HCG, which stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that some people take to aid in weight loss. HCG is normally produced by the placenta during pregnancy and can be used to treat infertility in women and stimulate puberty in boys, according to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center in Australia. HCG drops or injections can also be used in conjunction with a very low calorie diet to aid in weight loss, though there are some serious risks associated with this diet plan.
Thyrotoxicosis
If given in high quantities, HCG supplements can result in a condition known as thyrotoxicosis, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. This condition is marked by elevated levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, which helps increase metabolism. On the other hand, thyrotoxicosis can also result in abdominal pain, fever and an irregular heartbeat due to the other effects of elevated thyroid hormone. Thyrotoxicosis can also result in osteoporosis if it goes on for an extended period of time, as the elevated thyroid hormone levels will cause loss of calcium from the bones.
Malnutrition
Another hazard of the HCG diet plan is that it involves a very low calorie diet, MayoClinic.com states. Although diets that are extremely low in calories can produce rapid weight loss, malnutrition is a common problem with these diets. Simply put, any diet plan that involves severe calorie restriction can result in you not getting enough nutrients to keep your body healthy. Although severe calorie restriction can be used for weight loss, you must be under the care of a doctor or experienced dietitian when undergoing one of these extreme diets. In addition, the extreme weight loss that these types of diets can provide can be unhealthy and result in painful side effects, such as gallstones.
Hormonal Imbalance
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone thst can disrupt the balance of sex hormones, also known as androgens. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Center explains that HCG can be used to alter testosterone production in the body. Altering the levels of hormones in the body can have many undesired consequences, such as the enlargement of breasts in men, acne, fatigue, multiple pregnancies, over-stimulation of the ovaries, and sudden changes in mood. Hormonal imbalance can also cause fluid to accumulate in the body, which is also known as edema, as well as hair loss and enlargement of the prostate.
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