Homeopathy is a controversial health practice, typically associated with alternative medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, most homeopathic remedies contain no pharmacologically active ingredients, and there is no compelling evidence that they are effective treatments for any conditions. Homeopathic hormone preparations are sometimes sold for use in weight loss, but there is no evidence that they work. Consult your health care provider if you are unable to lose weight through a sensible diet and exercise program.
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, is sometimes sold in both a homeopathic and non-homeopathic form as a treatment for obesity. This hormone is also known as the pregnancy hormone, because it is only produced naturally in the human body during pregnancy. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Jennifer K. Nelson, there is no evidence that HCG enables weight loss at a greater rate than placebo. It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. However, homeopathic preparations made from HCG are sold over-the-counter for this purpose.
Folliculinum
Although not as popular as homeopathic HCG, homeopathic estrogen is also used as a weight loss remedy, particularly among menopausal and perimenopausal women. According to Erika Price, a doctor of homeopathy, homeopathic estrogen formulas are labeled as folliculinum. Price recommends them as a treatment for weight gain, obesity and fluid retention relating to menopausal hormone imbalances. Like other homeopathic hormone remedies, folliculinum does not contain any chemically active hormones and is not proven to treat any disease or condition.
Safety
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, homeopathic remedies rarely cause serious side effects. Because they are not medicinally active, these products cause side effects at approximately the same rate as a placebo. However, the NCCAM recommends consulting a health care expert before using homeopathic hormones if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or coping with a medical condition. Note that some homeopathic products contain alcohol and may be inappropriate for recovering alcoholics.
Alternatives
No weight loss product can effectively replace a healthy diet and exercise program. If you are interested in losing weight, reduce your daily calorie intake and consume a higher quantity of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit your intake for saturated fat, red meat, refined sugar and "white" grain products. Exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes per day. If you still have trouble losing weight, visit your health care provider to rule out an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease.
