Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. The use of HCG as a diet aid has become somewhat controversial. According to MayoClinic.com, there is no clinical evidence that injections of HCG or an oral dose of the hormone will promote weight loss. Most diet plans that accompany the use of HCG for obesity reduce calories drastically, so weight loss will happen with or without the injections. On the other hand, phentermine is a recognized appetite suppressant prescribed to help treat obesity. Either drug may function as a diet aid. If you are considering either system, look at each drug independently. Phentermine does not work well with other diet drugs and can cause pulmonary hypertension if mixed with some medications. To be safe, look at the two plans individually and evaluate your options. Both plans require medical supervision, exercise and low-calorie eating.
HCG
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Step 1
Visit a weight-loss clinic to obtain the hormone needed for the diet. HCG is usually administered as an injection. The medical personnel at the clinic will give you training on how to inject the drug safely. Injections are in the buttocks or thigh. Do not purchase HCG over the Internet or from a nonmedical source. You may not get a safe product.
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Step 2
Follow the diet plan given to you by the clinic. Diets with HCG are drastic and usually allow for only around 800 or fewer calories. For the diet to work, you must follow the plan closely.
Step 3
Exercise in moderation only if the personnel at the clinic recommend it. With the drastic calorie reduction, they may not want you to exercise initially. As you increase the calories, exercise will become part of the program. Discuss how much exercise you can do with the clinic advisor.
Step 4
Check back with the clinic often for monitoring. Contact them if you feel any side effects of the diet such as weakness or fever.
Phentermine
Step 1
Take your phentermine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Your doctor will advise you the correct dosage. If you miss your morning dose, eat breakfast and wait two hours after eating to take the pill.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor or dietician to develop a healthy eating plan. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. Weight loss comes from reducing the calories you eat and burning more. Due to the possible complications with the drug, you will require medical supervision to create a healthy plan for your diet. Your doctor will advise you how many calories you should ingest a day.
Step 3
Keep a food log that monitors your meals and snacks. This is something you can review with your doctor on follow-up visits to ensure the medication is working for you. Write down all the food you eat each day and total the calories.
Step 4
Exercise at least three or four times a week. Exercise should include cardiovascular routines and strength training. The cardiovascular can be as simple as walking for an hour. Lift weights or use resistance bands to build muscle mass for strength training.
Warning
Do not stop taking phentermine suddenly. You will need to be weaned off the medication slowly to avoid withdrawal. Phentermine has potentially life-threatening side effects if taken with other diet pills or medication. Do not take phentermine if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Do not take phentermine if stimulants or cold medicine bothers you.
Do not take either drug if pregnant or nursing.