If you thought the grapefruit diet was odd, the new hormone injection diet far surpasses the weirdness factor.
The hCG diet involves either injecting or ingesting the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin.
The diet plan claims to help people lose about half a kilogram a day.
According to CBC news, “Proponents say the hormone suppresses the appetite by tricking the body into thinking it is pregnant, which prompts the body to burn stored fat in places where dieters least want it, such as the upper arms, belly and thighs.”
But with every diet fad comes a catch.
The catch with hCG?
Women who chose to go on the hCG diet are required to consume only 500 calories a day. CBC says this is the equivalent of two slices of lean turkey on whole wheat bread, one slice of cheese, some lettuce, a little mustard, an apple and one cup of skim milk.
Well, that’s one sure way to lose weight.
500 calories? That’s nearly starvation. Don’t the women who go on this “diet” see this?
Aside from the dangers associated with such a low caloric intake, hCG has also been linked to risks of headaches, depression, acne, hair loss, breast tenderness and, in more rare cases, blood clots that can be fatal if they travel to the lungs.
Now that sounds appetizing.
Rather than putting personal health in danger, why not go back to good old weight loss methods that are tried and true?
The key to weight loss is simple. Eat healthy and exercise.
Really, there is no miracle drug that will cure obesity. If it does, it is sure to come with harsher consequences than a few extra pounds.
Is your life worth it?
