Frequently Asked Questions
What makes HCG Vitality’s Weight Loss Program different from other weight loss programs?
Answer: Our program involves a dynamic combination of diet, exercise, and medical therapy, in a doctor-supervised program that is individually customized for each client's unique needs and goals. We are dedicated to not only help our clients lose weight quickly, safely and sensibly, but, unlike other programs, we are committed to helping our clients make lifestyle changes that will keep them thin and healthy the rest of their lives.
Another valuable aspect of our program is our ability to recognize and treat hormone imbalances or deficiencies, which often play a role in weight management. Our doctors are trained in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy as an adjunct to our weight loss program. The most common hormone replacement for weight loss is HCG. This has been of tremendous value for clients who reach a plateau with traditional weight loss programs. Whether the goal is to take their weight loss to the next level, or to simply restore more energy and vigor to their lives, thousands of clients have benefitted from Bio-identical Hormone Therapy.
How much weight can I lose, and how fast?
Answer: The answer will vary for each client, depending on how much they need (or wish) to lose, how well they adhere to their nutrition and exercise plans, and other metabolic and health factors. Typically, our clients who are committed to our program will lose 5 - 10 pounds the first week, and up to 40 lbs pounds during the first 40 days!
What are the injections and medications for? Are they habit-forming?
Answer: We use only FDA-approved appetite suppressants that are recommended by the National Institute of Health for treatment in weight loss. If prescribed as part of your program, these medications will curb your hunger pangs and cravings and help keep you energized. For those clients for whom prescriptions are not indicated, we may recommend natural herbal therapies.
The injections are a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other natural nutrients that supplement what the body needs to stay energized and nourished. They help eliminate fat, control carbohydrate metabolism, and enhance the immune system.
None of the therapeutic agents used in our program have been found to be habit forming, or to elicit any permanent negative side effects.
What is the nutritional plan?
Answer: Our plan consists of foods designed to lower blood insulin levels, which increases the body's ability to burn fat and curbs cravings for sweets and starch. The typical low calorie diet will consist of lean protein, good carbohydrates, and essential fats, all taken in proper proportions and at favorable times of day. Behavioral modification and education will provide tools to help keep the weight off.
Do I have to exercise on the program?
Answer: Exercise is an important component of any weight management program. While most weight loss occurs due to a decrease in caloric intake, physical activity will help further weight loss as well as help prevent weight regain. We recommend beginning slowly and increasing intensity and duration gradually. The end result will be a tremendous improvement in overall health, energy and quality of life.
What is HCG and how does it work?
Answer: HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. This pregnancy hormone has a property that allows the body to mobilize fat and use it for both mother and fetus. For weight loss, only a small amount is needed in order to capitalize on this same mechanism. (see HCG program on website)
Would I lose the same amount of weight without the HCG?
Answer: You can lose weight by simply eating fewer calories and fat. However, because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle before fat. This in turn causes cellular metabolism to slow down, causing weight gain. The HCG targets and eliminates your stored fat and distributes any existing healthy fat more evenly throughout your body. For more information on the HCG-enhanced program, consult one of our physicians. Make an appointment for a free consultation here.
What is HCG and how does it work?
Answer: HCG is a pregnancy hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. HCG has a property that allows the body to mobilize fat and use it for energy for both mother and fetus. For weight loss, we use only a small amount and we are able to capitalize on this same mechanism.
Do I have to take HCG by injection?
Answer: No, for those who are needle phobic HCG drops can be taken orally. However, subcutaneous injection is recommended because it has the best absorption. Sublingual at a higher dosage has been shown to be very effective and give similar results.
Wouldn’t I lose the same amount of weight eating a very low calorie diet without the HCG?
Answer: You can lose weight by simply eating fewer calories and fat however, because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle before fat. Vitality Weight Loss is a program that is designed to incorporate nutrition, exercise, supplements and a specialized high protein diet in combination with the HCG injection. HCG alone will not help you lose the weight you desire, rather the combination of all of these factors make the Vitality Weight Loss a success.
Do I need to eat all organic foods?
Answer: It is recommended but not required to eat organic products especially your proteins. Non-organic poultry, vegetables, fruit and beef may contain preservatives, antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides and flavor enhancers, all which can potentially make you sick. If you do not have access to all organic foods, please wash all produce thoroughly. Please note: Consumption of non-organic food on this diet protocol has not hindered any weight loss results from our internal statistics.
How do I get a refill of HCG?
Answer: Once you have completed 40 days of injections and need a refill, you must stay off the HCG for 6 weeks. If HCG therapy is started before the 6 week resting period, immunity to the medication may result. You may increase your caloric intake by eating as many vegetables, protein and fruits as you wish, with the exception of corn and yams. During this period it is imperative to avoid all starches including cereal, granola, yogurt, milk, sweets and alcohol (low moisture skim mozzarella cheese is acceptable as a snack on occasion). On your 4th or 5th week off the injections, you may contact our office to order a refill. You may receive 5 refills within your lifetime. Please note that if you need 2 or more refills you must add 2 additional weeks to each resting period. For example, on your first refill you must wait 6 weeks, your second you wait 8 weeks, your third you wait 10 weeks and so on.
What happens if my weight PLATEAU’S for a few days?
Answer: It is very common, mostly for women to have a 2-4 day weight plateau. Internal research has shown that this usually occurs around the 3rd week on the injections. Most plateaus are the result of a hormonal imbalance prior to therapy which typically occurs in pre and post menopausal or status post partial/total hysterectomy. At the patient’s request, we offer a preliminary hormone evaluation from the blood testing that was required for HCG therapy. Those tests include Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, Growth Hormone-(IGF-1), DHEA, and Cortisol levels. All of which, when imbalanced may lead to a metabolism slump, thus resulting in a plateau. We offer Hormone Replacement Programs that are physician monitored for those that qualify and utilize natural compounded bio-identical hormones (extracted from plants). We have Board Certified Physicians on staff that can prescribe the proper combination of hormones based on your individual deficiencies. A plateau may also be the result of constipation, which is very common on a high protein diet. It is possible to hold up to 5-7 pounds of stool in your colon over a period of several days. It is important to exercise and drink plenty of fluids which increase the peristalsis (movement within the colon). We recommend taking Lifemax Fiber Supplement whole food grain, 2 scoops twice daily that contains laxative, appetite suppressant , blood sugar regulating, blood pressure lowering properties. Call our office to order; provides an excellent source of omegas, amino acids and dietary nutrition while on the HCG diet and after.
Can I chew gum?
Answer: Yes, you may chew sugar free or an organic chewing gum. You may find this at most organic and whole food stores.
Why am I injecting the HCG into the fatty tissue instead of the muscle?
Answer: The HCG is absorbed through the adipose (fatty) tissue just as effectively as the muscle. The HCG kit is designed for a 40 day self injection and is equipped with an easy to read instruction guide. It is much safer to inject yourself in your belly area so you can actually see what you are doing. It is also important to note that there are several risks involved with administering an intramuscular injection which include the possibility of puncturing a vein that may cause phlebitis and tissue inflammation and therefore potentiate infection. Our physicians and medical experts explain to our patients that subcutaneous injection is easy, painless, safer and just as effective.
What happens if I forget to give myself the injection?
Answer: The HCG remains in your body for about 3 days. It is best to give yourself the injection as soon as you wake up. However, if you forget and don’t remember until several hours later, you may simply give yourself the injection at that time. If you skip an entire day, do not double your dose the next day.
Will HCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking?
Answer: No, HCG is not contraindicated with any medications. Our physicians must urge all new and existing patients to continue ALL medications prescribed to you by your primary care physician.
Is it necessary to do a Colon Cleanse when starting the program?
Answer: Cleansing and detoxifying the colon is important to maintain general health. Toxins can build up in your colon over a period of months and years which may inhibit weight loss and depress your immune system. We are also exposed to a vast number of toxins in our food, the air, the water we drink, at the workplace and even in our homes. 80-90 % of our immune system lies within our colon so it is imperative to cleanse the colon in order to maintain general health and wellness. We recommend Total Body Detox (colon and organ cleanse).
Is it necessary to do a Candida Yeast Colon Cleanse?
Answer: It is strongly advised. Candida albicans is a yeast that is commonly found in small amounts within the intestine and vaginal area, uncommon areas include the mouth and bloodstream. Antibiotics in food and medication can build up in the intestine and potentially slow down metabolism, decrease digestion and lower the immune system. Although there have been no clinical findings to support this mechanism, it is only theoretical at this time. Most Naturopathic Physicians support this concept and agree that an overgrowth of Candida yeast may contribute to an unhealthy digestive tract. Please note: Vitality Weight Loss offers a Candida Blood Test which detects overgrowth of yeast in the bloodstream, intestine, vaginal area and mouth.
