Comparison between the HCG Diet and the Atkins Diet

By John D Greene


Although, there are various diet plans however the primary rule to lose weight is to take fewer calories than the amount of calories burnt by the body. In fact, it is complicated to select a proper diet protocol that blends with one's lifestyle, metabolism, and food preferences. However, you can take a physician's opinion to succeed in losing weight as he or she will assist you in selecting a proper diet protocol. Most importantly, you should familiarize about the type of weight loss approach before figuring out its action.

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 came into light during 1950s and was introduced to the public in 1970s by Dr. A. T. W. Simeons in an effort to treat obesity. It includes daily administration of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone injection, which is usually extracted from the pregnant woman's urine. During this time, one should be on a very low-calorie diet (not more than 500 calories per day) to promote the fat burning process in the body. Dr. Simeons recommends 2 meals per day that includes lean protein sources, non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruits.

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 major difference between these two types of diet is that the hcg diet restricts the total calorie intake, while the Atkins diet restricts intake of only carbohydrates. However, the HCG diet protocol is unique in fact that it utilizes daily dose of HCG hormone injections while the Atkins diet requires regular tracking of carbohydrate intake.

The HCG diet allows the intake of some carbohydrates like Melba toast and breadsticks and it ensures one from taking necessary amount of carbs daily thus preventing ketosis. In contrary, the Atkins diet includes cutting-off all essential carbs in your daily diet thus predisposing to ketosis condition in addition to weakness, low energy levels and fatigue. In addition, the HCG diet causes permanent weight loss by resetting the hypothalamus gland to permanently get used to intake of smaller increments of nutritious food.

In conclusion, the HCG diet protocol is the most recommended plan compared to the Atkins diet as one feels energetic, experiences no unpleasant side effects like flatulence and bad breath. Although, the side effects such as restlessness, headaches, blood clots, and depression may occur while on the HCG diet.




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