In 2008, a little known weight loss plan called the HCG Diet started making headlines. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It is a hormone consisting of 244 amino acids and it has been found to be produced naturally in women during pregnancy.

The HCG hormone in ingestible form can be taken orally or administered as an injection. The hormone instructs the hypothalamus to release nutrient-rich stored fat into the bloodstream, to be used by the body for energy then eliminated. In turn, the metabolism increases and the body burns more fat at a faster pace.

Studies show that men and women are able to lose up to a pound per day on the HCG Diet. Since 2008, there have been an overwhelming number of success stories from average people who have turned to the HCG diet, many as a last resort. Many have been incredibly successful with their weight loss.