Category Archives: Weight Loss

HCG Injections vs HCG Drops

Why HCG Injections are better than Drops

Human Chorionic Gonadrophin or HGC is a type of hormone which provides support to the healthy development of an egg cell in a woman’s ovary. During ovulation, it also helps stimulate the release of the egg cell.

HCG is used to promote ovulation and to treat infertility among women. In men, HGC is used to boost sperm count. In young boys, HGC is used when their testicles have dropped down normally into the scrotum. This disorder can be caused by an aberration in the pituitary gland.

These days, HGC may also be prescribed for other applications. It may be administered as an injection into a muscle or under the skin. If you use HGC injections at home, your pharmacist, nurse or doctor should provide you with a specific set of instructions on how and where exactly to inject HGC. Do not self-inject HGC if you do not have a full understanding on how to administer the injection and dispose of used syringes and needles properly.

There are two basic methods of taking HGC: HCG injections and HGC oral drops. Both methods provide the appropriate dose of the HGC hormone.

If you use HGC injections and experience the following side effects, call your physician immediately:
• Severe headache
• Extreme dizziness
• Confusion
• Tingling in your leg or arm
• Numbness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pain
• Blood clot

A number of women using HGC injections have developed a health condition called OHSS or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, specifically after the first therapeutic cycle. This condition can be life-threatening. See your physician immediately if you have the following symptoms of OHSS:

• Urinating less than normal
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain and swelling
• Swelling of legs or hands
• Severe pelvic pain

In young boys, the use of HGC may bring about the early onset of puberty. If your child is using HGC, immediately contact your physician if the following early signs of puberty are observed:

• Increased sweating
• Increased acne
• Pubic hair growth
• Deepened voice

Some Considerations before Using HGC Injections

You should stay away from using HGC if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication or if you have the following:

• A hormone-associated cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer
• Early puberty, also commonly referred to as precocious puberty

Prior to receiving HGC, make sure to inform your physician if you have allergies to any medications or if you are suffering from any of the following health conditions:

• Asthma
• Migraines
• Epilepsy
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Undiagnosed uterine bleeding
• Cancer or a tumor of the breast, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, prostate or uterus
• Premature puberty
• Ovarian cyst
• A thyroid or adrenal gland disorder

If you suffer from any of these conditions, you may require adjustments on your dosage or special assessments to safely use HGC.

HGC for Weight Loss: The Advantages of HGC Injections over HGC Drops

HGC injections are extremely effective in promoting weight reduction. They help the body break down fat cells and hence release the needed amount of energy to promote fast metabolism.

For the past few years, these medications have gained increasing popularity for weight reduction. They are reported to be effective since they work well as an appetite suppressant. When HGC is used, the hunger cravings are eliminated. In addition to this, the injection will not make you feel physically weak. The extent to which the stored fatty cells get burned out is higher than when using HCG pills or oral drops. In general, HCG shots are administered under the skin or in the muscles. This encourages and enhances the build-up of lean muscles.

The use of HGC shots requires its users to adopt a ketogenic and organic diet. This involves eating fresh fruits, salads and vegetables. This naturally lowers a dieter’s consumption of fat and lets them live on 850 to 1250 calories daily. This helps in making the dieter’s muscles look more toned in just 1 month. As a matter of fact, using HGC shots is an excellent way to shed excess weight without endangering the health.

Recommended Areas of the Body where HCG Shots Can be Administered

There are a lot of areas in the body where HCG shots can be administered. The areas are suggested by physicians and are known as HCG injection spots. Most physicians consider the thigh or upper leg as the best areas to administer the HCG shots.

HCG shots for weight reduction are considered safe. In addition to this, the process of administering the injections is not at all complicated once you have mastered how to properly do it. The needles that will be used in the process are very tiny, about ¼-inch long. Administering HGC shots requires no professional supervision. As a matter of fact, you can administer the HGC shots by yourself. The process, however, calls for special precautions and a little patience. After your initial 3 injections, you will soon gain confidence in your ability to administer the injections on yourself.

An individual who is looking at the possibility of weight reduction through HGC shots is recommended to undergo a comprehensive physical check-up by an expert HGC physician. This thorough check-up is a must prior to undergoing HGC shots. However, children who are under 16 years old should stay away from this hormonal treatment. If you are already on a separate treatment, you should also make sure to consult with your doctor for any counter-interactions before you start with your HGC shot program.

If you wish to shed some weight, then the HCG shot program can make the process of weight reduction a lot easier for you. If you are tired of other weight loss programs that are just not giving you the results that you want, consider trying the HCG shot program as a safe and practical alternative. You will feel the immediate improvement in your condition.

HCG Diet Plan and Foods

HCG Diet Plan and Foods

A new diet plan is creating quite a stir among serious dieters all over the world. With reports claiming weight reduction of 50 pounds or more in just two months, people can’t wait to get started. It is the HCG weight loss program. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a reproductive hormone which is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy and the growth and development of the fetus inside the womb.

What is the HCG Diet Plan?

The HCG diet entails a combination of a strict caloric restriction of 500 to 800 calories per day only and an intake or an administration (whether oral, intravascular or topical) of the HCG hormone. The plan is set for 8 weeks. It is mandatory that the strict diet be followed to the dot to achieve the desired weight. However, if one will search for information online, he or she will notice the discrepancies in the instructions. This is one of the weaknesses of this latest diet fad, as there are not enough studies and experiments being made to provide standard instructions and concrete evidences of its effectiveness.

General Instructions on the HCG Diet

1. Inform your primary health care provider of your intention to practice the HCG diet. A thorough physical exam and laboratory tests should also be taken to serve as baseline data for future reference. These precautionary measures are done to ensure that you are medically fit to follow the diet plan. Also, you may need clearance from a doctor before you can begin the diet plan, especially if you have an existing medical condition which may be aggravated due to the strict diet of this plan.
2. Products with HCG such as drops, shots, pellets, pills, and sprays are to be taken or injected once daily. Follow the prescription for the dosage. According to reports and claims of HCG dieters, the most effective HCG hormone is in the form of injection or shots. This is probably due to the fact that the HCG hormones produced during pregnancy are actually in the bloodstream of the pregnant woman. As such, only HCG shots go directly in the bloodstream of an individual.
3. In the first two days of the first week of the diet, there is a loading phase. During this time, you can eat anything that you like. There are no food and drink restrictions. The rationale for this is that this diet will try to “set” the metabolism of an individual into an active one. When one’s metabolism is active, the tendency to burn calories is increased. Therefore, weight loss is achieved. The rationale on how HCG “sets” the metabolism is still unknown to medical practitioners.
4. Only two meals are allowed per day – lunch and dinner. However, coffee, tea, and water can be taken all throughout the day. Milk is limited to only 1 tablespoon per day. Increased fluid intake is strictly implemented in this diet.
5. A unique feature of this diet plan is the absence of any activity or exercise. This may be attributed to the low energy levels of the individual given the number of calories taken.
6. Without any rationale, products for hygiene, lotions, and body oil are also not allowed.

What are Included in the HCG Diet?

There are four food groups included in this plan. You will notice that the choices are limited since the target is just 500-800 calories per day. For each meal, you are to take one source of protein, one fruit, one vegetable, and one slice of bread only. In the event that you become hungry in between your meals, you may eat bread or a fruit but you have to omit that fruit or bread in your next meal.

For protein, make sure that all fats and skins are removed or trimmed. Only broiled or grilled is the allowed preparation for this food group. Note: All sources of protein should be 100 grams only. The options are the following:

– Veal
– Chicken
– Lean Beef
– Crab
– Lobster
– Shrimp
– Fresh White Fish

For vegetables, one can choose from the following:

– All kinds of lettuce, beet greens, chard, cabbage and spinach
– All kinds of onions
– All kinds of tomatoes
– Cucumber
– Radishes
– Celery
– Asparagus
– Fennel

For fruits, only these six are allowed:

– Apples
– Blueberries, blackberries or strawberries (only a handful)
– Lemons
– Half grapefruit

For bread, only melba toast and breadsticks are permitted.

You will notice that the HCG diet is economical and easy to do. This is probably why more and more people are giving this diet plan a try. Here is a sample meal plan for a whole week.

First Week – Monday and Tuesday

Take your HCG hormone. Eat anything, especially fattening foods. Overeating or “bingeing” is actually required at this time. This is the only time in the whole diet that you will be asked to overeat. Therefore, most dieters savor this moment.

At the start of Wednesday until the last day of the 8-week period, all breakfasts will consist of tea or coffee without sugar. Stevia can take the place of sugar. One tablespoon of milk can be added to the coffee. Do not forget to take your HCG hormone every day until the end of the diet plan.

Wednesday is the official start of your 500-800 calorie diet.

Lunch

– Fresh white fish
– Spinach
– Apple
– Melba toast

Dinner

– Lobster
– Radish
– Breadstick
– Half a grapefruit

Thursday

Lunch

– Shrimp
– Green beets
– Melba toast
– Lemon

Dinner

– Chicken breast
– Cucumber
– Strawberry
– Breadstick

Friday

Lunch

– Lean beef
– Asparagus
– Melba toast
– Blackberries

Dinner

– Crab
– Cabbage
– Breadstick
– Blueberries

Saturday

Lunch

– Lobster
– Tomato
– Breadstick
– Apple
Dinner

– Veal
– Chard
– Strawberries
– Melba toast

Sunday

Lunch

– Chicken
– Radish
– Lemon
– Breadstick

Dinner

– Crab
– Asparagus
– Blackberries
– Melba toast

Important Tip

Any untoward sign or symptom that you feel from day one to the last day of the diet plan is reportable. Stop the diet unless the doctor gives you the go signal to proceed with it.

Phentermine: Explained

Phentermine Explained:

Natural weight loss requires time, effort and abstinence from certain types and amounts of food. Busy people often find it hard to allot time to escape their sedentary lives. This is the reason why others result to taking prescription medicine for weight loss. Phentermine is one of them. What should you know about this drug before purchasing or taking it?

Phentermine is a prescription medication that resembles amphetamine. It is used to suppress a person’s appetite, decrease hunger and prolong the feeling of being full by altering the functions of the central nervous system thus it is included in the class of medicine called “anorectics”. The drug is used only when a person aims to lose a significant portion of his weight and not when he only wants to lessen a few pounds.

It works on the portion of the brain called hypothalamus, the one responsible for emotions and release of adrenal glands. It allows the brain region to release norepinephrine while signals hunger reduction. It also works outside the brain where it releases adrenaline that causes cells to break down stored fat.
Taking it is a way of kick-starting weight loss along with proper diet and regular exercise. However, a person will regain the lost weight once he stops taking this medication.

Phentermine is one of the drugs classified under potential abuse nonetheless the potential is low (Schedule IV). It is approved only for three months of continuous use. What are the side effects of this drug?

Aftereffects can range from petty to severe ones. These include dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, constipation or diarrhea, swelling in different portions of the face, shortness of breath, swelling feet, palpitation, change in behavior and mood, extreme emotions, severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, seizures, increased or decreased sex drive or passing out. There are contraindications that you should consider to avoid fatal effects.

Phentermine is not a good choice for those who have one or more of the following conditions: heart disease, fluctuating blood pressure, glaucoma or other thyroid problems, age below 16 or above 65, pregnancy, breast feeding, history of lung or kidney disease, allergic reaction to diet pills and history of either alcohol, cocaine or drug abuse.

This drug is not for people who have taken Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors for the past two weeks. Examples of MAO inhibitors are rasagiline, selegiline, linezolid, isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine. After refraining from taking these for 14 days, ask your doctor if you could already use the dietary drug.

Taking this with other medication intended for diet regulation could result to pulmonary hypertension, a fatal lung disease. Dexfenfluramine and Fenfluramine are among those dietary drugs.
You should ask your doctors advise on whether or not to use this drug if you are taking insulin and other prescriptive or herbal medication. How should this dietary medication be used and how much should you prepare?

It is an oral medication that comes in extended release capsules or tablets. It is to be taken once to thrice a day (depending on the prescription) half an hour before each meal. Other brands should be taken two hours after breakfast. Do not use this drug beyond 6 in the evening to avoid sleeping problems and circadian rhythm disruption.

Most users take it for 3 to six weeks depending on how responsive their bodies are. Remember not to decide on prolonging the use or increasing the dosage unless instructed by a physician.

Extended release tablets should not be cut, chewed or crushed. If you have difficulties in swallowing drugs in tablet form, ask your physician to prescribe those that can be crushed and sprinkled on food.

Taking this medication can make you drowsy at random occasions during the day. To ensure your own safety, avoid driving a car, working on scaffoldings, riding high altitude amusement rides and the like until you have used the drug for a considerable amount of time and monitored its effects on you. Also, avoid drinking alcoholic drinks even in small amounts because alcohol can worsen side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if it is almost time for your next tablet, skip the one you missed and carry on with your regular schedule. Never attempt to double the dosage to make up for the one you missed.

This drug can be poisonous especially when ingested by children. Keep it in a safe and tightly closed container. Do not put it in the kitchen where it is too hot or in the bathroom where it is too moist.

In case of signs of overdosage, contact your local control center or emergency services.
Stopping the use of this drug is not that simple. You need to consult your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms. He may advise you to gradually decrease the dosage before the actual halt in usage. Your body may need some time to adjust especially when you have been taking the drug for quite some time. To help your body cope up, you may take other medications with less risk but same physical effects.

A person who takes this medication for a long time may result to being physically or mentally dependent on it. Some of the symptoms that can be noticed when someone is phentermine dependent are the need to increase dosage for the drug to take effect and a strong urge to continue taking it even if it is time to stop. What can be the effects of withdrawing from the use of this drug?

Side effects include massive personality change, severe insomnia and nightmares, trembling, abdominal pains, irritability, uneasiness, stomach cramps, depression, nausea and vomiting. If any of these happen to you, contact your physician immediately.

Anything that you intake will have an effect on your body therefore, you have to be careful in choosing the dietary pills and supplements that you use. Losing weight will give you more chances to a healthy body but remember that phentermine is a prescriptive drug. Buying it from people or sites without advise from physicians may lead to serious repercussions.