Human chorionic gonadotropin, HGC, is a hormone produced naturally during pregnancy and used as a drug to treat infertility. In addition, various weight loss clinics offer the HCG diet, which involves injections or supplements of HGC and severe calorie restriction. No high-quality studies have been conducted regarding HGC and weight loss, according to Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Jennifer K. Nelson, and weight loss may result solely from eating fewer calories. Since HGC is associated with numerous side effects, seek guidance from your doctor.
Thyrotoxicosis
HCG has a structure similar to hormones that stimulate your thyroid gland, which helps regulate your body's metabolism, energy and sensitivity to other hormones. According to Philip A. Mackowiak, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, HCG, if administered for certain lengths of time and dosages can trigger thyrotoxicosis, or sudden hyperthyroidism symptoms such as fever, mental confusion, abdominal pain, weight loss, irregular or racing heartbeat, irritability and perspiration. In severe cases, thyrotoxicosis can lead to hospitalization or death.
Headaches, Fatigue and Irritability
The HCG diet typically involves restricting your calories to between 500 and 800 calories per day---an amount far below most adults' daily requirements. This severe calorie restriction and, potentially, the drug itself can lead to headaches, physical fatigue and emotional irritability, according to Nelson. These symptoms may make it difficult to tend to normal daily activities, work tasks and interfere with exercise. If you have history of depression, anxiety or related psychological illnesses, your risk for irritability and other mood complications may be heightened. Irritability may also stem from emotional deprivation and hunger, since you'll be limited from normal-sized meals and food quantities.
Gallstones
Since the HGC diet restricts your calories significantly, you may lose weight rapidly. Rapid weight loss, of more than 3 pounds of weight per week, increases your risk for gallstones --- pebble-like deposits in your gallbladder, according to the Weight-control Information Network. Gallstones can cause pain, inflammation, nausea, vomiting, fever and may require medical treatment. Once you develop gallstones, you may experience recurrent episodes of symptoms, known as gallbladder attacks. If your attacks are severe or frequent, your doctor may suggest surgery to have your gallbladder removed.
Male Breast Enlargement
HCG hormones may affect men differently than women. Since the hormone replicates a female reproductive hormone, some men experience enlarged breast tissue, according to Nelson. This condition, known as gynecomastia, though relatively harmless physically, can cause emotional discomfort and embarrassment. Mens' breast size may or may not reduce once the HCG hormones are stopped.
Weight Gain
Calorie restriction and rapid weight loss generally produce temporary results. Once you stop the HCG weight loss diet and begin eating more normally, you will likely regain the weight you lost, much of which was water loss, rather than body fat loss. Extreme dieting also increases your risk for binge eating behaviors significantly. If you follow the HCG diet long-term, your metabolism may slow down, making it more difficult to lose weight and easier to gain weight. Excessive weight gain increases your risk for high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
References
- Mayo Clinic: HCG Diet: Is it Safe and Effective?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Controversial Weight Loss Treatment May Have Contributed to the Early Death of 1950's Film and Recording Star, Mario Lanza
- Weight-control Information Network: Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths
- National Eating Disorder Association: Statistics: Eating Disorders and Their Precursors
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