HCG Drops vs Oral HCG Tablets vs Patches: Which Is Best for Your HCG Diet?
- Dr. Zachary Laboube
- Mar 16
- 7 min read
GLP-1 Alternatives Series
This article is part of our GLP-1 Alternatives Series, where we explore natural and structured weight-loss strategies that do not rely on pharmaceutical injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications.
If you're researching safer, more affordable approaches to losing 20–50 pounds, you may want to start with our main comparison article 👉 GLP-1s: Not Rapid Weight Loss, Not Affordable Weight Loss and Not Even Comparable to the HCG Diet
Choosing the right delivery method is one of the most common questions people ask before starting the HCG 2.0 diet. The delivery method is how you consume the HCG hormone so that it can begin working for you. Fortunately, bio-science has improved tremendously so HCG injections are no longer the only option. We've recently added HCG patches and digestible tablets to our store.
Which is right for you? Should you use HCG drops, HCG tablets, or HCG patches?
The short answer is that they all work, but the best option depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and how much weight you want to lose.
One of the reasons the HCG 2.0 protocol is so effective is that it is personalized. The program is individualized in two important ways:
• Product delivery method (drops, tablets, or patches)
• Your calorie intake is based on your gender and body type using a unique BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculation.
This allows each person to follow a program designed for their gender, body type, and metabolic needs, rather than forcing everyone into the same rigid diet plan.
How Much Weight Do You Want to Lose?
Before choosing your HCG product, it’s helpful to start with a simple question: How much weight do you want to lose?
Under 10 Pounds:
If your goal is less than 10 pounds, you may not need a full round of HCG. Instead, many people do very well using the Curb Patch combined with a short low-carb reset.
A common strategy is:
• Week 1: semi-strict low-carb diet
• Week 2: very strict low-carb diet
The Curb Patch helps control appetite and reduce cravings, which makes sticking to the plan much easier.
If your goal is weight loss:
• Apply a new patch every other day
If your goal is maintenance:
• Replace the patch every three days
Many people are surprised how effective this simple approach can be.
If You Want to Lose More Than 10 Pounds:
If your goal is 10 pounds or more, the best approach is usually a full round of the HCG 2.0 diet protocol.
Average results for most people are:
• 20–30 pounds lost• 30–40 days
One of the most motivating aspects of the program is that the most dramatic weight loss often happens during the first two weeks, which helps build momentum and confidence.
HCG Drops vs Oral HCG Tablets vs Patches
Now let’s look at the three primary delivery methods. Each has its own advantages depending on your preferences.
HCG Drops
The HCG drops have been the staple product at InsideOut Wellness since Dr. Zach opened his practice in 2010. Thousands of customers have successfully used drops to reach their weight-loss goals.
Why Many People Choose Drops
• Proven track record
• Simple to use
• Cost-effective option
• Trusted by long-time HCG dieters
For many experienced HCG users, the drops remain the classic go-to product.
HCG Tablets
For first-time dieters, the HCG tablets (pellets) are often a popular choice.
They are slightly more expensive than the drops, but many people appreciate the ease and consistency of tablet dosing.
Why Some People Prefer Tablets
• Easy and convenient dosing
• Great for first-time HCG users
• No measuring required
• Reliable delivery method
If this is your first round of HCG, tablets can provide some extra peace of mind.
HCG Patches
Personally, the HCG patches are my product of choice. Why? Because they are incredibly convenient.
Stick it and forget it. The patches are also loaded with a variety of appetite suppressants and natural energy boosters, which help many people feel great while dieting.
Advantages of the HCG Patch
• Extremely convenient
• Continuous delivery throughout the day
• Appetite control support
• Energy support while dieting
Many users report that they almost forget to eat, which makes staying within their calorie target much easier.
Should You Combine HCG with Other Supplements?
It’s not strictly necessary, but many people like to add a few additional supplements for extra support.
Popular Options During the Diet
Raspberry Ketones - The active hormone in the raspberry ketones is called adiponectin. It supports fat catabolism, which is the metabolic breakdown of fat. These are often used during the active diet phase.
Curb Patch - If you’ve struggled with dieting in the past, adding the Curb Patch can provide an extra boost. Days 4–6 of the HCG diet can sometimes be the most challenging because the HCG hormone works on a cumulative basis. The Curb Patch can help bridge that gap to optimal ketosis (fat burning) by controlling hunger during those early days. Many users actually cut the patches in half because they are so effective.
Garcinia Cambogia - is often used after the diet, especially when carbohydrates are slowly reintroduced. It disrupts the body's ability to convert excess carbs into stored fat. This makes it a helpful tool during the transition into maintenance.
The Most Important Phase: Maintenance
Everyone loses weight on HCG 2.0. The real difficulty is keeping it off. It's fine to focus heavily on losing weight, but the first two to three weeks after the diet are critical in maintaining it. When you lose fat reserves rapidly, your body is very determined to replenish them. You have to give you body time to adjusts to your new weight.
During this period, it’s important to:
• slowly reintroduce foods
• avoid excess carbohydrates
• maintain appetite control
A combination of the Curb Patch and Garcinia Plus has worked extremely well for many people during this phase. Dr. Zach often explains that maintaining weight loss is about building sustainable habits, not perfection.
Many people gain a few pounds during the winter months — and that’s perfectly normal.
A short round of HCG each spring can easily reset your weight and get you back on track.
Fasting and The Fast Patch
Another strategy some people incorporate during maintenance is fasting.
The Fast Patch was originally developed as an appetite control patch, but many people now use it while fasting. I personally use it for water fasting, meaning a water only diet for sometimes up to three days.
Dr. Zach's Fasting Schedule:
• 1 day water fast each week
• 3 day water fast once per month
Fasting triggers a natural process called autophagy, where the body breaks down weaker or damaged cells and uses their components to build healthier new cells.
Dr. Zach often compares autophagy to composting a garden — using weak and broken down cells to create new healthy cells. This is a great detox method.
Fasting also helps people become more conscious of their relationship with food.
Between shopping, cooking, eating, and cleaning up, food can consume a lot of time and mental energy. Fasting creates a new awareness that often leads to healthier eating habits long term.
The Bottom Line
The best HCG product ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the proven simplicity of drops.
Others like the convenience of the oral HCG tablets.
And many people love the stick-and-forget convenience of patches.
The key advantage of the HCG 2.0 protocol is that it allows you to personalize both:
• your product delivery method
• your calorie intake based on BMR
This individualized approach is one of the reasons so many people are able to successfully lose 20–30 pounds in 30–40 days.
More Articles in the GLP-1 Alternatives Series
And if you’re still researching alternatives to weight-loss injections, you can start with the main article title GLP-1s: Not Rapid Weight Loss, Not Affordable Weight Loss and Not Comparable to the HCG Diet
Below are answers to common questions people ask about GLP-1 injections, Ozempic alternatives, and rapid weight-loss diets.
People Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions About HCG and GLP-1 Alternatives
Do GLP-1 injections cause muscle loss?
GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to some loss of lean muscle mass along with fat loss. Studies suggest that a portion of the weight lost while using GLP-1 medications may come from muscle if protein intake and resistance training are not maintained. This can occur with many forms of rapid weight loss.
Because of this, many experts recommend combining any weight-loss program with adequate protein intake and strength training to help preserve muscle mass.
Is Ozempic faster than dieting?
For most people, Ozempic is not considered a rapid weight-loss solution. Many patients must use GLP-1 medications for three to four months before seeing significant weight loss, and the process is generally gradual.
Structured diet programs, particularly those designed for rapid fat loss such as the HCG diet protocol, may produce faster early results for individuals looking to lose 20–30 pounds in a shorter time frame. The best approach depends on the individual’s health status, weight-loss goals, and medical guidance.
What is the fastest diet to lose 20 pounds?
The fastest diets to lose around 20 pounds are typically structured programs that combine calorie control, carbohydrate restriction, and metabolic support. Many people report losing 20–30 pounds in about 30–40 days when following the HCG diet protocol correctly.
Rapid weight loss tends to occur most dramatically during the first two weeks, which helps create motivation and momentum. Regardless of the method, long-term success depends on maintaining healthy eating habits after the diet phase is complete.
Are there alternatives to Wegovy?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Wegovy for people looking to lose weight. Some individuals pursue structured diet programs, low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting protocols, or medically supervised weight-loss plans.
Others prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches that focus on nutrition, metabolic balance, and lifestyle changes. The right option depends on a person’s health, weight-loss goals, and whether they prefer a medication-based approach or a diet-based strategy.
Written by Dr. Zach LaBoube
Author of HCG 2.0 - Don't Starve, Eat Smart and Lose: A Modern Adaptation of the Traditional HCG Diet
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