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.
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