The HCG diet is the new diet craze.  Let’s take a look at the basics of an HCG diet.

HCG is an acronym for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin.  This is a hormone that shows up in human pregnancy.  It can also be used for non-pregnant women and men as a weight loss tool.  The HCG hormone will help curb cravings and tell the body that the fat in the body can be used for metabolism.

HCG diets can be done through a hormone injection or through pills.  Whichever you choose, it will be used until your weight loss goal is achieved.  The hormone is then used for about a month longer, in what is called a "maintenance cycle".

When in the second stage of the HCG diet, you will have a two week period of being restricted to 600-800 calories a day.  After that, you will be on a diet of 1000-1200 calories a day for a week.  The diet is a high protein diet, and therefore protein calories do not count toward the daily totals.

For the HCG diet to work long term, it does require a lifestyle shift.  During and after the hormone injections, you will need to adhere to a strict diet.  For this reason, as well as possible risks with this diet, it is strongly suggested that you be monitored by a medical professional.

The HCG diet can be a very good start to a healthier lifestyle. It can help overweight people shed some much needed weight.  It also promotes a very healthy diet, focusing on a high protein, low calorie diet.

HCG diets can be fairly expensive, especially when compared to traditional diets, eating healthy, and exercising.  This is a potential negative for many people, who feel they cannot afford it.  Also, most insurance companies do not cover the HCG diet.