It is a known fact that the common rule to lose weight among several types of diet plans is by consuming lesser calories than one can burn. One could often find it difficult to pick the right diet plan as it has to match with the body metabolism, food choices and lifestyle. Moreover, it is advised to consult a physician's before even trying a diet protocol as one can get an opportunity to select a right one that actually works. One can have an idea about the kind of approach followed by any weight loss plan in order to succeed in losing weight.

Currently, the most widely accepted diet plans are the HCG diet and Atkins diet although medical advice is mandatory before beginning with any plan. The HCG diet includes daily administration of hormone injections followed by the calorie restriction, while the Atkins diet promotes the restricted intake of carbohydrates. One can succeed in achieving the weight loss goal by familiarizing oneself with both concepts. Let's discuss about Dr. Simeons HCG diet plan and Dr. Atkins diet plan in detail.

The HCG Diet protocol was initially known during 1950s but only came into practice in 1970s when Dr. A. T. W. Simeons confirmed its efficacy in managing obesity. The diet requires routine intake of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone injection which is biologically obtained from the pregnant female's urine. These injections should be taken only for certain period. During HCG diet, it is basically recommended to be on a very low-calorie diet of about 500 calories a day or even lesser to initiate the fat burning process in the body. Dr. Simeons recommends taking 2 short meals every day that includes fresh fruits, lean protein sources, and non-starchy vegetables.

While on HCG diet, dieters should cut-off certain carbohydrates however, they can take Grissini breadsticks or Melba toast. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons performed a research to determine the daily ratio of carbohydrate intake to avoid the carbohydrate imbalance. One can control weight even after the HCG diet program as the hypothalamus gland (modulates various functions like hunger, body temperature, thirst, sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythm) is re-set by the body during this period. Based on weight, the low caloric phase of the HCG Diet, can last from between 23 - 45 days. The best part of HCG diet protocol is that you are least likely to develop ketosis as it allows the intake of some carbohydrates.

The Atkins diet was discovered by Dr. Robert C. Atkins during 1970s to promote easy weight loss. The diet includes low carbohydrate intake, especially healthy carbohydrates in an effort to control weight loss. The first phase of it includes consumption of less than 20g of carbohydrates per day which can subsequently be made flexible by taking from 50 to 100g of carbs depending on the carb tolerance. One can take non-starchy vegetables, sausages, cheese, cream, fish, bacon, meat, butter, and coconut oil while avoiding bread, muffins, potatoes, pasta, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, rice, fruits, sugar, and desserts.

The major drawback of Atkins Diet is it fully cuts-off healthy carbs thus forcing the system to encounter ketosis (condition that involves abnormally raised levels of serum ketone bodies. In general, Ketosis is a complication of abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus and long term ketosis causes liver damage. Hence, the Atkins Diet was strongly contended by diet experts. In response, it was revised by allowing essential fats, healthy food, and portion control.

These two diets can be differentiated by a fact that one should take restricted number of calories while on an hcg diet, while the one on Atkins diet requires fewer carbohydrates. The HCG diet plan uses HCG hormone injections which is unique when compared to the Atkins diet that requires low carbs diet.

The HCG diet allows the intake of some carbohydrates like Melba toast and breadsticks and it ensures one from taking necessary amount of carbs daily thus preventing ketosis. In contrary, the Atkins diet includes cutting-off all essential carbs in your daily diet thus predisposing to ketosis condition in addition to weakness, low energy levels and fatigue. In addition, the HCG diet causes permanent weight loss by resetting the hypothalamus gland to permanently get used to intake of smaller increments of nutritious food.

In conclusion, the HCG diet protocol should be considered as it causes provides necessary energy with no unpleasant side effects like bad breath and flatulence as experienced during Atkins diet. The HCG diet causes side effects like depression, restlessness, blood clots, and headache.