HCG is the Secret Weight Loss Key

If losing weight is on your list of New Year’s resolutions year after year, then popular diets like Atkins, South Beach, or Weight Watchers must not be the answer to keeping weight off long term. Dr. Susanne Harrison, a physician in Colebrook, suggests that the real key to success after other diets have failed is actually a hormone, HCG.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is produced by the human placenta during pregnancy. HCG itself is very similar in structure to pituitary and thyroid stimulating hormones. It was discovered in the early 1950's that HCG caused weight loss of fat, not muscle. The combination of HCG and diet modification was studied for years, and by the 1990's the optimum amount of hormone and calories was determined for the most effective weight loss.

“Although the exact mechanism is not clear, HCG shifts metabolic pathways away from burning muscle towards metabolizing fat. Your fat tissue becomes the source of your daily caloric needs,” explains Dr. Harrison, owner of DermaLuxe MD. “An added bonus is that HCG also limits 'hunger', even in a reduced calorie environment.”

Dr. Harrison notes other benefits of the regimen as experienced by her patients:

· Eat any desired food as long as every calorie is tracked in a daily log.

· No expensive prepared meals, shakes or bars.

· Increased energy and overall feeling of wellbeing.

· No adverse side effects due to the low dosage of the hormone.

· Reduced arthritic joint pains in hips, knees, and ankles, etc.

· Effective for people who have arthritis or other physical limitations and are unable to exercise to lose weight.

· Eliminates cravings for alcohol.

· Boosts the basal metabolic rate, meaning that food is metabolized more rapidly for several months after the diet.

“In order for the diet to be successful, the person must be motivated to make lifestyle changes and be closely supervised by a physician,” said Dr. Harrison. “HCG is not recognized by the FDA as a weight loss drug because if you take HCG by itself without dietary modifications, nothing will happen. You will not lose weight.”

The ideal candidate, male or female, is generally healthy between the ages of 16 - 75. A weight loss of 15 - 60 pounds is a reasonable goal. Men tend to lose a pound a day, but women average 1/2 pound a day for forty days. Women may have a weight plateau for a few days during their menstrual cycle, then resume losing weight. Since HCG is used in much larger doses as a fertility drug, couples should use two forms of birth control while on the diet.

The program consists of a very precise reduced calorie dietary regimen and close monitoring of carbohydrate and protein consumption in conjunction with a self-administered HCG injection taken daily with a small insulin-type syringe.

Water intake is extremely important. The patient must drink at least 64 oz (1/2 gallon) of water every day while on the plan. The body goes into a semi-starvation mode, and all of the fat metabolites must be washed out.

The program begins with one consultation and two initial visits then seven subsequent visits. At each visit the patient receives multiple B vitamin injections, including Vitamin B12. Once the HCG is stopped after forty days, the patient begins a 6 week maintenance period where normal foods are gradually re-introduced.

“This is the critical period when your metabolism is reset,” said Dr. Harrison. “You must maintain your weight within 2 lbs. of the last injection day and constantly be aware of daily caloric intake and output to ensure long term weight maintenance.”

The program is not covered by insurance. The price of HCG fluctuates, so therefore the cost of the program may fluctuate. Currently, a $1,100 fee covers all office visits and B12 and HCG injections.

DermaLuxe MD at Northwest Medical Laser and Aesthetics is Litchfield County's premiere Medical Spa for total body transformation located in Colebrook, CT. Dr. Susanne Harrison specializes in physician-directed skin care for anti-aging using the state of the art Palomar Laser, BOTOX, and chemical peels. Other services include hair removal, acne and rosacea treatments, as well as the new HCG weight loss program. Authorized retailer of medically guided Physician Grade Skin Care PCA and Mineral Makeup by Jane Iredale. Toschedule a free consultation visit www.dermaluxemd.com or call 860.605.7969.