Does SlimFast work?

[Anita18]

This diet has been around a long time (it's not something new like they advertise) and it has been shown to be dangerous. The hCG hormone they have you taking has a lot of possible side effects including death.

The people who market this know this so they have flooded the web with fake "HGC Dangers" sites that then tell you that the side effects are minor (headaches, tiredness, irritability) and not to be worried about as they are "not as dangerous as being obese". Of course, everyone of these sites also SELLS the hCG diet drops. Plus, most people on this diet aren't obese.

What they don't tell you about are the serious side-effects:

-shortness of breath
-swelling of extremities
-ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - which is life-threatening (only applies to women)
-allergic reactions including hives, swelling, anaphylactic shock (which can cause death)
-depression
-pain and swelling in the breasts (happens to men too, not just women)

The thing is, there is no evidence that the hCG actually does anything when it comes to the diet. It's supposed to make you not be hungry so you can survive on the 500 calories a day but there is no evidence that it actually does that.

One of my classmates mentioned that a relative (one who was older but otherwise healthy) tried the HCG diet, and that they believe it contributed to her heart failure afterwards. Apparently you're supposed to gorge yourself first and then starve? Sounds totally

[redonthehead]

I've also read (somewhere I can't remember, so take this for what it's worth) that sometimes when we think we're hungry, we're actually just thirsty. So maybe if you are "hungry" all the time, trying drinking some water and see what happens.

That's true. Also, when you start drinking lots of water, you're body will get it's natural thrist back. So, if you don't get in enough water in a day, your body will let you know.

We're required to drink at least 64 oz a day with a goal of 100+. Another person that is on the MRC diet dr. told her that as a good rule of thumb, you need to drink at least as much water as whatever the outside temperature is that particular day.

[Anita18]

That's true. Also, when you start drinking lots of water, you're body will get it's natural thrist back. So, if you don't get in enough water in a day, your body will let you know.

We're required to drink at least 64 oz a day with a goal of 100+. Another person that is on the MRC diet dr. told her that as a good rule of thumb, you need to drink at least as much water as whatever the outside temperature is that particular day.

Er, every body is different. I'd still go by what your pee looks like. If it's medium to dark yellow, you're not drinking enough.

My stomach cannot handle anywhere close to a gallon of any liquid in a day. It feels like it's all going to come up. In response, I sit and don't move until I feel better, which can be hours later. (So much for being active, right?) Pre-colonoscopy day is NOT fun for anyone in my family.

Oh yeah, I remember reading an article about it and I've found it now:

http://articles.latimes.com/2000/nov/20/health/he-54596

Consider that first commandment of good health: Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This unquestioned rule is itself a question mark. Most nutritionists have no idea where it comes from. "I can't even tell you that," says Barbara Rolls, a nutrition researcher at Pennsylvania State University, "and I've written a book on water."

...

Kidney specialists do agree on one thing, however: that the 8-by-8 rule is a gross overestimate of any required minimum. To replace daily losses of water, an average-sized adult with healthy kidneys sitting in a temperate climate needs no more than one liter of fluid, according to Jurgen Schnermann, a kidney physiologist at the National Institutes of Health.

One liter is the equivalent of about four 8-ounce glasses. According to most estimates, that's roughly the amount of water most Americans get in solid food. In short, though doctors don't recommend it, many of us could cover our bare-minimum daily water needs without drinking anything during the day.

[vesperholly]

Does anybody know anything about the HCG 5000 diet? My boyfriend's been wanting to lose a few pounds and heard an ad on the radio and called right away. It's some droplets you take before every meal, and is suppose to drop multiple pounds per day. I was skeptical about it to start (as I am with all of those weight loss supplements), and after he received it in the mail, we were reading the directions and there is a 500-calorie per day limit. I'm not at all convinced about this stuff (especially because you're basically starving yourself), and as far as I am concerned, 500 calories per day is simply unhealthy -- especially for a 5'11, 23 year old male, supplements or not. He's been trying to do research to try to convince me that it is a good thing and that it works, saying that Dr. Oz endorsed it, etc, but I am doubtful my opinion will change.

I read an article on slate.com, in which one of their top editors was proclaiming how well it worked for her. She says that she took the drops (to the tune of $450 apiece), and ate 500cals of lean protein and veggies and lost weight like crazy!

[MacMadame]

I can very, very easily convince myself that I'm hungry when I'm not, especially since I get stomach aches that feel very similar to hunger.

I'm not talking about thinking you are hungry when you aren't. I'm talking about your body making too much ghrelin so you actually are physically hungry and drinking water or doing a 'head hunger' test doesn't assuage the hunger because it's real.

Yo-yo dieting can cause this, btw. Which is one reason why people who go on big diets (not losing 5 pounds so your clothes fit better) often find themselves getting heavier and heavier instead of thinner and thinner.

[manhn]

I have no advice wrt diet, but in terms of exercise, it seems you prefer to exercise outdoors. While that may be harder to do in the winter, you may have to adjust your thinking when it comes to exercise. For me, I have never "looked forward" to a workout--I just do it. Just like work (who wants to do that?). Maybe you could frame working out in the winter as a means of preparing for your summer outdoor activities (whatever those may be).

I am a big proponent of group exercises, like cardio kickbox, step and indoor cycling.

If you have a regular exercise plan, you will adjust your diet to ensure that you can optimally work out (try working out after pigging out--it sucks!). Just don't make excuses for not working out.

[Angelskates]

Gaz - my advice is that if you're worried enough to consider a short term diet like Slim Fast (or anything else short term), it's time to see your doctor, a nutritionist/dietician and maybe also a personal trainer. Really, everyone is unique and no one method works for everyone either for losing weight, maintaining weight, putting weight or generally being healthy. You need to investigate long term options for overall health (not just weight).

[Bev Johnston]

I can very, very easily convince myself that I'm hungry when I'm not, especially since I get stomach aches that feel very similar to hunger. What sometimes works for me is to ask myself if I would feel better if I ate a carrot or other food that I like but don't crave. If the answer is yes, then I'm actually hungry.

I like this. :-)

Personally, my biggest problem is that sometimes I just like EATING whether I am hungry or not. (That's why I need to keep my mind occupied in the afternoon.) I also find that my love of eating comes in waves. Some weeks, I don't have much of an appetite or feel the need for eating in between meals. Other weeks, I could seriously consider strapping on a feed bag.

[galaxygirl]

I like this. :-)

Personally, my biggest problem is that sometimes I just like EATING whether I am hungry or not. (That's why I need to keep my mind occupied in the afternoon.) I also find that my love of eating comes in waves. Some weeks, I don't have much of an appetite or feel the need for eating in between meals. Other weeks, I could seriously consider strapping on a feed bag.

I have the same issue. Dammit, I just love my food! I've had a sore throat due to allergies for several weeks and last night I had Fritos and hot bean dip for dinner (I know, I know... ). It felt *so good* on my throat that I ate twice as much as I should have.

[PDilemma]

Maybe find an indoor activity that you like? Drop-in dance class? Zumba, Bolly, Hip Hop? Indoor tennis? Ice skating? That seems easier to me than trying to diet. I think it is natural to crave heavy food and want to cocoon in cold weather. Finding something socially enjoyable as well as active may motivate you to resist.

I sympathize with the OP's exercise issue. The economy sucks. And all the things you listed cost money--a lot of money. Drop-in dance is a minimum of $12 a class around here and my guess is more elsewhere (plus I would have to drive about 30 miles to get there). Wiis and Playstations and the exercise "games" that go with them also cost money. Plus they require space. Space is not something we can afford right now, either.

Getting on my bike and riding on the rec trail is free. So I have the same problem with exercise in the winter.

[Veronika]

You can make all sorts of excuses to not exercise in bad weather--but you can buy DVDs and do them at home. If you have a 4x4 space in front of the TV, it's possible...I've done it.

[myhoneyhoney]

I agree with Veronika. I've bought DVD's from Target/Walmart and borrowed from Netflix. My favorite ones are Billy Blank's Tae Bo and the Firm's. Add a couple of dumbbells (around $5-12 each) and you've got a killer work out! Lost almost 20 lbs doing that because I couldn't afford to go to the gym and even if I did the $$, I don't have babysitters. It can be done!

[PDilemma]

I agree with Veronika. I've bought DVD's from Target/Walmart and borrowed from Netflix. My favorite ones are Billy Blank's Tae Bo and the Firm's. Add a couple of dumbbells (around $5-12 each) and you've got a killer work out! Lost almost 20 lbs doing that because I couldn't afford to go to the gym and even if I did the $$, I don't have babysitters. It can be done!

I literally do not have $5. Spending that on a dvd means $5 less to spend on food. And I have about $120 to feed two people plus meet my personal needs each month.

Nor do I have a 4'x4' space. There is not that much free space anywhere in my residence.

Life is not that easy for some of us right now. It's not an excuse. It's just reality. And I didn't say I don't do anything all winter. I was just pointing out that it is more difficult for people who have limited funds and live in small spaces when you cannot get outside due to weather.

[Veronika]

You might want to look up Leslie Sansone's walking system--it's basically walking/marching in place. You can also run in place (or do intervals) and add weights. It takes little space, and you can watch TV while you are doing it.

To give you an idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_5jioGx8wI

[moojja]

There's also the prison workout. Just an example:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/prison-workout/

From personal experience, the burpee by itself if more than enough for a workout. But also from person experience, going to a class or hiking just feels easier even if you're are burning the same amount of calories. I think there is a mental/emotional component to exercising that is hard to explain or calculate. But I bet, for most people, they can do more sets if they're outdoors than if they're at home.

FYI, I found also some nice yoga classes on youtube. I personally would not use them or even a DVD unless you have previous yoga experience. With yoga, correct posture and alignment is everything and you really need an instructor who can correct you.

[PrincessLeppard]

I have a friend who runs in any kind of weather. The only exception is an ice storm. And I'm pretty sure he at least tried it.

So when I whine about the weather being bad and I "can't run," I remind myself of him. And then drag my butt outside. Or I did. Now I joined a gym that I can walk to; of course, now I have to walk over there in any kind of weather.

[attyfan]

Is there an office building with lots of stairs that you can use, perhaps before or after work? If so, this could l give you a good work out, without having to go outside when its cold.

[Badams]

Do jumping jack, squat trusts, sit ups, squats, push ups...all free.

[LilJen]

I literally do not have $5. Spending that on a dvd means $5 less to spend on food. And I have about $120 to feed two people plus meet my personal needs each month.

Nor do I have a 4'x4' space. There is not that much free space anywhere in my residence.

Life is not that easy for some of us right now. It's not an excuse. It's just reality. And I didn't say I don't do anything all winter. I was just pointing out that it is more difficult for people who have limited funds and live in small spaces when you cannot get outside due to weather.

Libraries often have exercise tapes or DVDs that you can check out--FREE!!!

I have had NO luck with trying to lose some weight/volume the last few years (yeah, gotta love 40+) until I started WW this summer. I find the points system a lot easier to follow than calories (it's just EASIER!), and they also have the "Good Health Guidelines," which have encouraged me to eat a fair amount more veggies and take in more fluids. I find that my eating hasn't really changed that much. I always ate healthily, rarely drank, rarely splurged on goodies, but I've limited cheese, nuts, fatty meats, and starchy stuff (bread, pasta) and it's helped a lot. The eating more veggies has definitely helped to keep me satisfied (a lot of veggies do not have any "points" toward your daily/weekly totals).

Oh, and I second someone else's recommendation for weight or resistance training. If you don't have access to weights, you can use a stretchy band (easy to find at stores), or if you're really desperate a bungee cord would probably do. I figured this was one way to get back some of the lean tissue that the body naturally starts to lose after age 35, and I have indeed peeled off an inch here, an inch there. Plus I'm back to bench pressing what I used to press as a very strong 12-year-old gymnast

[Anita18]

I have the same issue. Dammit, I just love my food! I've had a sore throat due to allergies for several weeks and last night I had Fritos and hot bean dip for dinner (I know, I know... ). It felt *so good* on my throat that I ate twice as much as I should have.

Eating Fritos on a sore throat? I thought Fritos were disgusting slices of salt when I'm healthy!

Is there an office building with lots of stairs that you can use, perhaps before or after work? If so, this could l give you a good work out, without having to go outside when its cold.

Yeah my first semester back in school I walked up five stories to my drawing class twice a week carrying all of my supplies. I didn't go to the gym much then but I figured at least it was something.

LilJen is right too - libraries often have exercise DVDs you can check out for free.