Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the HCG diet differ from others?
Some of the unique features of the diet are that you are able to eat a very small amount of food without food cravings (appetite suppression), and HCG accesses stored fat, leading to a scuplted body, something akin to non-surgical liposuction.
- How much weight will you lose on the diet?
This varies with metabolism and gender, but weight loss from 1-3 pounds daily is not at all unusual.
- Can you do the diet for more than 40 days?
As long as you are losing weight actively it is possible to extend the diet by several weeks. (The cost of additional weeks is pro-rated.)
- Is it possible to do a second course of HCG?
If your goal is more than 30 or 40 lbs, you will likely need to do more than one course. Based on your progress, the doctor will let you know how long you need to wait to begin a fresh cycle. Wait time between cycles ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. While waiting, an interim diet plan is implemented.
- Are the injections painful? How big are the needles?
The shots are done with hair-thin insulin syringes, and not only do they not hurt, but most people say they barely feel them when done.
- Can the plan be done with HCG drops, and/or injections?
Shots and drops are both offered. As the original diet was devised with shots and, with shots, full absorption is assured, the vast majority of patients elect to do shots.
- Does it work for everyone?
It is a remarkably effective program for nearly all patients. Any failure on this diet usually suggests a serious metabolic problem, and fortunately, Dr. Leder is an expert in dealing with such matters.
- What are the side effects of the diet or the HCG?
Other than a possible reduction in energy (for some, energy vastly improves) and some diminished bowel activity, the diet has no significant negative side effects.
- I often get tired on diets. Is there a solution for this?
Several options are available for fatigue at our office. These include prescribed oral vitamins, MIC (Methonine-inositol-choline-B12) shots 1-3x per week, and intravenous vitamins are administered in our office by our highly trained staff.
- Are there any ways to speed up weight loss?
MIC shots and/or L-carnitine shots are available
- I've heard about MIC and L-carnitine shots; do you offer those to patients? What do they do?
We do offer both MIC and L-carnitine shots. The former enhances both energy and fat burning, while the latter can delete unwanted fat in targeted areas.
- Does the HCG diet require the purchase of any special, pre-packaged foods?
Not at all. On the HCG diet plan, our patients eat all natural, fresh foods, that can be puchased at any super market. All food eaten on the diet can be eaten and enjoyed by all members of a dieters family.
- Does HCG really suppress appetite?
The HCG clearly suppresses appetite. The meal plan for the diet is fairly restrictive, and without the appetite suppressing effect of HCG it would be nearly impossible to follow the plan. With HCG, our patients are suprised at how little they need to eat to feel satisfied.
If you have any further questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to come in for your FREE consultation please feel free to call or email us at any time.