F.A.Q.

hCG, also known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, is a hormone naturally produced by the placenta in pregnant women and almost completely controls the metabolic function through the hypothalamus throughout the pregnancy. It is also used to stimulate descent of the testicles in boys with prepubertal cryptorchidism and to treat infertility in men with underdeveloped testicles. The hCG is used in our diet protocols both for men and women, is an all-natural and a bio-identical hormone.

hCG has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. One of its functions is ensure that a developing fetus receives enough calories and nutrients to grow and develop normally, nearly independent of the daily caloric intake of the pregnant woman in those early developmental months. Our bodies like to maximize caloric intake in case lean times are ahead. In the case of women, excess calories tend to wind up in “problem” areas such as the hips, buttocks, abdomen and thighs. During pregnancy fat from these areas is released in the presence of hCG, and this fat then makes its way to the fetus. It does this by making the abnormal fat stored in the mother’s body available for use. The mother’s body is then able to use this fat for nutrients and energy despite her intake. This way, if a woman doesn’t consume the nutrients needed for fetal growth, her fat reserves will suffice. Structural fat, such as that found in the face or layered beneath the entire skin, isn’t affected.

In overweight people, hCG seems to work in a similar way – namely allowing the body to mobilize your stored excess fat and making it available to use as energy. Using hCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. When HCG is taken, the body is able to tap into its stored fat and utilize it. When combined with a low calorie restriction diet, person is subsisting more on their stored fat than on what they are eating, so you can burn up to 2200-3500 calories of stored fat daily, which can amount to losing up to 1-2 pounds a day.

One size does not fit all. The EPIC hCG Diet Plan is not the same as the program outlined by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in his manuscript “Pounds and Inches” and we do not promote, recommend or support a 500 calorie diet. Our Epic HCG Diet Plan is a modern updated version of the “original” hCG diet program – it is a combination of our Epic 1 • 2 • 3 Medical Weight Loss Program, a custom low calorie diet based on your individual needs, coupled with small dose of a hCG, that helps stimulate your metabolism, making weight loss faster, safer and easier.

HCG is a natural substance produced in the human body and is generally considered safe. The small amounts we use for weight loss rarely produce any side effects. Some possible side effects when using hCG injections for weight loss can include, but are not limited to: headache; feeling restless or irritable; mild swelling or water weight gain; depression; breast tenderness and swelling; and or injection site inflammation and pain. If a user of HCG products notes any side effects it is recommended that he or she cease using the products immediately and that he or she seek out the assistance of a physician.

The HCG injections for weight loss are administered using a very fine needle and are relatively painless.

You can lose up to 5-10 Pounds the first week and up to 15-20 pounds a month following our Epic Weight Loss Program. The average weight loss at our Epic Medical Weight Loss Center  is up to 25 pounds in 4 weeks. (Typical weight loss results and cannot be guaranteed. Results may vary by patient. Medical supervision and compliance with our program is required)

Yes. hCG has been used in men and women with equally effective results in both.

While HCG has been approved by the FDA as a medication for fertility and other medical purposes, it has not been specifically approved for weight loss. However, lack of approval does not prevent hCG’s use as a dietary aid. The use of hCG for weight loss is an “off label” use, which means that it is considered safe when prescribed by and under the guidance of a licensed physician. The appetite suppressants dispensed to you during your program are FDA approved.

It does not cure or eradicate obesity, but weight losses are rapid, comfortable, and the maintenance period after treatment runs a smoother course.