Discover How Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Causes Weight Loss during Pregnancy

The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) plays a crucial role during pregnancy. However, one function of this hormone that is not always mentioned is its ability to induce weight loss (which is actually part of its role of ensuring the survival of the fetus). Is there an inch of truth to this claim? How can a hormone which is primarily designed to assist pregnancy be associated with a totally unrelated function such as weight loss?


Inferred Speculations 


hcgAt the moment, no clinical studies or experiments have been conducted to establish a direct link between weight loss and the presence of this hormone. This speculation is based on the fact that HCG is known to assist in breaking down fat reserves in a pregnant women’s body in order to provide sustenance for the developing fetus, especially during the initial stages of growth and development. Fat reserves that are not usually used by the body are those targeted by this hormone. This is why the fetus can survive for weeks and the mother does not feel any significant change.


From the moment that the fetus implants in the uterine wall, it needs nutrients in order to live, develop and grow. However, most women find out they are pregnant when they are already on the fourth to eighth week. During the period that the mother is not yet aware of the life inside her, the fetus needs to compete with the mother in order to get proper nutrition. The ability of the hormone in question to target fat cells that are stored in specific areas of the body is the foundation of the claim that it can cause weight loss, without affecting a person’s routine or diet.


Valid Arguments against such Claim 


The ability of the hormone to cause weight loss is based on a one-sided premise that a pregnant woman is not consuming the right amount of food and nutrients to supply both her and the baby’s needs. It does not take into account women who have been planning their pregnancy months or even years before it happens. More often than not, this group of expectant mothers has already started taking supplements, such as folate and calcium, to ensure that they are able to supply the needs of their babies from day one. Thus, the body already has the right amount of nutrients to sustain both the mother and the baby, and there is no need to access fat reserves.


It also does not take into account women who consume more than their minimum calorie intake. If the mother eats more than enough for her and her baby without even knowing about it, there is no reason for the fat reserves to be accessed. In this scenario, the hormone in question will not cause significant weight loss to occur.


The potential of HCG to initiate weight loss is something that is not yet proven. Another issue that needs to be addressed is how to trigger the hormone to access the fat reserves when there is no fetus inside that needs to be sustained. However, it’s potential to aid in weight loss is something that can be explored further. While there are no established studies or experiments that will prove that this hormone is an effective means to lose weight, one cannot dismiss the idea that this is possible.


If it is able to access fat reserves at will and when the situation calls for it, this potential can be harnessed and developed. And since this hormone is something that the human body recognizes, it is possible that a weight loss program can be developed and could help a lot of people who are having a difficult time losing weight.