The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet is often talked about among people who are trying to lose weight. It is a very controversial diet not just due to its effectiveness but also due to its safety.
The hCG diet consists of the consumption of only 500 calories per day for a number of weeks, combined with daily injections or intake of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. This is a hormone that is actually produced by the placenta naturally during pregnancy.
That is why hCG is approved to treat fertility issues in women; however, the FDA has rendered it impermissible for weight loss. Let’s talk about the issues involved surrounding the hCG diet, and why you should seek a different diet if you wish to lose weight in preparation for pregnancy. (Note: It is not advisable to lose weight during pregnancy.)
hCG Diet Before Pregnancy
If you do want to try the hCG diet, the best time is when you are not trying to become pregnant. You will be eating so few calories that your body will not have sufficient calories and nutrients to support both your body and a baby’s body.
Because the hCG hormone is a pregnancy hormone, hCG treatments can be very useful in increasing fertility. This is why hCG therapy is often recommended to women who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
How the hCG Hormone Affects Fertility
The hCG hormone helps with fertility issues since it stimulates the production of eggs from the ovaries, which increases the likelihood of getting pregnant. However, if you are following the hCG diet, you should stop once you get pregnant – this is because the overabundance of hCG hormones could have an adverse effect on the pregnancy.
OB/GYN Pregnancy Care and Women’s Health in Syracuse
Here at University OB/GYN Associates, we are here to help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. This includes pre-pregnancy and post-partum planning, including dietary needs and advice about how and when to lose weight.
Getting pregnant is both exciting and scary, and our medical team is fully trained to provide full and compassionate support to our patients. We are a full-service clinic for women’s health issues, including regular Well Woman checkups and Pap smears to ensure you stay healthy. If you are concerned about weight gain, weight loss, and other health issues before, during, or after pregnancy, we offer comprehensive care and will answer any questions you may have.
If you would like more information about our practice or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced OB/GYNs, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (315) 464-5162. Once you make your appointment, you can save time by filling out some of our New Patient forms beforehand, which are easily downloadable from our website. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
