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The Naturopathic approach to weight loss begins with a thorough assessment of the underlying causes. Certain and permanent weight loss begins with lab assessment of the thyroid, nutritional deficiencies, cholesterol, and insulin resistance. In addition, a specialized Adrenal Function Test, assessing the affects of stress and cortisol production on the body, is performed. Stress is perhaps the leading cause of weight gain today and leads to excess cortisol secretion, causing imbalances in blood sugar and weight gain around the waist. Other testing could include IgG Food Intolerance Testing to determine food sensitivities leading to chronic weight gain and fatigue.

To help you achieve your weight loss goals your physician will meet with you weekly to assess progress and provide the appropriate education and motivation. Other therapies such as Vitamin B12 Injections, Acupuncture, Energy IV’s, and specific supplements to control appetite and improve energy and mood may be recommended.

My primary concerns included "irregular bowel movements, unsuccessful weight loss attempts and not feeling overall healthy and vibrant."

Now I have "almost daily bowel movements, sometimes up to three times a day. Weight loss has been slow, but the change (reduction) in my body size has been tremendous! Now feeling vibrant and full of zest; more physical than I have ever been; I am proud of my body and my successes."

"This has been one of the best things I have ever done for me!!!! I now appreciate the body I have and want to treat it right."

-Patti

THE HCG DIET

WHAT IS “hCG”

You may have heard about the “hCG diet”, or know of people using hCG injections for weight loss. It is important to understand all of the risks and benefits of this diet and the medication before starting a program. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone released by the embryo and placenta in pregnant women. During pregnancy, hCG helps to maintain the uterine lining by increasing progesterone production. This hormone can be used to induce ovulation in the ovaries, and also increases testosterone production.

Human chorionic gonadotropin was first promoted as a weight loss aid in the 1950s by Dr. Albert T. Simeons. Simeons stated that hCG would help to mobilize and burn stored fat, when combined with a 500 calorie-per-day diet. This diet is very restrictive, and includes a set number of calories from protein per meal, to help burn fat while attempting to protect muscle. Since Simeons first introduced the concept of using hCG injections for weight loss, there have been approximately 50 years of extensive, double-blind research studies performed to test its efficacy. There is a significant amount of weight loss that typically occurs with this diet, with most people losing about 5 pounds per week. There are still some questions about the safety and efficacy of hCG for weight loss. Some studies have shown that hCG is no more effective for weight loss than the 500 calorie diet alone. The FDA has not approved hCG for weight loss, and there is not enough safety data to know whether hCG may have long-term side effects or health risks.

There are many safe and natural products and methods available that are effective for weight loss, while also improving your overall health and energy. If you are curious about different weight loss plans or products, talk to us about tailoring a program that is perfect for your body and your lifestyle. As naturopathic physicians, we can sit down with you to discuss all of your options, and help you to find the best plan for you.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The HCG Diet combines a strict low calorie diet with daily injections of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) for the purpose of using up fat stores in the body that are either excessive in amount or difficult to lose. The HCG Diet is a doctor guided program to ensure a patient is first in good health to begin the strict program and secondly to educate and monitor the patient for optimal success.

To begin the HCG program you must meet the following requirements and be approved by a physician to participate. An initial visit with our physician will include a current health history, physical exam and lab orders to determine health status and patient safety before beginning the program.

Once a patient has been cleared to begin the program, you will meet with the HCG Specialist to receive instructions on the diet (a booklet is included), and how to perform the injections. You will set a start date and schedule 4-6 weekly follow-ups thereafter with the HCG specialist.

REQUIRED LAB WORK

The minimum lab work required for beginning the HCG program includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), to determine immune deficiencies and anemia’s, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), to determine the health status of the liver, kidneys, electrolyte balance, a comprehensive thyroid function test, cholesterol panel, and a cortisol test to view adrenal function. Your insurance may cover the required lab work. If it does not, we offer discount lab services through our office for the required labs.

Call to find out the cost of our HCG diet package.