When seeking a medically supervised weight loss program it is important to have your doctor perform a full medical history and assessment. The history is important because it will give clues as to possible underlying medical issues, such as Hypothyroidism, which is notorious for producing weight gain. In addition, a family history is equally important in your assessment as it will give your doctor a basis for laboratory testing that may be necessary.
In addition to personal and family health history there are other underlying issues which may produce weight gain. If we determine there may be other factors involved, Dr. Hoffman may recommend additional testing for you. Remember, the goal is for you to lose the weight and keep it off in the long term. Often, keeping the weight off in the long term requires addressing other factors that are underlying the weight gain itself which can be merely a symptom of a larger problem.
As part of your history, Dr Hoffman will also review any medications you are taking. There are some medications which can cause weight gain, for example – Beta Blockers. Medications in this class will make it almost impossible to lose weight. There are other medications which can affect weight loss and if you are on medications they will all be reviewed.
Once the review of the history is completed and physical examination will be performed. The physical will generally be brief in nature and Dr Hoffman will also check your weight, and obtain your initial physical measurements. These parameters will be monitored to chart your progress.
HCG is FDA approved for women as an infertility drug. This is the only indication for this drug in women. In women, HCG is used in anovulatory women to stimulate ovulatation. When used in weight loss, it is used off label. Off label means, it is not FDA approved use for that particular use.
Since HCG is an infertility drug, women who are using HCG for weight loss should be aware that they have a high risk of getting pregnant. Thus, women need to take appropriate precautions to prevent pregnancy while on the HCG diet. On a side note, the dose of HCG used in weight loss is 150 to 250 units, in infertility the dose can be up to 5000 units per day.
Pregnancy tests measure HCG in the urine. The presence of HCG in the urine indicates a positive pregnancy test. While on HCG, one cannot distinguish a positive pregnancy test from a negative. Thus, if you think you are pregnant you must consult with your doctor or gynecologist.
Although heavy exercise is not recommended on Dr Hoffman’s program, he generally does encourage patients to initiate a program of walking 30 -45 minutes a day or light cardiovascular activity (this can vary according to your individual needs). While on the Dr Hoffman’s program it is essential to start developing good lifestyle habits.
Women who are being treated for weight loss report that they have decreased hunger, food cravings and increased energy levels. Patients all report they can see results on their scales on a daily basis. More importantly they all report they are losing fat in areas which was previously difficult to lose such as the saddlebags, back fat and in the banana roll. Patients describe the program as a metabolic reset!
To learn more about Dr Hoffman’s HCG Medical Weight Loss Program, call 707-292-9992