hCG Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? You're in the right place.

We know that starting any weight loss journey comes with a lot of curiosity, and maybe even a little hesitation — and that’s okay. At hCG Weight Loss Clinic, we believe in transparency, education, and personalized care. This FAQ section is designed to answer your most common questions and help you understand how our medically supervised hCG program works — and why it’s helped thousands of people transform their health and their lives.

If you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — when medically supervised, hCG is safe and effective. Dr. Arnold Petersen, MD, has been using pharmaceutical-grade hCG in his practice for over 50 years. While hCG is not FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, it is FDA-approved for other medical uses and has been safely used as a weight loss tool for more than 70 years.

At hCG Weight Loss Clinic, you’ll receive full medical supervision throughout your journey. This includes an initial consultation with Dr. Petersen (including review of your lab work and medical history), weekly check-ins, and unlimited support via phone and email.

Each round of the program lasts a minimum of 23 days and up to 90 days, followed by a crucial 3-week to 12-week stabilization phase. During this time, you’ll increase your calorie intake while avoiding sugars and starches to lock in your results. Multiple rounds can be completed to attain the your desired outcome.

Results vary by individual, but most participants lose between ½ to 1 pounds per day while actively taking hCG.

  • Men lose on average 1 pound per day.
  • Women lose on average ½ - ¾ of a pound per day.

It’s important to note that men and women tend to lose weight at different rates, and that’s completely normal. Due to biological design, men often experience faster weight loss. This is largely because men naturally have a higher percentage of lean muscle mass and fewer fat cells, which allows their bodies to burn fat more efficiently.

Women, on the other hand, are uniquely designed to support fertility and childbirth — which means they typically carry a higher percentage of body fat and have more fat cells overall. This doesn’t mean weight loss is less effective for women — it simply means the process may look a little different and may take a bit more time.

No matter your starting point or body type, the hCG program is highly effective for both men and women. Our team is here to support your personal journey and celebrate your progress — every step of the way.

One of the most powerful aspects of the hCG weight loss protocol is how targeted it is. Unlike many traditional diets that can lead to a mix of fat, water, and even muscle loss, the hCG protocol is designed to help your body primarily burn abnormal, stored fat.

On average, about 90% of the weight lost on this program comes from fat, not lean muscle or water weight. That means you're not just seeing the number on the scale go down — you're truly reshaping your body by eliminating stubborn fat deposits while preserving your muscle tone and metabolism.

This is one of the reasons our patients are so successful — the fat loss is noticeable, meaningful, and long-lasting.

Not in the way you might expect. hCG helps your body tap into stored fat for energy, which helps minimize true physical hunger. You may experience emotional or habitual cravings early on, but most people are surprised by how satisfied they feel once their body adjusts.

The diet is made up of whole, simple foods you can find at your regular grocery store — no specialty products or powders required. You'll receive a clear meal plan and guidance on how to follow it for best results.

Yes! While it may require a few adjustments, the hCG program can be tailored to support both vegetarian and vegan diets. Some participants notice a bit more hunger without meat-based protein sources, but they still achieve excellent fat loss results.

Nope. Unlike other programs that require you to purchase branded supplements or shakes, our clinic believes in the power of the original hCG protocol. We won’t upsell you on anything unnecessary — the real results come from sticking to the plan.

Because we care about your safety. Bloodwork allows us to ensure you’re medically ready to begin the program and helps us tailor the plan to your needs. In many cases, we can use lab results from your existing provider, so new tests may not always be required.

No exercise is required. The hCG protocol is uniquely effective even without physical activity. Of course, we support any healthy movement you’d like to add — but it's not necessary for weight loss success with this program. Honestly if you exercise too much it can reduce your results.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a natural hormone produced during pregnancy. When used in small, medically supervised doses, it helps trigger the body to release stored fat and use it for energy — leading to rapid, sustainable weight loss.

If you’ve struggled to lose weight with traditional diets or want a medically supervised program that targets stubborn fat, hCG is a great fit. During your consultation, Dr. Petersen will review your health history and lab results to determine if this program is right for you.

After completing the hCG protocol, you’ll move into a stabilization and maintenance phase designed to help your body reset and lock in your new weight. We provide support, tips, and education to help you sustain your results long term.

Absolutely! In fact, men often experience excellent results on the hCG protocol and typically lose weight even faster than women. This program is effective and safe for all adults when properly supervised.

After your initial consultation and lab work review with Dr. Petersen, most patients are able to begin the program within a few days. Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your transformation.

Not at all — in fact, it’s refreshingly simple.

There’s no counting points, no confusing macros, and no endless list of supplements. Just follow the suggested food list, take your daily hCG medication, and drink plenty of water. That’s it.

There’s no magic — just a proven system that works when you stick with it. We’ll guide you every step of the way and keep it as easy and clear as possible so you can focus on your results.

Yes — in fact, many people are surprised by how good they feel!

While you're eating fewer calories, the hCG hormone helps your body unlock and burn stored fat for fuel. That means your body is still getting the energy it needs — just from a different source.

Most participants report feeling energized, mentally clear, and even more motivated as the pounds start to come off. And if you do experience a dip in energy early on, our team is here to support you and make sure everything is on track.

Not at all. You should continue taking any prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Petersen will carefully review your medical history and current medications to ensure the hCG program is safe and appropriate for you. In most cases, medications can be continued without issue. If any adjustments are needed, they’ll be discussed with you in a medically responsible way.

Your health and safety are our top priorities — and we’re here to support your unique needs throughout the entire program

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’re ready to make a big difference in your body, us a call today at 503-252-3750.

We’ll set up a time to talk about how hCG can help you achieve rapid and lasting weight loss.