Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is produced in the placenta of pregnant women. It has legitimate uses for a very small group of medical conditions. Although hCG products have been promoted for weight loss, the FDA, examining the studies of it conducted by reputable doctors, has concluded that it is ineffective. Before taking hCG or embarking on an extreme calorie-restricted diet, consult your health care provider.
Effective Uses of HCG
There are three conditions for which the FDA has approved use of hCG. They are
prepubertal cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles in males; male infertility due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman.
HCG Ineffective for Weight Loss
HCG has not been approved for weight loss. The FDA considers promotion and sales of hCG for weight loss fraudulent and illegal. Moreover, hCG is not recognized as a legitimate homeopathic drug. Although some stores and websites continue to promote and sell human growth hormone for weight loss, these practices are illegal.
Studies of HCG Diets
The hCG diet requires that you eat no more than 500 to 800 calories a day and receive one injection a week of hCG. According to Stephen Barrett, M.D., several studies have shown that you lose no more weight with the injections than you would lose on the same diet without the injections. There is no evidence that hCG affects fat distribution. Moreover, the severe calorie-restricted diet itself is unsafe for extended periods.
HCG Diet Side Effects
Gallstones are a possible side effect of the rapid weight loss produced by extended extreme calorie-restricted diets. Also, hCG can cause headaches, fatigue, irritability and male breast enlargement.
References
- USAToday.com; HCG Weight-loss Products are Fraudulent, FDA Says;" Nanci Hellmich, January 2011
- MayoClinic.com; "Does the HCG Diet Work --- and Is It Safe?" Jennifer K. Nelson, June 2010
- Drugs.com: Novarel
- "The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics"; Evaluation of Low-dose HCG Treatment for Cryptorchidism; Z. Aycan, et al.; 2006
- "Journal of Andrology"; Gonadotropin Therapy for Infertile Men With Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism; A. Schudnovsky, et al.; May 2007
- Diet Scam Watch; HCG Worthless as Weight-Loss Aid, Stephen Barrett, M.D.; May 2010
