What is the HCG Diet?
The HCG Diet is a medically supervised, rapid weight loss program that combines a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) with daily administrations of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). At Balanced Medical Solutions, this protocol is designed to “reset” the metabolism by targeting the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that regulates hunger and fat storage. The goal is to force the body to burn its own “abnormal” fat reserves (found in areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs) for fuel, rather than burning muscle or essential structural fat.
Common Uses and Benefits of the HCG Diet for Balanced Medical Solutions’ San Francisco and East Bay Area Patients:
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Rapid and Significant Weight Loss: Patients typically lose between 0.5 to 1 pound per day, with many reporting a total loss of 15 to 30 pounds within a single 30- to 40-day cycle.
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Appetite Suppression: The HCG hormone acts on the brain to curb the intense hunger and “starvation mode” typically associated with extreme calorie restriction, making the low-calorie phase much more tolerable.
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Preservation of Lean Muscle: Unlike many “crash diets” that cause the body to break down muscle for energy, HCG is believed to protect lean muscle mass, ensuring that the weight lost is primarily fat and that the metabolic rate remains high.
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Metabolic Reset: Proponents of the protocol suggest that it “reprograms” the hypothalamus, helping to establish a new “set point” for body weight and making it easier to maintain results long-term.
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Body Contouring: The diet specifically targets “stubborn” fat deposits that are often resistant to traditional diet and exercise, leading to a more noticeable transformation in body shape.
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Improved Health Markers: Rapid weight loss through this program often leads to secondary benefits such as improved blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
