Dr. Simeons' HCG Diet
Dr. Albert T. W. Simeons, an endocrinologist from England, suggested human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as an adjunct to a diet for very-low-calorie weight loss. This is a hormone that is produced by a component of the fertilized egg after conception. Dr. Simeons spent a significant amount of time studying obese men with pituitary problems and Indian pregnant women that were on a diet that was deficient in calories. He treated both types of people with low-dose HCG. According to his findings, both the obese men and pregnant women were able to lose fat without losing muscle tissue.
Simeons believed that the hypothalamus must be getting programmed by the HCG in the case of the pregnant women as a way of protecting the fetus that was still developing. This was done by promoting the consumption and mobilization of excessive and abnormal adipose deposits.
In 1954, Simeons published the book that made him famous. Pounds and Inches was written with the goal of combating obesity. While he was in Rome, Italy, Dr. Simeons spent time practicing at the Salvator Mundi International Hospital. He recommended HCG injections in a low dose to be taken on a daily basis. These injections were to occur along with a customized very-low-calorie diet. The diet consisted of the consumption of low amounts of fat and carbohydrates, high protein, and 500 calories each day. The goal of the diet was the elimination of adipose tissue without any muscle tissue being lost.
One of the common threads that went through the research that led to the creation of Dr Simeons HCG diet was the fact that his patients did not suffer from any of the symptoms that are traditionally associated with people that are on a diet that is extremely low in calories. For example, his patients never experienced irritability, weakness, hunger pains, or headaches, provided that HCG was always included as part of the low calorie diet.
Some of the basics about the diet are:
- Every day, 125 IU is administered to the patient, unless the patient is experiencing menstruation.
- The patient will eat excessively until the third injection.
- After the third injection, the patient will begin consuming 500 calories each day. This will keep going until 72 hours after the final injection has been administered.
- The patient can eat any type of food for the following three weeks, except starch and sugar.
- Starches in small quantities are allowed after three weeks. Weight is constantly monitored.
