It is reasonable for questions to surface about HCG weight loss diets, just as they come up for any diet program. The mention of needle injections, limiting activity, and a daily dietary allowance of 500 calories should naturally make a person want to investigate more. Here are a couple of concerns that have arisen from people reading about HCG dieting.
First, why are only 500 calories allowed for consumption? That can’t be enough for a person to live on, can it?
When this limited diet is instituted, food alone will not be the only energy source. It must also come from somewhere else. That somewhere else lies within the reason for taking on a diet in the first place: body fat. This fat has essentially collected from the excessive consumption of food over time. It is retained in the body as an energy source for potential bouts of starvation.
HCG diets tap those pockets of body fat and use them as a delayed food source. Together, limited dietary intake and accumulated fat serve as a sufficient energy source. As we have all learned, if a person lets this fat remain over any amount of time, they become prone to a plethora of medical conditions.
Second, is the use of HCG injections necessary to make this diet effective?
The HCG hormone is indeed necessary for the diet to work. Traditionally, needles have been an integral part of this diet method as they are the vessel in which to administer the hormone accurately. Currently, many dieters use HCG needles. When used correctly, they are extremely effective and are so small they cause just a little pinch feeling upon insertion.


For those weary of needles however, a new form of HCG is available which consists of oral homeopathic drops that are administered under the tongue. They have been proven just as effective as injections, so these are also an option.
Third, shouldn’t exercise be a more critical component of any diet?
With some weight loss programs, a ton of exercise is integral to its effectiveness. With HCG diets, some activity is allowed but excessive activity should be avoided. This is because the burning of more calories than what is made available may result in feeling exhausted or weak. The HCG hormone does most of the weight loss work when used in a diet, not exercise.
As questions arise with any diet, they do with HCG diet programs. Over time, these questions have been answered by a large group of practiced dieters. The information from their experience is extremely valuable for people researching dieting methods.