Lose a lot of kilos in a short time? That sounds tempting. This is exactly what metabolic cures like the HCG diet promise. However, this weight loss method is extremely controversial. We clarify!
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What is the HCG Diet?
The HCG diet was developed in the 1950s by British doctor Dr. Albert TW Simeons developed. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. This is an endogenous hormone that is formed during pregnancy and ensures that the fetus is optimally supplied with nutrientsis supplied. Simeons had observed that pregnant women lost fat tissue instead of muscle tissue despite a low calorie intake. In his opinion, this was related to the pregnancy hormone HCG. He injected small amounts of the hormone into dieters and experienced greater weight loss than they did on a regular diet. According to Simeons, with the help of this metabolic cure, depot fat in particular, which is on the hips, legs and arms, should be reduced within a very short time. Furthermore, the HCG diet should make it easier to get started with a permanently healthy diet.
How does the metabolic cure work?
The six-week metabolic cure is still in great demand today. The metabolic cure is divided into four phases – loading phase, diet phase, stabilization phase and maintenance phase :
Ladephase
In the first, two-day phase of the diet, the metabolism should be boosted by having to eat a lot. About 2000 to 3000 calories per day are recommended. The only rules: Alcohol is taboo and you must drink at least three to four liters of water a day.
Diätphase
This is followed by the diet phase, which lasts 21 days. During this period, the calorie intake is severely curtailed. Depending on your height and weight, you can eat 500 to 700 calories a day. You should also avoid carbohydrates to boost your metabolism even further. Dairy products and sugar are also removed from the menu . Alcohol is still not allowed. You should get most of your calories from protein. In addition, you should supplement with dietary supplements such as vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and take HCG in the form of globules or drops.
stabilization phase
In the third phase of the HCG diet, you gradually consume more calories again for three weeks. In the first week, however, you should still avoid greasy and sugary meals. The stabilization phase of the HCG diet is extremely important so that you counteract a yo-yo effect. You no longer need the dietary supplements, as you can again absorb all the necessary nutrients through food.
maintenance phase
In the last maintenance phase, it is important to internalize the change in diet and to focus on a balanced and healthy diet.
Conclusion: That’s what experts say about the metabolic cure
Due to the low calorie intake, you lose a lot of weight in a very short time. However, the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) advises against such a metabolic cure. Because the administration of HCG and the low calorie intake can have significant side effects. These include symptoms such as headaches, irritability, menstrual disorders, tiredness, restlessness, depression and fluid accumulation in the tissue (oedema).
In addition, the DGE refers to a result of the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association from 1987. HCG has neither a “fat mobilizing” effect nor an influence on appetite or hunger. “HCG is not effective and not approved for the supportive treatment of diet-related obesity.” There are further warnings from the consumer advice center: “HCG is a prescription drug and may not be sold as a weight loss aid, even if there are many offers on the Internet.” Observe the yo-yo effect all the faster,” says the website of the consumer center.
Instead of an HCG diet: How to lose weight in a healthy way
If you want to lose weight in a healthier way, you should change your diet in the long term. Above all, eat healthy and balanced. Rely on fresh fruit and vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, vegetable oils and drink enough water (at least 1.5 liters a day). In addition to diet, exercise also plays an important role. Regular exercise not only keeps you healthy, but also burns calories, breaks down fat and builds muscle.
