QuestionIt seems you lose a lot of muscle due to only eating 500 calories on the "HCG" diet...among other things. What would the effects be if one increased the calorie intake to say 1500 and if it was mostly protein and only a few fruits/vegetables? While still exercising to keep more muscle?
AnswerCaleb,
I have not tried HCG myself, and I have not seen any scientific study that concludes that HCG supplementation is effective for weight loss. When it comes to diet "fads", I always have to question the claims before diving in.
I believe, and I think most experts would concur, the reason you lose weight on the HCG diet is because of the 500 calorie diet, not the HCG injections. HCG proponents claim HCG maintains lean muscle mass while the 500 calorie diet helps you to lose fat. So, according to supporters, it is not the HCG that makes you lose weight, the HCG helps to maintain muscle.
So, circling back around to your question...If 1500 calories is below your basal metabolic rate (and it probably is), which is calories burned in a day while at rest, then you will lose weight regardless of the HCG. If the HCG claims are true, you will maintain your lean muscle mass while dieting.
I hope that helps,
Dan
