As the hCG Diet has gained popularity, there have been many questions about which form of hCG (drops or shots) are most effective. First, in the US, hCG is available only by prescription.

For this reason, many clinics that are not under the supervision of a physician use hCG drops, known as Homeopathic hCG.  Homeopathic hCG means that the hCG has been diluted with the intent of maintaining the energetics of the hCG without actually having a testable amount of hCG in the formula.  In other words, when tested for the presence of hCG, Homeopathic hCG would test negative on an hCG strip (e.g. pregnancy test), whereas prescription, injectable hCG would test positive.

This lack of detectable hCG doesn’t necessarily mean Homeopathic hCG doesn’t work, it just means that it doesn’t work with everyone or may not work as effectively as the prescription hCG shots.  HCG shots, on the other hand, which are used by most Conventional and Naturopathic Medical Doctors have the full dose of hCG and have not been diluted.  Because hCG shots have the full dosage of hCG, the results are typically more consistent.

Controlled hunger is one of the best indicators that your body is getting an adequate amount of hCG.  If you are following the diet, not cheating, and you are still hungry after the first week, you may not be getting enough hCG. Here at SanTan Natural Medicine, I see this frequently with patients who are using Homeopathic hCG, because they are hungry for their entire program. Most patients who switch to or start with hCG shots find that their hunger completely abates by the end of the first week.

Another important indicator of the presence of hCG in the body is the type of weight that is being lost.  hCG encourages the release of stored fat – the fat stored in the trouble areas like the neck, arms, back, waist, hips and thighs.  Insufficient amounts of hCG in the body can allow the loss of muscle and structural fat – the fat that insulates the organs. Unfortunately, this fat is regained very quickly once caloric intake increases.

For those people who have a phobia of needles, there are other options.  hCG can be compounded into a cream, which is applied to the skin.  It can also be compounded into drops that are not homeopathic.  For those people that are undecided as to which form is best for them, we always allow them to try a placebo injection using the same needle they would use to inject the hCG.  Most of our patients are amazed to discover that the shots are easy to administer and painless.

In conclusion, the most important decision in choosing to do the hCG Diet is to ask questions of the facility you are considering and feel comfortable with the answers and service you receive.
 

Here are additional articles by Dr. Matt Mitchell on the hCG Diet Plan and Obesity:

What Happens When you Cheat of the hCG Diet?

Benefits of Using a Doctor for the hCG Protocol

Obesity, A Growing Epidemic

If you have more questions about the hCG Diet Plan, feel free to contact SanTan Natural Medicine directly at (480) 636-1068 PST