Compare the HCG Diet to the Atkins Diet

By John D Greene


It is a known fact that the common rule to lose weight among several types of diet plans is by consuming lesser calories than one can burn. One could often find it difficult to pick the right diet plan as it has to match with the body metabolism, food choices and lifestyle. Moreover, it is advised to consult a physician's before even trying a diet protocol as one can get an opportunity to select a right one that actually works. One can have an idea about the kind of approach followed by any weight loss plan in order to succeed in losing weight.

Currently, the most widely accepted diet plans are the HCG diet and Atkins diet although medical advice is mandatory before beginning with any plan. The HCG diet includes daily administration of hormone injections followed by the calorie restriction, while the Atkins diet promotes the restricted intake of carbohydrates. One can succeed in achieving the weight loss goal by familiarizing oneself with both concepts. Let's discuss about Dr. Simeons HCG diet plan and Dr. Atkins diet plan in detail.

The HCG Diet has been practiced since 1950s and it became public during 1970s when introduced by Dr. A. T. W. Simeons to treat overweight. It includes a daily dose of HCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone injection that is isolated from the urine of a pregnant female. While following this diet, one should take a very low-calorie diet of less than 500 calories per day to burn excess fat out of the system. Dr. Simeons advices intake of 2 small meals daily that contain sources of lean protein, fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables.

While on HCG diet, dieters should cut-off certain carbohydrates however, they can take Grissini breadsticks or Melba toast. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons performed a research to determine the daily ratio of carbohydrate intake to avoid the carbohydrate imbalance. One can control weight even after the HCG diet program as the hypothalamus gland (modulates various functions like hunger, body temperature, thirst, sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythm) is re-set by the body during this period. Based on weight, the low caloric phase of the HCG Diet, can last from between 23 - 45 days. The best part of HCG diet protocol is that you are least likely to develop ketosis as it allows the intake of some carbohydrates.

In contrast, the Atkins diet as the name suggests was introduced in 1970s by Dr. Robert C. Atkins to attain rapid weight loss. The diet requires intake of lesser carbohydrate (healthy carbs) to attain sustained weight loss. The first phase requires daily intake of less than 20g of carbohydrates however, one can take 50 to 100g of carbs based on the carbohydrate tolerance level. During this period, items like sausages, non-starchy vegetables, cheese, fish, cream, bacon, butter, meat, and coconut oil can be taken. Items like muffins, bread, pasta, potatoes, soft drinks, rice, breakfast cereals, sugar, fruits, and desserts should be avoided.

The disadvantage of Atkins Diet is it eliminates necessary carbs and forces the body to develop ketosis, which involves increased serum ketone body level. Ketosis generally occurs in diabetes mellitus, and abnormal fat metabolism. Prolonged ketosis eventually leads to liver damage. Hence, the Atkins Diet was not advised by healthcare experts and researchers as it requires no portion size restriction. As a result, the revised protocol focused on intake of healthy food, essential fats, and portion control.

The main difference between the HCG diet and the Atkins diet is that the former involves total calorie restriction, whereas the latter emphasizes on carbohydrate restriction. However, the administration of HCG hormone injections is unique to the HCG diet protocol while the Atkins diet involves introduction of fruits, sugar, grains, and some dairy products by carefully monitoring the daily intake of carbohydrates.

During HCG diet, one can take certain carbs like bread sticks or Melba toast to make sure about sufficient intake of carbs to avoid ketosis. In contrast, one should avoid essential carbs while on Atkins diet thus developing ketosis characterized by energy loss, weakness, and fatigue with higher rate of weight relapse. One can sustain lost weight from HCG diet as it reprograms the hypothalamus gland to feed on small amounts of healthy food.

In conclusion, the HCG diet protocol should be considered as it causes provides necessary energy with no unpleasant side effects like bad breath and flatulence as experienced during Atkins diet. The HCG diet causes side effects like depression, restlessness, blood clots, and headache.




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