Arizona Laser Skin Solutions

 

Dr. A.T.W. Simeons was an accomplished physician from Europe who devoted a great portion of his years in practice to the treatment of obesity. He developed a very specific weight loss protocol utilizing the benefits of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Dr. Simeons wrote a detailed manuscript describing his protocol and his theories of obesity, entitled, Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity. You may read this document by following the link provided. The manuscript is quite long, but is important to read, especially when you decide to do the program. Below, you will find an abbreviated version of his manuscript, along with how our program works. As always, feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

 

 

ABNORMAL BODY FAT – A HYPOTHESIS

 

 

Dr. Simeons postulated that abnormal body fat, or obesity, was due to an abnormal functioning of some part of the body, particularly of the diencephalon (hypothalamus). He felt that anyone suffering from this particular disorder would have altered fat regulation and would become fat regardless of their eating habits. Those in whom the disorder is severe would accumulate fat very rapidly, those in whom it is moderate would gradually increase in weight, and those in whom it is mild may be able to keep their excess weight stationary for long periods. In all these cases, a loss of weight brought about by dieting and exercise, would only temporary and would be regained as soon as the reducing regimen was relaxed. The reason is that dieting and exercise alone do not correct the basic disorder.

 

 

While there are many factors that correlate to the severity of abnormal body fat accumulation, there is a degree to which an inherited bodily constitution and secondary effect of endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and sex glands), can contribute to obesity. However, these are never the sole cause of obesity. In all ages, and in both genders, the modality aimed at treating the underlying disorder should be substantiated by the ability of the patient to eat “normally” without regaining abnormal fat after the treatment.

 

 

A HISTORY

 

During the time which we, as a species, lived as “Hunters-and-Gatherers” (pre-Neolithic era), we ate only when hungry and usually only enough to abate the hunger. The food we generally grazed upon, eating many small meals throughout the day, was usually raw, unrefined, and full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The institution of eating large meals has exposed our digestive systems to systematic gorging, or “feast and famine”.

 

DIFFERENT KINDS OF FAT

 

 

There are three different kinds of fat in the body. The first is structural fat, which cushions the various organs, and can be found around the kidneys, heart, and in the skin. The second type is normal fat, which we use throughout the day for our body to freely draw upon when the nutritional income from the digestive system is insufficient. Normal fat reserves are found throughout the body and can be quickly and efficiently utilized. The third type is abnormal fat. It is the accumulation of abnormal fat reserves that leads to obesity and the increased likelihood of disease and premature death. Unfortunately, abnormal fat reserves are stored in such a way that makes them very difficult for the body to utilize or to reduce through standard weight loss methods.

 

 

When obese patients attempt to starve themselves, they will first lose their normal fat reserves. When the normal fat reserves have been reduced, they will start to decrease their structural fat, and only after that will they potentially start to use their abnormal fat reserves. The starvation method is hardly considered safe or effective, and once the patient starts to eat normally again, their structural and normal fat reserves are replaced and their attempts at fat loss are nullified.

 

 

GLANDS

 

 

      Thyroid

 

 

When it was discovered that the thyroid gland directed body temperature regulation and metabolism, it was thought that administering thyroid hormone would cause the abnormal fat stores to burn more rapidly. However, because abnormal fat reserves do not play a direct role in providing energy, taking thyroid hormones results in a preferential overall reduction of normal fat reserves instead. Thyroid hormone therapy should only be used in patients who have a true thyroid deficiency and should be given to normalize thyroid functioning, not specifically for weight loss or weight control.

 

 

      Pituitary Gland

 

 

This gland has a vast number of functions in the body because of its roll in the regulation of other endocrine glands. Although there is sometimes a relationship between anterior pituitary gland deficiency and obesity, pituitary gland extracts and hormones have not been shown to have an effect on obesity. While new pituitary medications are under study, no treatment has yet to show effectiveness for weight loss.

 

 

      Adrenal Gland

 

 

Cushing’s Syndrome, which is brought on by excessive stimulation of the adrenal glands, resembles severe obesity. Because of the presentation of this syndrome, the adrenal glands were once thought to have an association with obesity. However, no causative relationship has ever been established.

 

 

      Hypothalamus (Diencephalon)

 

 

The hypothalamus is a part of the central nervous system which controls all automatic functions of the body: breathing, heart rate, digestion, sleep, sexual response, urinary system, nervous system, and the pituitary gland (regulates the endocrine system), as examples. The hypothalamus is shared among all vertebrae animals. In animals, if a certain part of the hypothalamus is destroyed, it produces a condition similar to human non-insulin dependant diabetes. If another section of the hypothalamus is damaged, it produces a voracious appetite and rapid weight gain in animals. This is indeed interesting because animals usually never become fat spontaneously.

 

When the body takes in more fuel from the digestive system than it needs at the moment, the surplus energy is put into storage. Dr. Simeons discussed the possible role of the hypothalamus in the storage of these reserves of fuel as fat.

 

 

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF OBESITY

 

 

There are three potential causes of obesity. The first is that the efficiency of fat storage is abnormal from birth and may be inherited. This disorder would present with early age obesity despite “normal” feeding. Normal feeding would be defined as eating a diet that contains a wide variety vegetables and fruits, smaller portions of non-refined grains and proteins, and healthy organic meats.

 

 

The second potential cause of obesity occurs when the hypothalamus does not function appropriately when dealing with fat regulation and storage. Dr. Simeons’ protocol aims to address this hypothalamic dysfunction. It appears that when one of the hypothalamic centers is overwhelmed, the other centers attempt to compensate. Such is the case with menopause, when sex hormones decrease and the anterior pituitary attempts to compensate by secreting more hormones. This compensation has no feedback mechanism to regulate it once the sex glands are no longer producing hormones. In order to cope, the other centers start to over and/ or under produce hormones which results in hot flashes, emotional labiality, and a variety of other symptoms. Dysregulation of one part of the hypothalamus affects other areas of hypothalamus, including the way in which the body deals with the storage of fat.

 

 

The third potential cause of obesity occurs when the hypothalamus is overwhelmed by a sudden influx of food intake or a sudden decrease in the body’s requirements for food. This can happen when a former athlete stops exercising regularly when he/ she begins a desk job and no longer exercises. It can also happen during chronic illness, poverty, or famine. Yet another example is when individuals continually go on very low calorie diets and then go off the diet and stuff themselves. Diets that are high in refined foods, such as sugar, white flour, and processed oils, lead to a rapid absorption of these nutrients by the body. This excessive amount of fuel can overwhelm the body’s momentary needs and disrupt the body’s normal regulation of fat storage.

 

 

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIC (hCG)

 

 

hCG is most typically associated with pregnancy where it is produced by the placenta. During pregnancy hCG mobilizes a woman’s fat stores in order to support the tremendous energy needs of the growing fetus. During pregnancy, hCG is produced in enormous quantities – as much as one million International Units per day are released into the urine. It is well known that during pregnancy an obese woman can lose weight easily and can actually reduce her food intake without feeling hunger or discomfort. In addition, this produces no harm to the fetus. However, it is generally not recommended for someone who is pregnant to restrict their caloric intake without the careful guidance of their doctor.

 

 

It is likely that the typical woman gains weight during her pregnancy because of the weight of the baby; however, she does not accumulate abnormal fat reserves. Presumably, this occurs because the hypothalamus is appropriately regulating fat storage with the help of hCG. Pregnancy seems to be the only normal human condition in which the hypothalamus shows such highly efficient fat utilization.

 

 

When discovered, hCG was given its name before its true mode of action was known. This has produced much confusion about the properties and uses of hCG. The term “gonadotropin” literally means a sex-gland directed substance or hormone. This is quite misleading in the case of hCG because hCG it is not a true hormone. It has no direct action on any endocrine gland. hCG acts solely at the hypothalamic level and while it is able to be used in the treatment of underdeveloped sex glands in children, it has no direct effect on any sex glands that have already matured. Thus, it neither makes a woman develop male sex characteristics, nor feminize a man.

 

 

The goal of hCG used in the treatment of obesity, is to reduce abnormal fat reserves, reset and re-establish a healthy base metabolism, and to maintain a reduced weight.

 

 

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

 

 

It is sometimes recommended that, before starting hCG treatment, individuals first complete a detoxification diet for several weeks. For those of you who have read Kevin Trudeau’s book, The Weight Loss Cure, you will be familiar with the detoxification methods that he advocates. The environment has changed greatly since Dr. Simeons first presented his hCG protocol in the 1950’s and Mr. Trudeau proposed that the hCG protocol would be more successful in some individuals after completing a detoxification regimen.

 

 

While using hCG for weight loss, fat will be mobilized from the fat stores. Fat cells store metabolites (metabolic end-products), which are sometimes toxic, as a result of the digestion of processed foods, and the ingestion or absorption of pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, and other assorted chemicals. Depending upon where you have lived, you could have been exposed to any number of heavy metals, air pollutants, and water containments, that are now stored in your fat cells. A detoxification program would help to release toxins from your fat stores and eliminate them from your body. Should you feel that you have been exposed to excess toxins and/ or would like to start with a detoxification program, be sure to discuss this with your doctor prior to starting the hCG protocol.

 

 

Prior to participating in the hCG program, you will be required to have fasting blood work done. This lab work is important to review, as it will not only help to monitor your progress, it will assist in the evaluation of any underlying health issues you may not be aware of. Your body measurements will be taken, along with your blood pressure, pulse, weight, and photograph. It will be important to keep an accounting of your progress (food diaries and weight chart). All paperwork and forms will be provided at program start.

 

 

LOADING PHASE

 

 

Women who are menstruating will start the treatment immediately after the period.

 

 

Self-injections with hCG begin on the first day of the protocol, during the Lose It phase. You will be instructed on how to do injections. The first two days are “loading” days; essentially the patient is free to eat however he or she wants, while concentrating on eating high fat foods. You can’t go wrong with enjoying your favorite restaurants and indulging on foods that you may normally limit in your diet. The loading days will help to restore your normal fat reserves which will make being on the very low calorie diet (VLCD) much easier for your body to handle. You may notice a slight weight gain during loading, but you will easily lose it once you start on the diet. Do not skip the two days of loading, or “gorging” as Dr. Simeon called it. Skipping this step is likely to cause an increase in appetite and mood changes while on the VLCD

 

 

Sample load day

 

 

   Breakfast: cream cheese & bagel with bacon and sausage, and a ham/cheese omelet

 

 

   Snack: Donut with whipped cream and strawberries

 

 

   Lunch: pork chop, potato with sour cream, roll with butter, buttered veggies

 

 

   Snack: ice cream with Oreos

 

 

   Dinner: fettuccini, cheese garlic bread, salad with full-fat dressing, cheesecake

 

 

   Snack: ice cream

 

 

LOSE IT PHASE

 

 

This phase will continue for approximately three to six weeks, depending on the length of your program. The diet is restricted to 500 Calories per day and consists of very specific food choices. You will be provided with the specifics of the diet, along with guidelines, a shopping list, and recipes. In general, Dr. Simeons described two meals each day – lunch and dinner. Each meal has food different components: meat or fish, vegetable, bread stick, and fruit. If desired, the fruit and/ or bread stick can be taken away from mealtime. For instance, you could have a bread stick in the morning and an apple mid-morning.

 

 

While on the hCG program, it is important to maintain good hydration; patients should drink at least two liters of water per day. Tea, coffee, and mineral water are all allowed, but you must sweeten it with stevia only if you desire it sweet. Sugars and artificial sweeteners are not to be used during this phase.

 

 

When doing the short program, the 23 injections are given every day through out the Lose It phase. If you are doing the longer program, which consists of a total of 40 injections, you will be taking one day off of injections per week. Taking a day off during the long program will prevent your body from building up immunity to hCG.

 

 

Under the effect of the hCG, all patients are able to obtain their needed calories from their abnormal fat stores and the 500 Calorie per day diet. It is important that you weigh yourself on a daily basis, first thing in the morning, after you have urinated, and before you get dressed or eat.

 

 

During menstruation, typically there are no injections given. Dr. Simeons preferred to start women on the hCG program just after their menstruation ended. In our experience, some women are able to tolerate continuing the hCG every day of their menses. However, should a women generally experience ill effects during their period (such as heavy bleeding, pain, or cramping), they may choose to at least take the first two days off of injections. As always, this is decided based on an individual’s needs, so should you have any concerns, be sure to discuss this during your visit with the physician.

 

 

STABILIZE IT PHASE

 

 

For the first 72 hours after your last hCG injection, you will continue the 500 Calorie per day diet. This is done because you do not want to increase your caloric intake until the hCG has been cleared from your body. Your program packet contains specific information about the foods you will be eating during this time. The stabilization period lasts for three weeks (21 days). While some individuals are tempted to remain on the 500 Calorie per day diet after stopping the injections, this should absolutely not be done. You must be using hCG when eating a very low calorie diet, otherwise you can decrease your metabolism and experience muscle wasting – both of which you do not want.

 

 

The main food restriction during this phase is that all sugars and starches must be avoided for the entire three weeks. You will continue to weigh yourself daily to ensure that your weight never increases beyond two pounds above your last injection weight. If you find that you go over the two pound limit, you are to do a Steak Day that same day. This is used to bring your weight back down and is explained in detail in your program packet. At the end of the three weeks, starches may gradually be added back into the diet, always controlled by morning weighing.

 

 

ADDITIONAL ROUNDS

 

 

If you have more weight to lose and would like to participate in another round of treatment, you may start as soon as you have been cycled off of hCG for at least six weeks. It is recommended that you continue to come to the clinic for weekly weigh-ins during this time.

 

 

COMPLICATING CONDITIONS

 

 

Most individuals are able to participate in the hCG weight loss program. The only groups of people who we do not approve for participation at this time are Type I diabetics (insulin dependant), those with a recent history of cancer, or active gallbladder disease. There is some interesting on-going research showing that hCG may indeed be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, but this research is still relatively new and has not yet shown specifically and definitively as to which cancers hCG will be used. There are other medical conditions that may alter your program course, so be sure to disclose your entire medical history during your visit with the physician.