I have been asked several times over the past month or so about the utility of HCG injections for weight loss.
There is a certain local medspa in town runnign radio ads touting HCG injections as a way of "losing 5 pounds a week."
What is HCG? It is human choriogonadotrophin hormone. Under normal conditions that is manufactured by the placenta in a gestating mother. Initially, the HCG pproduction is low but as the pregnancy progreses, the HCG levels rise. This is actually what is tested for to confirm the diagnosis of a pregnancy. The number willl also tell you the approximate duration of the pregnancy.
What does this have to do with weight loss? HCG does have some metabolism effect on fat, but most certainly has not been used in this capacity for any length of time.
Is it safe? I am not certai n it has been around long enough uin this usage to comment on the safety. Does it work long term for weight loss? Answer: If not accompanied by permanent life-style changes as this relates to eating and exercise, the answer is of course "no". Is the HCG being administered in a safe manner by competent medical professionals?
I am not going to knock anyone elses business. (Okay, maybe I will slightly). "Medspas" in most cases are businesses owned by a non-medical person. By law, they are required to have a "Medical Director" oversee and sign off on the procedures performed at the spa. The actual day-day work is being performedby nurses, nurse practitioners and other non-medical doctors.
If a problem occurs when the office is close, who do you call? My bet is that the "Medical Director" who is almost never on site is not very reachable after hours. Unlike the agenda of a medical practrice that is there wirth trained experienced staff to handle your medical needs as well. Medspas tend to refer you right back to another doctor for any medical issues that arise.
The bottom line: I do not think medspas should be in the weight loss business because they are nt set uo to provide the long term medical and psychological support necessary to help with long term weight control I suppose they are great at shooting botox, perhaps liposuction and other "procedure" oriented activities but the area of weight loss is NOT an HCG shot sverral times a week. Behavior modification and life-style changes are the answer.
Remember at all times that if anything sounds "easy" in the weight loss arena, be suspicious.
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Attended the Health and Fitness Fair in D.C. today. It was great to see no booths with fad diets or quick weight loss schemes. There was plenty of good information on healthy eating, exercise and basis health screenings. I did have a Dr. Posner observation when I realized how many "unfit" overweight people were in attendance. But then I remembered that they were holding a casting call for the new Biggest Loser spin-off with Jillian Michaels. The line was one of the longest. We did get to meet two of the Biggest Losers from last season and hear about their journey. There was a walking track and various group exercises to try out..but next time I'll remember not to be in the front row for one of these sessions! The ones in the front always get the attention of the instructors. All in all it was a great event and I would definitely go back again.
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