HCG Diet in Fulton and Marriottsville, MD
Understanding the HCG Diet at Pura Vida
A structured, supervised approach
Many patients reach a point where stubborn pockets of fat resist diet and exercise, and they want a structured framework that resets their relationship with food while a clinician monitors safety. The HCG diet has been used by physicians for decades as a phased, calorie-restricted protocol paired with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) via daily injections or sublingual drops. We position it honestly: the rapid weight loss seen on the program is driven primarily by the very-low-calorie diet itself. Most independent reviews, including a Cochrane assessment of HCG for obesity, conclude that HCG has not been shown to add fat loss benefit beyond the VLCD. For patients seeking pharmacologic appetite control, our team also offers GLP-1 weight loss and Tirzepatide programs.
What makes our HCG diet program different is the medical structure around it. Our medical team handles intake screening, baseline labs, weekly check-ins, weight and measurement tracking, and protocol adjustments. Whether you choose the 23, 40, or 60 day phase, you receive a clear meal framework, an approved foods list, hydration and electrolyte guidance, and stabilization coaching for the maintenance phase that follows. Patients interested in pairing weight loss with overall wellness can also explore IV therapy for hydration and micronutrient support. The HCG diet is not appropriate for everyone, and our consultation focuses on whether it fits your goals, health profile, and lifestyle.
What Is the HCG Diet?
The HCG diet is a phased, physician-supervised weight loss protocol that pairs human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone naturally produced in pregnancy, with a very-low-calorie diet of roughly 500 to 800 calories per day. HCG is given as a daily subcutaneous injection or sublingual drops, and the plan moves through a loading phase, an active fat-loss phase of 23, 40, or 60 days, and a stabilization phase.
We are transparent about the evidence: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved HCG for weight loss, and peer-reviewed reviews have found HCG produces no greater loss than placebo when calorie intake is matched. The rapid results come from the calorie restriction itself, so we offer the HCG diet as a structured, supervised framework, not as an endorsement of HCG as a fat-burning agent.
Treatment Timeline:
Loading Phase:
2 days of higher-calorie eating to start
Active Phase:
23, 40, or 60 days of VLCD plus HCG
Stabilization:
3 weeks of structured reintroduction
Check-Ins:
Weekly weight, measurement, and symptom review
The Benefits of a Supervised HCG Program
Structure, accountability, and oversight
Supervision
Program is monitored by our medical team
Daily Structure
Foods list, meal timing, and hydration guidance
Phased Protocol
Choose 23, 40, or 60 day phases
Accountability
Check-ins track weight, measurements
Coaching
Long-term support for lasting change
HCG Diet vs Other Medical Weight Loss Options
Compare Medical Weight Loss
| Program | Mechanism | Duration | Daily Calories | Supervision | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCG Diet | VLCD plus HCG injection or sublingual | 23, 40, or 60 days | Approx. 500 to 800 | Weekly check-ins | None | Structured jump-start, plateau reset |
| GLP-1 Weight Loss | Appetite regulation via semaglutide | Ongoing, monthly visits | Reduced naturally | Monthly | None | Sustained, gradual fat loss |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Ongoing, monthly visits | Reduced naturally | Monthly | None | Higher BMI, stronger appetite control |
Who Is a Good Candidate for the HCG Diet?
The HCG diet is a structured very-low-calorie program and is not for everyone, so a medical review confirms your fit.
Ideal Candidates for the HCG Diet
- Adults seeking a structured, short-term, supervised weight loss framework
- Patients who have stalled on conventional diet and exercise approaches
- Those willing to follow a strict VLCD with weekly clinical check-ins
- Patients in good general health with realistic expectations about the role of VLCD versus HCG
Who Should Wait or Avoid the HCG Diet
- Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Anyone with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers
- Patients with active cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or recent cardiac events
- Those with eating disorders, severe gallbladder disease, or uncontrolled diabetes
Talk to Us First If…
- You have a hormone-sensitive condition or aren't sure it's right for you
- You take medications that affect metabolism or appetite
- You have a history of disordered eating
- You have a history of disordered eating
If any contraindication applies, our medical team will recommend safer alternatives that still support your weight loss goals.
Your HCG Diet Program Overview
Step by step
Consultation and Labs
Program Selection
Loading Phase
Active Phase
Stabilization
Side Effects and Safety
The HCG diet combines two distinct exposures: a very-low-calorie diet and an injected or sublingual hormone.
Common, Expected Side Effects
Most reported side effects relate to the VLCD itself and include fatigue, headaches, irritability, lightheadedness, constipation, and cold sensitivity, particularly in the first week.
Less Common Reactions to Watch For
Some patients report mild injection site reactions or, rarely, breast tenderness from HCG. Gallstone risk can increase with rapid weight loss, which is one reason supervision matters.
Rare Risks and Important Safety Screening
It is important to be transparent: the FDA has stated that over-the-counter HCG products marketed for weight loss are illegal, and the agency has not approved HCG for weight loss. Our program uses prescription HCG under physician supervision and frames the protocol honestly. Patients with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, hormone-sensitive cancers, gallbladder disease, eating disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and certain endocrine conditions should not pursue this protocol. Disclose all medications, supplements, and medical history at intake. Our medical team monitors weight, blood pressure, symptoms, and any red flags throughout your program.
HCG Diet Cost in Fulton, MD
Transparent, personalized pricing
HCG diet program pricing depends on the phase length you select - 23, 40, or 60 days - whether you choose injections or sublingual delivery, and whether your plan includes baseline labs and follow-up testing. Exact pricing is finalized during your consultation once the medical team has reviewed your candidacy and goals.
What Is Typically Included in Your Program Fee
- Initial medical consultation and screening
- HCG (injection or sublingual) for the selected phase
- Approved foods list, meal framework, and stabilization guide
- Weekly check-ins for weight, measurements, and symptom review
- Provider access for protocol questions throughout the program
Financing Options
Pura Vida Med Spa accepts CareCredit and Cherry Financing, so you can spread the investment over time.
To confirm your personalized HCG diet program investment, call (301) 604-8432 or book a consultation online.
Why Choose Pura Vida Med Spa for HCG Diet in Fulton, MD
Founded by Dr. Leslie Apgar, MD, Pura Vida frames the HCG diet as a structured, supervised protocol - and helps you decide whether HCG, GLP-1 or another approach best fits your goals.
Physician-Led Practice
Programs screened and supervised by a board-certified physician and founder.
Honest Patient Education
We discuss FDA status and the evidence base before you commit.
Comprehensive Options
HCG, GLP-1, and Tirzepatide programs under one roof for the best fit.
Two Convenient Locations
Care delivered at both our Fulton and Marriottsville, MD med spas.
Structured Program Support
Each HCG cycle includes a defined protocol with clear phase guidance.
Transition Planning Included
We help you navigate the critical maintenance phase after your cycle ends.
Related Services in Fulton and Marriottsville
Explore other supervised programs that pair well with structured weight loss.
GLP-1 Weight Loss
Semaglutide Program with Weekly or Monthly Provider Support
- Adults with BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults with BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia
- Patients committed to weekly injections and provider check-ins
Tirzepatide
Advanced Dual-Action GLP-1 Weight Loss for Faster Results
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition
- Patients who have not reached goals with lifestyle changes alone
- Those who want a stronger, dual-pathway option compared to our GLP-1 weight loss program
IV Therapy
Customized IV Drips for Hydration, Energy and Immune Support
- Generally healthy adults seeking hydration and wellness support
- Patients recovering from travel, jet lag, intense workouts, or social events
- Individuals with mild seasonal fatigue or low energy who have been medically cleared
HCG Diet FAQ
Answers to your top questions
01 Is the HCG diet FDA approved for weight loss?
No. The FDA has not approved HCG for weight loss and warns against over-the-counter HCG weight loss products. We offer HCG as a prescription, physician-supervised structured program, and we frame the evidence honestly during your consultation.
02 Is the weight loss really from HCG or from the VLCD?
Independent reviews, including a Cochrane assessment, conclude that the rapid weight loss seen on the HCG diet is driven primarily by the very-low-calorie diet itself. HCG has not been shown to add additional fat-loss benefit beyond the VLCD. The value of our program is the structure, supervision, and accountability around the calorie-restricted phase.
03 Which phase length should I choose?
Most patients start with the 23 day phase to gauge tolerance and adherence. The 40 and 60 day phases are options for patients with larger weight loss goals who tolerate the protocol well. Your medical provider will help you decide based on your goals and history.
04 How much weight do patients typically lose?
Outcomes vary widely based on starting weight, adherence, and phase length. Many patients report measurable weight and inches lost during the active phase, but long-term success depends on the habits built during stabilization. Results are not guaranteed.
05 Can I exercise on the HCG diet?
Because the program restricts calories significantly, most patients stick to light activity such as walking. Intense exercise is generally discouraged during the active phase. Your provider will tailor activity guidance to your specific health profile.
06 What happens after the active phase?
The structured 3 week stabilization phase gradually reintroduces foods and helps lock in your new weight. Long-term maintenance often benefits from continued coaching, periodic check-ins, or a transition to another program such as a GLP-1 if appropriate.
Schedule Your HCG Diet Consultation
References
- Lijesen GK, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis (Br J Clin Pharmacol 1995). PubMed (PMID: 8527285).
- Stein MR, et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study (Am J Clin Nutr 1976). PubMed (PMID: 779451).
- Greenway FL, Bray GA. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method (West J Med 1977). PubMed (PMID: 899339).
- Bosch B, et al. Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (S Afr Med J 1990). PubMed (PMID: 2218770).
- Tsai AG, Wadden TA. The evolution of very-low-calorie diets: an update and meta-analysis (Obesity 2006). PubMed (PMID: 16988070).
- Asher WL, Harper HW. Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on weight loss, hunger, and feeling of well-being (Am J Clin Nutr 1973). PubMed (PMID: 4684234).