy hormone, with just 500 calories a day. While some believers are so convinced of its power they'll willingly stick themselves with a syringe, the government and mainstream medical community say it's a scam that carries too many health risks and doesn't lead to long-term weight loss. "It's reckless, irresponsible, and completely irrational," says Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Can you lose weight on it? Of course, but that's mainly because you're hardly consuming any calories. And any benefit is not going to last."

 

If the government and mainstream medical community truly believe the hCG diet is a “dangerous fraud” or “a scam that carries too many health risks”, would they please quit complaining, whining and printing negative campaigns and inform the public at large exactly what the health risks are from using hCG. Enquiring minds want to know…what are the fraudulent dangers associated with the use of hCG? There have been no reported deaths associated with use of hCG, and no known adverse major medical problems. Many hCG dieters have however, reported feeling better overall after losing significant amounts of weight; therefore, requiring their blood pressure medications, gastro meds and some diabetic meds, etc. to be lowered significantly or eliminated altogether. Not only do people experience rapid weight loss with hCG and lifestyle changes with exercise & healthy eating choices during maintenance, overall they get healthy by significantly lowering their body’s need for prescription medications. Oh…could this be the real reason why the government & some in the medical community are so against hCG, even if closely supervised by a licensed physician? Perhaps healthier patients needing less office visits, less tests and less prescriptions mean less money lining their pockets?

Fertility Dr. Says hCG Expensive Placebo!

A news story was televised this morning about the authenticity of hCG as a medication for weight loss. The only person interviewed for the piece was the feature story’s expert, a Fertility Doctor, who uses large doses of hCG for infertility in patients. He said in the story that hCG is nothing more than an expensive placebo, and went on to say that his colleagues, other Medical Doctors, are uninformed and should not be jumping on the hCG bandwagon and dispensing hCG.

First, this is slanted news reporting at its finest! For any controversial news story to have weight or merit, opposing sides must have representation. Secondly, asking a Fertility Doctor about the intricate workings of weight loss or Bariatrics is like asking a Corporate Attorney the pros & cons of a particular high profile murder case. One should really go to an Attorney specializing in Litigation/Criminal Law in order to get truly accurate information. The

Fertility Dr.

should never mock his peers, especially Bariatric Specialists, as being uninformed & on a bandwagon, as he may very well be the uninformed party at the end of the day. After all, he is a Fertility/OB-GYN expert not Bariatrics & Weight Loss. Though both are Medical related, they are still two very different fields of study. From a Bariatric point of view, Medical hCG for weight loss works very, very well for many & for some it does not work because the restrictive diet is too hard. As a Fertility expert, the Doctor should understand this concept well, as certain fertility drugs work very, very well for some and not at all for others. So does this make those certain fertility drugs simply very expensive placebos?

Is hCG Causing Cancer? What’s Next?

A Local News Station posted a general Blog question on Facebook asking people, “What do you think about the HCG diet?” Many people posted comments saying it worked like a charm, others couldn’t get past the first few weeks on so few calories. But negative comments posted by people quickly turned to how the hCG hormone is now causing cancer. 

Surprisingly, none of the naysayers are medical experts or doctors. Nor could they quote any clinical trials where the hCG hormone has been proven to cause cancer; rather they’ve just heard from a friend of a friend, or their mother told them about their aunt or an uncle who was just diagnosed. Truth be told, these people already had cancer in their bodies before they began the hCG diet. We may never really know, unless actual clinical tests are conducted. hCG is the hormone produced by all pregnant women, and it’s FDA approved in larger dosages for infertility. We do actually have a patient at our clinic who is a breast cancer survivor, who received permission from her oncologist and her other physicians to go on the Medical hCG diet and she used the injections. She lost 200 lbs. in 10 months while on Medical hCG under the supervision of our physician and she is extremely healthy, happy and very much cancer free. People will come up with any excuse not to lose the extra pounds and to knock down something that actually works!! Really?!! What will these guys come up with next? So what do you think?

hCG Diet Plateau Breaker

What is the best weight loss plateau breaker while on the hCG Diet?

For dealing with a plateau in weight loss, while on the hCG diet, the most common and probably the best course of action to start with; for one day only, is to have what’s called an “apple day”. For this particular plateau breaker, you eat 6 apples only throughout the day and nothing else except the 2 Liters of required water (or more if you can get in more water). The next day you return to the usual 500 calorie diet. This is one of several ideas available to break plateaus in weight loss.

PRESS RELEASE!!! NEWS FLASH!!!! THIS JUST IN!!!

   Barreto Health Care

Is a Proud Partner

with Mayor Mick Cornett’s

A whopping 50,500 Lbs. lost by our dedicated Weight Loss & Wellness patients over the previous two years has been donated by Dr. Barreto to Mayor Mick Cornett's "This City Is Going On A Diet"! As a proud partner of the OKC Million, Barreto Health Care is doing our part to help Oklahomans’ lose weight and get healthy in 2011 and beyond. Thank You to all of our wonderfully determined Weight Loss & Wellness patients who continue to do such a fabulous job!!!! Keep up the good work!!

The Caveman Diet Review

The Caveman Diet also goes by the name of The Paleolithic Diet or the Stone Age Diet, which relies on a method that's roughly 40,000 years old - a healthy, simplistic approach to eating. The concept of the Caveman Diet is really quite simple: If it wasn't available to the cavemen, then you don't eat it. Foods allowed are all meats, including organ meats, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, roots and nuts. Positives: The diet is focused on whole, unprocessed and nutrient-rich foods, it will most likely result in weight loss, it’s gluten and casein free and it’s low in sodium.

Although getting back to a simplistic approach to eating seems like a good idea with nutrient-rich foods that are gluten & casein free and low in sodium, over the long-term, this diet eliminates entire groups of food; bringing up the question that strict nature may not be a viable long-term eating plan, from an overall nutritional standpoint. The inclusion of organ meats, including the consumption of lots of pork and red meats, all of which have such high saturated fat content (very high calorie count) should increase at the very least, cholesterol significantly. This diet may have a low satiety factor despite the diet's fat content, which tends to lead dieters to cheat.

Active Lifestyle and Traveling While on hCG

Most people nowadays are very active with children and their activities, work, travel and long hours. Very little time is spent at home, so how can they be on the hCG Diet with the restrictive Very Low Calorie Diet and not be cheating all the time?

People can manage the restrictive diet with some pre-planning and an insulated lunch bag (with an icepack insert). If you know you are going to be out all day simply measure all your cooked food and put in baggies inside insulated lunch bag, with extra protein in case your day goes long, and carry your food with you. While traveling, bring basic cutlery & paper plates, scales, etc.; then find a local grocery store and carry the food into your hotel room and store in room refrigerator.

10 Best Weight Loss Tips

Today’s information contains helpful weight loss tips from the best experts ever…women who have actually battled major weight problems, won their war with weight loss and have all kept the pounds off.  Hopefully, these tips will inspire and motivate:

1) Schedule Splurges- Plan your cheats in order to keep cravings from getting out of control.

2) Get in the Race- Find an activity or two or three, that you love  to keep you occupied and motivated.

3) Limit Liquid Calories- Calories from beer & mixed drinks can add up, so plan only 1 night a week out & mix with extra H2O.

4) Don’t Demand Perfection- Physical activity, do want you love, it doesn’t have to look or be perfect, just fun.

5) Consider Calories Carefully- Calorie count and nutritional value of those calories really do matter.

6) Nix Post-Dinner Noshing- Snacking late in the evening can put weight on whether it’s healthy food or not.

7) Don’t Go to Extremes- Don’t start  dietary or exercise regimes that you must stick to your entire life, that are impossible to follow.

8) Ditch Fast-Food Habit- It will only put the pounds back on and set you up for failure if you’re just starting. Pack your lunch always.

9) Start with Swaps- Start losing weight with baby steps: eat this instead of that, then continue to swap bad food for good food.

10) Look Sexy While You Sweat- Nice, fun exercise outfits that make you look good and feel good, keep you motivated and in the gym.