Does the HCG diet work — and is it safe? Weight Loss Greenstore Tea

Answer

from Jennifer K. Nelson, R.D., L.D.

No on both counts. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to steer clear of over-the-counter weight-loss products that contain HCG.

HCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. As a prescription medication, HCG is used mainly to treat fertility issues. HCG is not approved for over-the-counter use, nor has it been proved to work for weight loss. Companies that sell over-the-counter HCG weight-loss products are breaking the law.

So why has there been so much talk about the HCG diet? Perhaps it's because the diet recommends severe calorie restriction — typically just 500 to 800 calories a day. People who follow such a very low calorie diet are likely to lose weight, at least in the short term. However, that level of calorie restriction has risks, such as gallstone formation, irregular heartbeat, and an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body's muscles and nerves functioning properly.

If weight loss is your goal, there are safer ways to lose weight. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about how to make healthy changes that lead to permanent weight loss, such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

What is the Special K diet? Can it help me lose weight?

The Special K diet is a diet plan created by Kellogg, the manufacturer of Special K cereal. Officially known as the Special K Challenge, the diet promises that you can lose nearly 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in two weeks.

The diet encourages you to replace two meals, such as breakfast and lunch, with a low-fat, low-calorie Special K product, such as Special K cereal, protein meal bar or shake. You can eat your third meal as you normally would. You may also snack on fruits and vegetables or additional Special K products.

Replacing one or two meals a day with portion-controlled products may result in eating fewer calories than you normally would. It can also take the guesswork out of what to eat, thereby making it easier to diet. And this appears to be the case with the Special K diet, at least in the short term.

On the other hand, the Special K diet may leave you feeling hungry and deprived because of the diet's limited  food options. It also may be difficult to stick to the diet long enough to reach your weight-loss goal.

And once you stop the Special K diet, you may regain any weight you lost because you haven't learned how to change unhealthy behaviors that led to your weight gain to begin with, such as overeating and lack of exercise. Remember, the key to permanent weight loss is developing healthy eating and exercise habits.

Are high-protein diets safe for weight loss?

For most healthy people, a high-protein diet generally isn't harmful if followed for a short time, such as six months or less, and may help with weight loss.

However, the risks of using a high-protein diet with carbohydrate restriction for the long term are still being studied. Several health problems may result if a high-protein diet is followed for an extended time:

·         Some high-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient fiber, which can cause health problems such as constipation and diverticulitis.

·         Some high-protein diets promote foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which may increase your risk of heart disease.

·         A high-protein diet may worsen kidney function in people with kidney disease because your body may have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism.

If you want to follow a high-protein diet, do so only as a short-term weight-loss aid. Also, choose your protein wisely. Good choices include fish, skinless chicken, lean beef, pork and low-fat dairy products. Choose carbs that are high in fiber, such as whole grains and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit.

It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor before starting a weight-loss diet. And that's especially important in this case if you have kidney disease, diabetes or other chronic health condition.

Finally, keep in mind that weight loss may be temporary, especially if you return to your previous way of eating.