Hello there, The problems associated with HcG diet include hair fall, very loose skin as it is almost a starvation diet. A combination which would make you seemingly look older than you are. I do understand that for someone starting a weight loss program at 243 pounds can be daunting but there is no shortcut to losing weight. Even if you do go on an HcG diet the moment you start eating regularly you would put it all back. You need to take baby steps and make little progress week by week and this would result in results over 6 months to a year. These baby steps include- 1) Eating more of fruits and vegetables. Instead of snacking you need to have a fruit. 2) Have regular small meals. 3) Take up physical activity. if you have painful joints then cycling or swimming. If you can tolerate it then brisk walking. 4) Weigh yourself every week and keep a weight chart to motivate yourself. 5) You can take up yoga. it would help your body br more flexible and neck pains and minor problems would be better dealt with by yoga. Thank you for your query, Hope this year you take on your fitness demons and conquer them Dr Arun A