Weight-Loss Apocalypse: Emotional Eating Rehab Through the hCG Protocol presents an intriguing, yet complex, solution to obesity. Author Robin Phipps Woodall has spent years studying the work of the late Dr. Albert T. W. Simeons, who pioneered the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to trigger extreme weight loss. The hormone is found in the urine of pregnant women. Dr. Simeons, who died in 1970, wrote a book called Pounds and Inches which detailed his theories regarding the injection of hCG to treat obesity. To work successfully, the injections must be accompanied by a very low calorie diet.
Woodall explores and expands on Simeons’ ideas throughout Weight-Loss Apocalypse. She emphasizes that regardless of diet industry attempts to market the hCG protocol, this isn’t a fad diet. Administered in two tightly controlled phases of several weeks each, the protocol must be monitored by a doctor in order to be successful. The hormone must be prescribed, though doctors are generally skittish about granting patients request for this therapy. The FDA isn’t in favor of it either, which only makes things more complicated.
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Woodall seems to have done her research, breaking down the science behind the hCG protocol in terms the layperson can understand. I’m not even going to try to outline it in detail, but Woodall’s writing is clear and easy to follow. In short, the daily injections of hCG stimulate the protein hormone leptin, which regulates appetite. The stimulation of leptin staves off symptoms of starvation, allowing the patient to eat a maximum of 500 calories per day during treatment. Excess body fat is consumed as an energy source, rather than muscle tissue. Woodall outlines what kinds of food and beverages are allowed during the protocol. As one might imagine, it is very limited. Strict followers of the protocol report dramatic weight loss, with dozens of pounds disappearing in a matter of weeks.
Article comments
1 - Katie
Weight-Loss Apocalypse is such a great book. FIVE STARS...