HCG Weight Loss Program

What is HCG and how does it work?

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadatropin) is a hormone produced in the body. It is made during pregnancy and the levels double every two days. This hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus. This acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy and it can be safely used by both men and women with no side effects.

Is HCG safe?

HCG is extremely safe. All women experience very high levels during pregnancy with no adverse effects. The small amount we use for weight loss has no side effects.

Should I be concerned about purchasing and injecting HCG manufactured in China or India?

Some people are purchasing HCG from internet pharmacies without a prescription. The HCG they are purchasing through these pharmacies is usually coming from China and or India. Though the HCG from China and or India is very cheap this HCG could at best be inferior and at worst contaminated.

If HCG works so well for weight loss, why don't pregnant women lose weight?

HCG works to mobilize fat for utilization by the body only when there is a significant decrease in calories and fat. For weight loss, we use a very low calorie diet to trigger HCG to help rid the body of fat.

Would I lose the same weight eating a very low calorie diet without HCG?

You can lose weight by eating fewer calories and fat, but because the body stores fat during times of deprivation, you will most likely lose muscle and bone before fat. This causes cellular metabolism to slow down, and over time it would make gaining weight easier because of the lost bone density and muscle mass. Only by using HCG with a low calorie diet, is extra fat mobilized for energy. You benefit by preferentially getting rid of excess fat without affecting your bones, muscles or metabolism.

The HCG diet is very low calorie, will I get hungry?

Because HCG mobilizes fat and makes it available to the body as an energy source, it naturally reduces appetite. So although you are taking in fewer calories, your body can access the energy you have stored in fat cells. After about 2 days, many patients notice a significant decrease in their appetite. Overall, most people have plenty of energy and feel great while on the program.

Will HCG interfere with any medications I am currently taking? What about birth control pills or Depo-Provera injections?

HCG does not interact with ANY medications, including birth control pills or Depo-Provera.

Will I experience any changes in my menstrual cycle taking HCG?

Because the amount of HCG is so small, there are no changes to your menstrual cycle. Likewise, HCG will not affect your ability to become pregnant, nor will it increase or decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

Why are some people calling HCG the "Weight Loss Cure"?

HCG is also being called the "Weight Loss Cure" because it reprograms your body to use stored fat for energy when calories are reduced for a period of time. Or, put another way, it helps you maintain your weight and not regain the pounds you've lost.

How much weight can I expect to lose on the program?

On average, our patients lose around 15 - 20 lbs. per month. Often, people lose a higher percentage of their total loss in the first two weeks.

What are the costs involved in the program?

HCG class: Must be completed prior to initial visit. Classes are held every other Thursday 5-6pm. $10 pre-paid.

Initial visit: If you have Naturopathic coverage, we can usually bill your insurance for this hour-long visit. Please bring any recent lab results with you. If we are not billing insurance, the discounted rate for payment on the day of service is $139 + $15 (if we do a blood draw).

Note: At this time, you will need to decide whether you would like us to bill your insurance for your follow up visits. In our experience, most insurances do not cover weight loss programs and your bill will be denied. This means that you will be responsible for paying the bill in its entirety; keep in mind, per our insurance company contracts, we can only give a discount to patients paying on the day of service, and not after the bill has been denied by insurance.

Follow ups: $50 weekly; if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please let us know 24 hours in advance and we can fit you in some other time during the same week. Weekly visits are mandatory.

Supplies:

Required:

hCG, needles & swabs: $35 weekly

Strongly Recommended:

Protein shake: $38-$42 every other week. It is designed to stabilize blood sugar and aid in weight loss. This functional food works in a number of ways:

Therapeutic levels of B vitamins

Contains Mineral Citrates and Malates for Mitochondrial Support

Nutrients delivered in therapeutic amounts

Specialty nutrients are added to enhance fat metabolism and blood sugar balance

The protein shake is a balanced high-protein, low-carbohydrate, low fat, multivitamin and mineral, specialty nutrient beverage that is used along with a balanced diet and exercise program to achieve your desired body composition. It is designed to enhance fat loss while preserving lean tissue and is formulated to enhance fat burning safely. Stimulants such as Ephedra, Ma Huang, caffeine, etc., are not used. Instead, it acts to enhance fat cell metabolism only.

Optional:

MCT (healthy oil): $15.20 as desired

Lipotropic B-vitamin injection: $25 weekly

Lipotropics is a fancy word for three amino acids that are essential for the health of your liver. Your liver is the organ responsible for breaking down fat and toxins from your body, so if it is healthier, it will work better for you. Vitamin B12 can give you a huge energy boost, which helps you to burn calories. The amino acids in the B12 Lipotropic shots are compounds that enhance liver function and increase the flow of fats and bile from the liver and gallbladder. By definition, a lipotropic substance decreases the deposit, or speeds up the removal of fat within the liver. The key amino acids used to make these shots are: Vitamin B12, Choline, Methione and Inositol.

Vitamin B12 is essential for helping to form new, healthy cells in the body. It also boosts energy, helping to increase activity levels.

Choline supports the health of the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products within the body. Moreover, it is required for the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol within the body, which is important for the healthy support of the endocrine, cardiovascular and liver systems.

Methione is one of the sulfur-containing amino acids and is important for many bodily functions. It acts as a lipotropic agent to prevent excess fat buildup in the liver and the body, is helpful in relieving or preventing fatigue and may be useful in some cases of allergy because it reduces histamine release. If you are allergic to Sulfa-based drugs, you must not use the Lipotropic B12 injections.

Inositol, a nutrient belonging to the B vitamin complex, is closely associated with choline. It aids in the metabolism of fats and helps reduce blood cholesterol. Inositol participates in action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite.

How do I get started?

HCG classes are held every other Thursday from 5-6 pm and must be scheduled in advance due to limited class size. Your intake visit can be scheduled for any time after class completion. Your 6 follow up visits are

scheduled weekly with Dr. Torrance and/or Leisha Brown, the HCG program assistant.

Mindful Nutrition is a wonderfully informative and thorough overview of how to eat healthy. We learned the basics of nutrition in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Mindful nutrition will give you the tools to succeed whether your goal is to lose weight, choose the most nutritious foods, or understand food labeling and additives. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to embrace a healthy, vital, whole food approach to enjoying life.
Sally Abbey, July 14, 2008, Current Patient

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

"Bowenwork is a very effective bodywork therapy, where very gentle moves are performed over muscles and soft tissue, stimulating the nervous system to reset and heal. By combining moves the practitioner can either benefit the body as a whole, or target a specific problem." (www.Bowenwork.com)

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

Through the integration of Acupunture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern-day medical diagnostic techniques, it is our goal to help restore your mind, body and spirit to a natural state of equilibrium.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

360.568.2686

Info@SnohomishNaturopathic.Com