Recently on Today, Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb spoke to nutritionist Joy Bauer and Dr. David Katz.about the newly revived HCG Diet craze. This diet involves severe calorie restriction as well as ingestion of HCG, often known as the human growth hormone.
According to Dr. Katz, there is no evidence that HCG helps burn extra calories or increase fat burn at all, and that in fact, there are some studies that show it to be harmful. However, in a statement from the company HCG True Diet, the company makes it clear that they advise program participants to seek physician guidance and say that it is one of the tenets of their program that dieters be actively monitored by a physician.
Some of these diets have participants drop down to 500 calories a day. With that low of a calorie intake, Bauer points out that you will lose weight whether or not you take the HCG as well. You'll also likely feel lethargic and tired because you're not getting enough calories. Dr. Katz says though that even with doctor supervision, 500 calories a day can be dangerous, and even lethal.
With any diet program, especially one that restricts calories down below 1200 a day, it's best to consult a physician for guidance. It's also important to make sure you're eating all of the protein and essential amino acids needed to be certain that your body doesn't turn to your internal protein stores - your muscles - for it.
