Posted on June 6, 2010, 8:24 pm, by libertees, under Diet Weightloss.
With the obesity epidemic that is going on today, a diet patch seems like it could be a miracle cure.
A diet patch is a small self-adhesive square something like a bandage that you place somewhere on your body that is supposed to help you melt the pounds off by suppressing the appetite and increasing the metabolism. Often the ingredients are the same as those found in weight loss pills, but the ingredients in the patch enter the body through the skin.
Most Recommended Tips for Diet Patches– Do They Really Work For Weight Loss?
There are very few diet, weight loss, or fat burner products that actually work well. There has been several major diet patch scams in the news lately. These scandals have made people question whether diet patches or even patches in general are effective at all.
There is no doubt that some kinds of patches work well. Many prescription medicines are now administered in patch form, as well as nicotine transdermal patches, which are given to people who are trying to quit smoking.
The skin on our body is actually an organ that enables some things to enter the body, and blocks others. There are capillary networks in the skin that allow certain substances to enter the bloodstream. These networks can help deliver medications found in the patches.
According to scientists, some drugs have the right properties to penetrate the skin and are potent enough to be effective at low doses. These drugs, such as the drug scopolamine, used to treat motion sickness, can be delivered transdermally (through the skin). Technical advances in the last 20-30 years are making patches a much more common form of medicine delivery, and many are saying that it will be the method choice for the future, because they have controlled-release.
Instead of dumping a high concentration of the drug into the blood stream at once, which then slowly drops to a very low level at which time the patient takes another dose, a controlled-release system, such as a patch, keeps the drug at a constant and safe level in the blood stream.
So, while patches can be an effective form of delivery for medicines and even herbs, the question still persists, do diet patches work?
The answer all depends on what ingredients are used and how they are prepared. Each company’s diet patch is different. As we can tell from all the diet patch scandals, many are totally ineffective because of the way they are manufactured or the herbs and ingredients used in them. Be very careful before you purchase any diet patch.
Most Recommended Tips for Diet Patches– Do They Really Work For Weight Loss?
There are diet patches that are very effective, as many people who have lost weight with them can tell you. But a diet patch alone, without any change in a poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle, will probably have little effect. On the other hand, a good diet patch could possibly be just the incentive a person needs to make the changes to a healthier lifestyle that promotes weight loss– by adding energy, suppressing the appetite, and spurring the metabolism into action.
Hi?Friends, I am Priya and??I’d like to write about my interest, and here i am all sharing about my Weight Loss, Health, Beauty & Younger looking Secrets on my two websites And
Posted on June 5, 2010, 10:57 pm, by libertees, under Diet Pills.
One of the major health problems that millions face around the globe these days is obesity. More than anything else, it is our lifestyle which is to be blamed for this. Physical inactivity and love for junk food has put most of us into a mess.
However, there are some weight loss products, including pills and patches that can help you lose those extra pounds. Pills can be good but nothing can beat a good and natural weight loss diet patch.
UNDERSTANDING WEIGHT LOSS
There are two most important aspects of weight loss. First of all, you need to work upon your metabolism and secondly, you have to control your diet.
If you are able to achieve these tow objectives, nothing can stop you form losing weight. Unfortunately, it is not as easy as you might think it to be. However, there are some naturally slimming resources that can help you achieve these two goals and speed up weight loss.
WEIGHT LOSS DIET PATCH
A slimming diet patch is an amalgamation of herbal ingredients that together work to boost your metabolism and reduce appetite at the same time. This dual action helps you lose weight quick and fast.
Some of the natural ingredients used in such slimming patches include gaurana, 5HTP, yerba mate, zinc pyruvate, lecithin, flaxseed oil, l-carnitine etc.
Gaurana is not just effective in increasing your energy levels but is also great for increasing your metabolism. It also gives you loads of energy.
5HTP helps increase serotonin levels in your body. Low serotonin levels result in cravings for carbohydrates and sweet foods which can make you put on weight. 5HTP not only increase serotonin but also helps improve your sleep pattern.
L-carnitine is an amino acids which ensures oxidation of fatty chain acids by transporting them to the mitochondria of the cells. This is important, unless and until such fatty acids reach the mitochondria they cannot be oxidized.
Yerba mate and zinc pyruvate are ingredients that can help reduce your appetite and ensure a drastic cut in your caloric intake.
Lecithin, on the other hand, helps breakdown fat cells and lower cholesterol in your body. High cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, is associated with cardiac problems. Lowering LDL not only ensures improved cardiac function but also helps boost energy levels in your body.
One of the advantages of using an all natural patch is that it does not have any side effects. Not only this, it is very easy to use. All you need to do is just stick to your body every morning and continue with your work as usual.
This is weight loss at its natural best!
A good quality patch can easily help you strip off up to 6lbs within a week or a little more than a week.
So, if You Want to Flaunt Your Body This Summer, check out the Best Weight Loss Diet Patch that has set a new standard in weight loss.
==>> FORGET ABOUT ALL YOUR WEIGHT PROBLEMS!
Lose weight Quick and Fast with the Best Slim Diet Patch Ever!
The sky is the limit. You will have learned all the weight loss secrets you need to know to enjoy long term and consistent weight loss. One year from now you will have lost a substantial amount of weight (50+ pounds) and achieved some goals that you never thought possible.
Posted on June 3, 2010, 10:36 pm, by libertees, under Diet Pills.
Losing weight is not easy until and unless you lay your hands on a proper weight loss resource. This is why a majority of people fail to get back in shape. Either they struggle in the gym or try wrong sort of weight loss pills and supplements that can inflict serious damage to their system.
However, there are some amazing weight loss patches that can make losing weight a relatively simple task. The best weight loss slim patch is an ideal combination of herbs and other natural ingredients that can make you lose rapidly and also boost your energy levels as the same time.
A perfect combination of such natural ingredients ensures a big boost to your metabolism so that you body is better equipped to burn fat. At the same time, it also ensures a drastic decrease in your food intake by suppressing your appetite.
A weight loss slim patch is extremely easy to use. Convenience of use is what makes it so appealing to the weight loss masses. Just stick it to your skin every morning and you are done for the day. As long as it is on your skin, it keeps releasing in the ingredients into your bloodstream through the porous skin. This gives you the freedom from two or three doses a day as is the case with pills.
Not only this, this method of delivering ingredients into your body is far better as compared to pills that are taken orally in terms of effectiveness. This is because the ingredients bypass the digestive system and do not come in contact with stomach fluids that can neutralize a large percentage of such ingredients.
Some of the best weight loss patches are made with ingredients like:
gaurana- It increases metabolism and reduces appetite yerba mate- It suppresses your appetite and make you feel full when you are not so that you eat less. 5HTP- It helps increase serotonin level in your blood. Low serotonin level results in cravings for carbohydrates Lecithin- It helps breakdown fat cells. Not only this, it also lowers your cholesterol levels. zinc pyruvate- It also helps reduce food cravings and hunger pangs
Other ingredients include fucus vesiculosus, l-carnitine, flaxseed oil, zinc citrate.
Such a patch can easily strip off up to 6 lbs within a week from your body and that too without any side effects. No wonder, such a patch has become a big hit with people trying to lose weight quick and fast.
So, if You Want to Get a Beach Perfect Body that You Can Flaunt with Pride, Check Out the Ever!
==>> FORGET ABOUT ALL YOUR WEIGHT PROBLEMS!
Get a Slim and Sexy Body to Turn Other Green with Envy with the that has set a new standard in weight loss.
Posted on May 20, 2010, 10:43 am, by libertees, under Diet Weightloss.
I have searched all over the internet for the absolute best offer.
So far the best I found was at http://moveto.ws/ydz1mxsny
Anyone know of a better deal?
I have searched:
Anne Collins Weight Loss Program Woman weight loss
http://moveto.ws/ydz1mxsny
diet
weight
weight loss
healthy
lose weight
diets
diet pills
gain weight
fat loss
lose pounds
low carb
the diet
body fat
lose fat
losing weight
loose weight
weight loss diet
dieting
healthy recipes
weightloss
diet plan
lose weight fast
weight loss program
burn fat
how to lose weight
weight loss pills
fast weight loss
healthy eating
healthy food
burn calories
healthy weight
low carb diet
quick weight loss
weight control
weight loss programs
weight lost
diabetic diet
diet foods
diet plans
diet recipes
weight loss plan
weight loss products
cabbage soup diet
detox diet
diabetes diet
diet program
healthy foods
low fat recipes
protein diet
weight loss diets
weight loss tips
weight management
zone diet
free weight loss
healthy living
lose 10 pounds
lose belly fat
rapid weight loss
weight loss supplements
calories fat
diet menu
diet programs
eat healthy
how to lose fat
low carb recipes
weight loss plans
3 day diet
best diet pills
loose weight fast
lose 20 pounds
low fat diet
raw food diet
reduce fat
ways to lose weight
weight loss hypnosis
grapefruit diet
how to loose weight
how to lose weight fast
loosing weight
low carb foods
best way to lose weight
carb diets
diet reviews
free diets
high protein diet
lose weight quickly
low carb food
weight loss clinic
weight loss drugs
diet and exercise
diet tips
free diet plans
healthy diets
lose weight quick
low carb diets
mayo clinic diet
weight reduction
diet meals
easy diet
fastest way to lose weight
free diet plan
green tea weight loss
rice diet
the zone diet
diet menus
easy weight loss
how to loss weight
lose 10 lbs
losing weight fast
low calorie diet
southbeach diet
weight loss food
best diets
cholesterol diets
diet center
exercise to lose weight
fast diets
lose ten pounds
lose weight tips
low carbohydrate diet
protein diets
diabetic diets
fast ways to lose weight
low carb snacks
no carb diet
slimming diet
weight loss camps
crash diets
easy diets
effective weight loss
exercises to lose weight
fat reduction
food diets
how to loose weight fast
how to lose 20 pounds
low fat diets
low glycemic diet
quick weight loss diet
weight loss recipes
weight loss spa
exercise for weight loss
glycemic index diet
weight loss exercises
weight loss secrets
diabetes diets
free weight loss programs
hypnosis for weight loss
weight losing tips
weight loss for teens
diet for diabetics
dieting tips
foods that burn fat
free weight loss plans
free weight loss program
low calorie diets
low carb diet plan
reduce body fat
tips to lose weight
anne collins
healthy eating habits
healthy eating tips
high protein low carb diet
how to lose weight quickly
lose weight 2 weeks
low cholesterol diets
sugar busters diet
healthy eating recipes
losing body fat
obesity diet
lose 10 pounds 10 days
lose 5 pounds a week
quick ways to lose weight
quickest way to lose weight
weight loss after pregnancy
diets for diabetics
healthy eating plans
low carb diet menu
low carb dieting
tips for losing weight
weight gain diets
weight loss advice
atkin diet
best ways to lose weight
eating healthy foods
weight loss patches
best weight loss programs
fasting to lose weight
fat loss nutrition
losing weight quickly
weight management programs
low carb high protein diets
motivation to lose weight
running and weight loss
healthy eating diets
healthy eating menu
nutrition healthy eating
anne collins weight
anne collins diet
slimming diets
anne collins loss program weight
diet
weight
weight loss
healthy
lose weight
diets
diet pills
gain weight
fat loss
lose pounds
low carb
the diet
body fat
lose fat
losing weight
loose weight
weight loss diet
dieting
healthy recipes
weightloss
diet plan
lose weight fast
weight loss program
burn fat
how to lose weight
weight loss pills
fast weight loss
healthy eating
healthy food
burn calories
healthy weight
low carb diet
quick weight loss
weight control
weight loss programs
weight lost
diabetic diet
diet foods
diet plans
diet recipes
weight loss plan
weight loss products
cabbage soup diet
detox diet
diabetes diet
diet program
healthy foods
low fat recipes
protein diet
weight loss diets
weight loss tips
weight management
zone diet
free weight loss
healthy living
lose 10 pounds
lose belly fat
rapid weight loss
weight loss su
Posted on January 12, 2010, 12:14 pm, by libertees, under Diet Weightloss.
Did you know you can get greater by avoiding a low calorie meal plan? The truth is that calories are not the only thing that should concern you, there are also certain food additives that have been proven to not only cause health problems but also contribute to obesity.
Getting down to a smaller size doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy delicious recipes every single day, on the contrary, enjoying your food will mean you can get longer lasting results from your diet! What you need to do to get those long term results you are looking for is to download the Everloss system. Everloss is an amazing system that uses not old methods, but modern methods that are the most effective for boosting the metabolism 24 hours a day. Losing your fat does not have to be difficult, you just need to leave behind all of the old mentality and methods and start using effective techniques that require the least effort. Besides giving you some great food choices to choose from, you will also learn some huge secrets about food itself and how you can use it as a weapon to keep your metabolism running at it’s optimum. To see these for yourself, click the link below to download the system and get started right away on a new journey towards a new you!
Posted on January 9, 2010, 8:18 pm, by libertees, under Diet Weightloss.
Position Paper Regarding HCG Injections Along with a Very Low Calorie Diet for Weight Loss
The “HCG Diet” has become popular over the last few years due to the accessibility of the Internet and advertising by clinics that perform the protocol. I’ve read ATW Simeons protocol “Pounds and Inches: a New Approach to Obesity” several times. The paper is intriguing in terms of Simeons’ theories about weight gain and the role of hypothalamic dysfunction in prevention of weight loss. It’s also bold — Simeons claims the protocol is easy to follow and uniformly effective in suppressing appetite, elevating mood, and enabling “abnormal fat” to be lost (i.e., fat that is difficult to lose). He also states that HCG resets the hypothalamus to prevent lost weight from being regained. “Pounds and Inches” is available from several sources on the Internet. If you’re interested, you can order a copy of Simeons’ paper describing his protocol published in 1954 from the Lancet.
HCG or “human chorionic gonadotropin” is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It’s also produced by tumors in women (hydatidiform mole) and men (testicular cancer). HCG injections are used medically since part of its molecular structure mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). HCG injections (in dosages ranging from 1000 to 2000 units, 2-3 times per week) are used to increase testosterone production in men with low testosterone who want to preserve fertility. HCG injections (5,000 to 10,000 units) are sometimes used in women to induce ovulation.
Simeons protocol uses minute dosages of HCG (125 units), 6-7 days per week for 23 to 40 days, along with a very low calorie (VLC) diet of 500 calories per day. Since HCG does share some of its molecular structure with LH and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), theoretically, it may increase , ovulation and progesterone production, or release of thyroid hormone. It may also cause excess stimulation of the ovary and ovarian cysts. However, the dosage used is very small and these effects are unlikely. A VLC diet (with or without HCG) can precipitate gallstones (since it’s very low in fat), and may cause symptoms of toxicity (since fat tissue stores toxins).
Research regarding HCG injections and weight loss is nearly all negative. In other words, most trials where patients received either HCG injections or placebo and followed identical VLC diets, show no difference in amount of weight lost, type of weight lost, hunger level, or mood. A summary of published studies follows this position paper.
I’ve spoken to many patients who’ve followed the HCG protocol with great success — they’ve lost significant amounts of weight, did not feel hungry, and had an increased sense of well-being. Many of these people have sustained their weight loss. I’ve personally gone through Simeons protocol, documenting all calories consumed as well as calories burned (by wearing a Bodybugg). I also measured my fat and muscle percentage before and after the diet. I lost 12 pounds and 4% body fat during the 23 day protocol. I was extremely hungry throughout the entire protocol, although I did exercise every day.
My position on the protocol is that I do not think it’s harmful. I also don’t think it has any effect over placebo. I do not discount the power of any placebo. The placebo response is really a measure of the power of the self-healing ability.
I think you should be informed about the research regarding HCG and weight loss before undergoing this protocol. You should also make sure your physician is aware of your current health status before you follow any VLC diet, and that causes of abnormal weight gain (e.g., hypothyroidism, , and other endocrine problems) have been ruled out. Before going on any VLC diet, I’d also recommend undergoing a detox program that supports Phase I and Phase II liver function. Make sure you don’t have pre-existing gallstones, or liver or kidney disease. If you’re using insulin for diabetes management, you must make sure your dosage is adjusted based on blood sugar levels.
Note that since 1975, the FDA requires the following information to be given with any HCG advertised or promoted for weight loss:
HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.
If you are interested in a safe and effective weight loss program, consider the Ideal Weight Permanently program we use in our office. This twelve-week program includes a medical food (UltraMeal Plus 360) clinically proven to lower unhealthy triglycerides and cholesterol, reduce weight, and improve blood pressure, along with a low-glycemic, Mediterranean-type diet. Healthy eating, exercise, and stress-management habits are taught for life-long ideal weight maintenance.
Summary of Research and Articles RE: HCG Injections
& VLC Diet for Weight Loss
Note: Dr. Simeons does not state that HCG alone accomplishes weight loss; rather, he states patients treated with HCG will not be hungry or tired, will lose a different kind of weight (“abnormal fat” that is difficult to lose), and will experience an increased sense of well-being. He also claims that weight lost is unlikely to be regained (“60-70%” of patients keep weight off) due to a resetting of the hypothalamus.
Positive studies:
Asher W, Harper H. Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on weight loss, hunger, and feeling of well-being. Am J Clin Nutr. 1973;26(2):211-8.
This study is a well-designed, randomized, double-blind trial of 40 women receiving HCG or placebo at an HCG treatment clinic (Harold Harper, MD). All followed a 500 to 550 kcal diet; 20 received 125 IU HCG six days per week for 6 weeks (36 injections); 20 received placebo injections six days per week (36 injections). Mean age of the HCG group was 37.8 years; placebo group 38.4 years. Results: Mean weight loss (HCG: 19.96 +/- 1.63 lbs; placebo: 11.05 +/- 1.29 lbs) and percentage of starting weight lost (HCG: 11.47%; placebo: 6.77%) were greater in the HCG group than the placebo group. Fourteen patients lost 15 lbs or more in the HCG group; 5 lost 15 lbs or more in the placebo group.
Hunger was decreased (HCG: 76.6% of daily responses indicated little or no hunger; placebo group 48.7% of daily responses indicated little or no hunger). Feeling of well being was greater in the HCG group (HCG: 86.5% indicated they felt “good” to “excellent”; placebo: 70% said they felt “good” to “excellent”). Blood pressure was not significantly different between the two groups. Interestingly, Dr. Harper’s patients who received placebo injections lost more weight on average than either the HCG or placebo patients of 4 other physicians. The authors concluded, “Therefore, HCG used in a casual program of weight reduction, as it is often used in a general practice, is of no value,” meaning that the very low calorie diet is the critical element leading to weight loss.
Gusman H. Chorionic gonadotropin in obesity. Further clinical observations. Am J Clin Nutr. 1969;22:686.
In this article, Dr. Gusman states he’s treated “well over 2,500 patients of both sexes, aged 15 to 75″ with Simeons’ HCG protocol. Gusman studied with A.T.W. Simeons at his clinic in Rome. This article discusses Simeons’ concept of obesity, namely, that it is a “definite metabolic disorder, much as is diabetes, caused by a breakdown of a regulating mechanism located in the…hypothalamus.” He call this “the fat-regulating center.”
Gusman explains that fat cells in the obese differ from normal fat cells in that they’re more numerous and larger. These “overstuffed” fat cells metabolize glucose less efficiently than normal fat cells. Normal fat tissue serves two functions: structural material (to protect organs and blood vessels) and fuel storage. Abnormal fat tissue is also a potential reserve for fuel, but is not immediately available in nutritional emergencies. Only after the normal fat reserves are exhausted will the body use abnormal fat. Severe calorie restriction leads to exhaustion of normal fat reserves before abnormal fat is used, and the patient will be weak and hungry “while the ugly fat deposits – of which he originally wished to rid himself – have hardly been reduced. At this point, the patient often becomes depressed and frustrated, and the diet is abandoned.”
The only type of “nutritional emergency” where all types of fat cells are immediately useable is during pregnancy. Simeons suggests it’s HCG that brings about changes in the hypothalamus preventing obesity during pregnancy.
Gusman compiled records from 450 of his patients receiving either 3 or 6 week treatment. He makes the following observations: 1) 90% of patients were able to reduce their weight, 2) 60-70% reached their desired normal weight, 3) “a majority” claimed this regiment was the easiest and most successful to follow, 4) “many” who regained some or all of their weight claimed they kept their weight off longer than previously, and didn’t mind returning for treatment, 5)”nearly all patients” experienced “euphoria” in spite of marked low intake of food, and 6) the markedly obese had the most satisfying results.
Lebon P. Treatment of overweight patients with chorionic gonadotropin. J Am Geriat Soc. 1966;14:116.
Lebon P. Action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1961;2:268.
Simeons AT. The action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1954 Nov 6;267(6845):946-7.
Stuart C. The action of chorionic gonadotophin in the obese. Lancet. 1961;278(7196):268-9.
Negative studies:
Bosch B, Venter I, Stewart RI, et al. Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. S Afr Med J. 1990;77(4):185-9.
This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing HCG injections with placebo for weight loss. Forty obese women (body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2) were placed on the same diet supplying 5,000 kJ per day and received daily intramuscular injections of saline or HCG, 6 days a week for 6 weeks. A psychological profile, hunger level, body circumferences, a fasting blood sample and food records were obtained at the start and end of the study, while body weight was measured weekly. Results: Subjects receiving HCG injections showed no advantages over those on placebo in respect of any of the variables recorded. Furthermore, weight loss on the diet was similar to that on severely restricted intake. The authors conclude, “There is no rationale for the use of HCG injections in the treatment of obesity.”
Craig L, Ray R, Waxler S, et al. Chorionic gonadotropin in the treatment of obese women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1963;12:230-234.
This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of evaluating the effectiveness of the Simeon method using HCG vs. placebo, and a 550 calorie per day diet. Twenty obese women were treated for forty days. Results: all subjects but one lost weight, but the losses were small and not uniform, suggesting varied adherence to the diet. The basal metabolic rate was increased in four HCG subjects and two control subjects.
Greenway FL, Bray GA. Human chorionic gonadotrohpin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method. West J Med. 1977;127(6);461-3.
This study was a double-blind, placebo control trial using HCG injections or placebo to test weight loss, hunger level, mood, and localized (spot) reduction while adhering to a very low calorie diet. Results: Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. The authors conclude, “Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.”
Lijesen S, Theeuwen I, Assendelft W, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1995;40:237-243.
This paper was a meta-analysis of eight uncontrolled and 16 controlled trials measuring the effect of HCG in the treatment of obesity. The trials were scored for quality and methods (based on four main categories: study population, interventions, measurement of effect, and data presentation and analysis) and the main conclusion of author(s) with regard to weight-loss, fat-redistribution, hunger, and feeling of well-being. Methodological scores ranged from 16 to 73 points (maximum score 100), suggesting that most studies were of poor methodological quality. Of the 12 studies scoring 50 or more points, one reported that HCG was a useful adjunct. The studies scoring 50 or more points were all controlled. The authors concluded, “that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss or fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.”
Miller R, Schneiderman LJ. A clinical study of the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin in weight reduction. J Fam Pract 1977 Mar;4(3):554-8.
Treatment of obesity with human chorionic gonadotrophin was shown to be of no better value than saline in a double-blind crossover study of weight reduction in obese subjects. There was also no significant difference in mood, hunger, or missed injections, and no apparent difference in adherence to diet when the two agents were compared. In contrast, a significant difference was found in the ability of subjects to lose weight in the first four weeks of the study in contrast with the second four weeks, no matter which agent was used. Thus, the initiation of a new therapeutic program, even using an inert agent, has a temporary benefit–a manifestation both of placebo effect and the Hawthorne effect.
Rabe T, Richter S, Kiesel L, Runnebaum B. [Risk-benefit analysis of a hCG-500 kcal reducing diet (cura romana) in females]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1987 May;47(5):297-307.
The British physician A.T.W. Simeons described in 1954 a new method for dieting. He combined a reduction diet (500 kcal per day) with daily injections of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (125 IU i.m.). According to Simeons the patient should not lose more weight during a 4-to-6 weeks’ diet than without hCG, but the injections should facilitate to maintain the diet and to lose body weight at specific parts of the body (e.g. hip, belly, thigh). After the first publication various studies conducted with male and female patients analysed the efficacy of the “Cura romana”. 10 of these studies showed positive and another 10 studies negative results with regard to hCG-related weight reduction. Two of these studies with positive results were double-blind studies (hCG vs. placebo). Most of them were reports on therapeutical experiences and were not controlled studies. According to these reports the body proportions normalized and the feeling of hunger was tolerable. Four out of 10 studies with negative results were controlled studies (hCG vs. control without hCG), whereas 6 were double-blind studies. These studies showed a significant weight reduction during dieting, but no differences between treatment groups in respect of body weight, body proportions and feeling of hunger. One of them is the only German study conducted by Rabe et al. in 1981 in which 82 randomised premenopausal volunteers had been dieting either with hCG or without hCG injections. In recent publications describing mostly well-documented double-blind studies, authors largely reject hCG administration in dieting. Supporters of the hCG diet must prove the efficacy of this method in controlled studies according to the German Drug Law. Until then the opinion of the German steroid toxicology panel is still valid, that hCG is ineffective in dieting and should not be used.
Shetty KR, Kalkhoff RK. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) treatment of obesity. Arch Intern Med. 1977 Feb;137(2):151-5.
This study compared After a nine-day control period, six hospitalized obese women given 125 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) intramuscularly daily for 30 days with five obese women who received injections of dilutent only (placebo. Patients consumed identical, 500-calorie per day diets for the same period. Although the number of patients was small, the study is significant since patient diets and all injections were monitored closely in a hospital setting. Results: Mean weight loss in the HCG-treated group was nearly identical to that achieved by women given the placebo. Reduction of triceps skinfold thickness or circumferential body measurements of the chest, waist, hips, and thighs were not different. Patterns of change of a variety of plasma and urine substrates, electrolytes, and hormones were similar in the two groups and consistent with semistarvation and weight loss. The authors concluded,” These results indicate that HCG has no effects on chemical and hormonal parameters measured and offers no advantage over calorie restriction in promoting weight loss.”
Stein MR, Julis RE, Peck CC, et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotrophin in weight reduction: a double blind study. Am J Clin Nutr. 1976;29(0):940-8.
This study was a well-designed, randomized, double-blind trial of 51 women receiving HCG or placebo for 32 days (28 injections), along with a 500 to 550 kcal/day diet. The study was designed to duplicate the Asher-Harper study (above). Each patient was given the same diet (the one prescribed in the Asher-Harper study), was weighed daily Monday through Saturday and was counseled by one of the investigators who administered the injections. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the means of the two groups in number of injections received, weight loss (HCG: 15.79 lbs; placebo: 15.52 lbs), percent of weight loss (HCG: 9.48%; placebo: 9.25%), hip and waist circumference, weight loss per injections, or in hunger ratings. The authors concluded, “HCG does not appear to enhance the effectiveness of a rigidly imposed regimen for weight reduction.”
Young RL, Fuchs RJ, Woltjen MJ. Chorionic gonadotrophin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA. 1976;236(22):2495.
Two hundred two patients participated in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study of the effectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) vs. placebo in a weight reduction program. Serial measurements were made of weight, skin-fold thickness, dropout rates, reasons for dropping out, and patient subjective response. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between those receiving HCG vs. placebo during any phase of this study.
Other interesting studies
Sohar E. A forty-day-550 calorie diet in the treatment of obese outpatients. Am J Clin Nutr. 1959;7:514-518.
The purpose of this paper was to present a method of producing rapid weight reduction in obese patients. This study looked at forty-five patients who started fifty-three courses of 550-calorie diet, consisting of two meals prescribed in detail. Patients were told what to eat (Simeon diet) and were not told calorie content. Thirty-nine patients were given HCG injections (125 units), fourteen others received daily injections of saline. Patients were told that weight reduction would be due to the diet but that injections would help curb appetite. The authors assumed from the start that HCG was ineffective in terms of weight reduction. Injections were given for “psychological reasons only” since patients were assured they would curb appetite.
The authors state that the diet Simeon prescribed is successful because average daily weight loss is high due to the very low calories consumed. Patients are more likely to stick to the diet due to time limitation – i.e., they know the diet will only last 40 days. They state that “the vast majority of patients are willing to suffer for forty days for the reward of losing the predicted and attainable amount of 20 pounds.” The author also surmises that success is due to the fact that food is prescribed, not calories. This eliminates the estimating that usually goes on with calorie counting. In other
words, most patients do not weigh or measure food and do not record calories properly. Sohar recommends not advising patients in terms of calories, but to prescribe meals in detail.
Another reason Sohar gives for success of the diet is that only two meals per day are prescribed; therefore, contact with food is minimized. Lastly, activity level is unrestricted, “enabling all obese people, most of whom are housewives, to reduce.” Sohar points out that his paper, as well as Simeon’s work, proves that obese patients can lead a normal life performing moderate work on 500 to 600 calories per day.
(1) Simeons AT. The action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1954 Nov 6;267(6845):946-7.
(2) Lukaczer D, Liska D, Lerman R, et al. Effect of a low glycemic index diet with soy protein and phytosterols on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women. Nutrition 2006;22:104-113.
Dr. Kathryn Retzler of Portland Oregon is a naturopathic physician and an authority on natural medicine and hormone balance. She draws on both conventional and alternative therapies and believes that people benefit most from a blend of all available treatments, focused on individual needs. Dr. Retzler founded HormoneSynergy to help people achieve optimal health and aging through hormone balance. As a specialist in holistic medicine, Dr. Retzler understands the role balanced hormones and neurotransmitters play in all areas of health. She recommends natural therapies, lifestyle changes and bioidentical hormones to address the underlying causes of hormone imbalance and restore health and vitality. Additional information can be found on her website .
Posted on November 10, 2009, 11:22 pm, by libertees, under Uncategorized.
Most of the sites you will come across have one thing in common, a free quote engine. These quote engines will usually ask for either the state you lof health inive in or your zip code. This information helps the engine return a list surance agents who are licensed to sell health insurance plans in your area. This step is important because insurance regulations vary from state to state, so you first want to make sure the agent you are dealing with is knowledgeable about insurance regulations in your area.
Another benefit to these free quote engines is that, since they are free, you can request multiple quotes. This is a good idea because it puts the power in your hands, as an informed consumer. With multiple quotes, you can begin to evaluate the total health insurance costs between different plans. Requesting multiple quotes also lets you interact with multiple agents and get a feel for which agent you prefer working with and who appears to have your best interests in mind. Having choices is key to making an informed decision and saving money.
There’s no denying that health insurance is a very important part of our lives and it should not be taken lightly. But you also shouldn’t stress too hard with all of the tools that are out there to help you. This article is intended to help you understand some of the basic concepts and terms of health insurance and to point you in the right direction for finding a low cost health insurance plan that suits your needs.
The True Value of Low Cost Health Insurance
If you are like most people, you want to get the best value for your money when shopping for health insurance. This usually translates into a search for “low cost” or cheap health insurance, but there is more to it than that. Your real goal should be to maximize coverage while minimizing the total health insurance cost for a plan. This is a delicate balance that takes some effort to get right.
Not all forms of low cost or cheap health insurance are great values. You must consider both the health insurance cost of a plan and the coverage it provides to get an accurate sense of what you are buying. And even the cost side of the equation is not always clear. Many people lazily assume that the monthly premium is the “sticker price” of a health insurance plan. That is a mistake.
A health insurance plan’s deductible is just as important as its monthly premium; both are critical factors that contribute to the total health insurance cost of a plan. The deductible is the amount of money you would have to pay out-of-pocket before your health insurance provider starts covering the rest. So if you have a $2,000 deductible, your insurance provider won’t pay a penny until you have already spent $2,000 of your own money on your own medical expenses. So in addition to your monthly premium payments, you must also consider the potential out-of-pocket costs you might face in paying off your deductible if an accident occurs and you end up in the hospital.
Other factors you must consider when evaluating the total health insurance cost of a plan include co-pays for prescription drugs and visits to the doctor. Most plans will require you to pay some level of co-pay for these items, but how much is the question. Be sure to not overlook these details when evaluating a plan.
Be Honest With Thyself
Now that you are aware of the different factors to consider in evaluating the true value of a plan, you should feel more confident in your ability to choose a plan that is value-tuned to your needs. For example, if you are young and healthy and feel like trips to the hospital are unlikely in your near future, you might opt for a higher deductible in return for lower monthly premiums. However, if you are into outdoor activities or extreme sports which can lead to injury, a more comprehensive plan will suit you better.
Health Insurance is very important and is something you need to be honest with yourself (and your family) about. As tempting as it might be to cut corners and get a super cheap plan with minimum coverage benefits, you could ultimately be hurting yourself and putting your family at risk of financial ruin if a medical emergency occurs. So paying a little extra each month to get adequate health insurance coverage can end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
This article focuses on helping consumers understand low cost health insurance choices and learn some of the basics of term health insurance before purchasing. The article explains what’s involved in the process of getting low cost health insurance quotes.