The side effects of an hCG diet include weakness, skin problem, water retention, nausea, restlessness, and in severe cases, enlarged prostate. The following article provides information about the various risks associated with this diet.
hCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone which is produced during pregnancy. The hormone is prescribed to treat fertility problems, and is not available without a prescription. This diet is a much talked about dieting strategy for weight loss, as it promises to give prompt results without adverse reactions. But, it is a fact that there is no shortcut for healthy weight loss which can be achieved by eating healthy food and performing regular exercises.
How the hCG Diet Works for Weight Loss?
People who have been following a weight loss diets for some time must be familiar with the hCG diet. As the name signifies, it is based on the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, which is secreted in optimal amounts during the initial months of pregnancy.
Amongst the several functions of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, one specific role is its use in weight loss, i.e. it provides the required calories and nutrients to the fetus, irrespective of the food consumed by the expecting mother. It also aids in the treatment of delayed genital development in teenage boys. Just like any other fad diet this diet also has certain side effects.
What are the Dangers of hCG Diet in Men?
While using the hCG pills or hCG shots to lose weight, there are two prerequisites: eat less food and take hCG dosage as per the chosen dieting scheme (26 days with 23 shots, or 43 days with 40 shots). Since, hCG is a hormone produced in pregnant women, it may cause adverse effects in men. Therefore, to be on the safer side, do not overlook the reported side effects before going for an hCG diet.
- Since the daily calorie requirement of men is high, if he switches to an ultra-low-calorie diet (500 calories per day), then he may experience food cravings, weakness, and lightheadedness.
- In the initial days of the diet, commonly manifested adverse effects include fatigue, irritability, headache, and restlessness.
- The side effects of hCG injection are manifested in localized skin areas, of which some include redness, rash, soreness, infection, bleeding, and at times, blood clots.
- Intake of hCG may cause unusual symptoms in men, which are similar to pregnancy symptoms. The probable side effects in men are nausea, water retention, and mood swings.
- Another side effects is loss of hair, which is rare.
Also, it should be noted that the hCG diet protocol is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a reliable means for weight loss. There is no clinical report that proves the effectiveness of this hormone in suppressing appetite and reducing the negative effects of low-calorie consumption. Prior to adopting this weight loss protocol, discuss it with a doctor.