The hCG diet plan got some real science behind it in 2011. New research data show the accelerated loss of fat mass, just as the original protocol by Dr. Simeons has been doing for more than a half a century. Here is what you can expect based on this new research.
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HCG Diet Plan Research Update
If you peruse the National Institutes of Health medical database (PubMed) like I do, you will find this article by searching on the phrase ‘hcg weight loss’.
Here is the full reference information and published abstract. I will comment below on what it means (i.e., translate it from scientific jargon into English).
Int J Med Sci. 2011;8(6):445-52. Epub 2011 Aug 1.
Effect of weight reduction on cardiovascular risk factors and CD34-positive cells in circulation.
Mikirova NA, Casciari JJ, Hunninghake RE, Beezley MM.
The Riordan Clinic, 3100 N, Hillside, Wichita, KS, USA. nmikirova@riordanclinic.org
The data of primary interest here are those of weight and fat mass. The key quote from the abstract regarding these data is: The data indicated that the treatments not only reduced body fat mass and total mass but also improved the lipid profile.
If you are more of a visual person like I am, take a look at the original graph in this article, summarizing the key data here:
The Simeons protocol was, of course, directed at weight loss. However, the results of his protocol are distinguished from the majority of weight loss programs by emphasizing the loss of abnormal body fat. This means loss of fat mass. The graph clearly shows what the hCG diet plan is supposed to do – i.e., lead to weight loss AND fat loss. In so doing, it confirms earlier research published in the 1960s and 1970s regarding weight loss, and it further shows evidence that the lost weight consists of fat.
The remainder of the article, including the title, are a bit complicated. I will post on these other aspects of the study soon. Suffice it to say for now that the improved lipid profile, which Dr. Simeons predicted, and the boost in CD34-positive cells are added benefits of the hCG diet plan.
The Original Article
Occasionally professional journals release their signature articles to the public without charge (otherwise, they can cost upwards of 25 dollars or more to download). This is fortunately the case with this article. For those brave souls who want to see what all the details look like, from experimental design to data analyses, you can download the full article through PubMed in pdf format here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3156990/pdf/ijmsv08p0445.pdf
It is enjoyable to read a full article like this one. If you have any questions about it, just let me know at the end of this post (see Leave a comment below).
Who Does HCG Diet Plan Research?
Research institutions have mostly lost interest in doing research on the hCG diet plan since the 1970s. The majority of studies now involves the molecular mechanism of action of hCG, especially how it might interact or complement leptin, our master fat hormone, in the hypothalamus.
It came as a pleasant surprise, therefore, to discover that the clinic behind the study of interest for this post does real research. They do have a vested interest in the results. However, their research spans many other areas of importance to human health. A list of their publications is available on their website here:
Riordan Clinic Research Articles
It is an impressive list of studies, all of which are published in reputable medical journals. When judging the overall quality of research by any research group, this kind of professional pedigree is an important consideration.
Updating research on the hCG diet plan,
Dr. D
by HCG Side Effects - Cholesterol Update | Best HCG Weight Loss Diet
[...] The study in question evaluated several outcomes of the hCG diet protocol. The main results of interest (i.e., weight loss and fat reduction) were summarized in an earlier post here: HCG Diet Plan – Real Science. [...]
by Jayme
This recent study is great news…just what I’ve been looking for! I’m an RN (living and practicing in Canada)very interested in this protocol, and have done countless hours of online reading about the HCG diet, including the original Inches and Pounds by Dr. Simeons. I do most of my work in Public Health and so prevention and promotion are my key areas. I am very intrigued and am excited to see where this goes in the future- hoping the FDA and Health Canada don’t shut this down due to the consequent suffering pockets of our beloved and trustworthy pharmaceutical companies. Anyway, enough sarcasm- I am so interested in this protocol, I am actually going to try it out! (I’ve already done a consultation with your team). I have 2 questions however, before I take the leap and do some purchasing, and I apologize if these questions have already been answered…I think I’ve read through all posts on here, but maybe I missed something. Firstly, as I understand, HCG is used to improve fertility in ladies with difficulty conceiving. Will HCG, then, have any opposing effect to oral (or any hormonal) contraceptives? Secondly, is there anything that suggests that the natural production of HCG will be negatively affected should one become pregnant after the protocol is completed?
I very much admire your website and your dedication toward addressing peoples’ concerns. I visit your site often and learn something new each time.
Kindest regards,
Jayme
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Jayme:
Thank you for your kind comments. I am happy that you have decided to take the plunge…nothing like having a personal success story of your own when you counsel patients. Regarding your questions — good ones, by the way — the dosages of hCG on the weight loss protocol are very small in comparison with monthly production during the menstrual period (as luteinizing hormone, which is a component of native hCG). The dosages for the weight loss protocol are also much smaller than those used for treating infertility. The net effects on fertility, on oral contraceptives, and on pregnancy in such small amounts are nil. And, of course, hCG for weight loss is swamped out by natural production during pregnancy, so all bets are off for the hCG diet during pregnancy.
Glad we chatted with you. Let’s keep positive thought about the FDA and Health Canada, that neither gets involved.
Good luck!
All the best,
Dennis
by Top 4 Myths On How To Lose Weight Fast | How To Lose Belly Fat Simply And Easily
[...] HCG (human chorionic gonatropin) is the hormone-driven weight loss protocol developed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s. The hCG diet plan has been well-established through tens of thousands of clinical case histories as well as through recent scientific research (see this article on my hCG blog on this topic, here: HCG Diet Plan – Real Science). [...]
by HCG Side Effects - Cardiovascular Health Surprise | Best HCG Weight Loss Diet
[...] posted basic information, including weight loss and fat loss results, from the latest study here: HCG Diet Plan – Real Science. This study also addressed one of the hCG side effects of greatest concern among dieters — [...]