Can The Hcg Diet Cause Pregnancy Symptoms?

HCG diet programs promote the use of the hormone HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, as a supplement to enhance weight loss. HCG is a hormone associated with pregnancy and some critics of these weight loss programs note that the hormone can produce side effects similar to early pregnancy. While companies that market the hormone for weight loss note that HCG supplements are used in very small quantities, critics note that the hormone has not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for weight loss purposes.

Diet Overview

HCG diet programs require the use of HCG supplements in combination with a 21-to-42-day low-calorie diet plan. HCG supplements are taken by injection, oral drops, or transdermal creams, and proponents and marketers of the diet programs claim that as the hormone enters the bloodstream it helps boost metabolism and burns fat from specific areas such as the arms, belly, buttocks and thighs. Marketers of these programs also claim that HCG helps reduce hunger that could potentially result from the very low-calorie diet.

HCG Side Effects and Pregnancy Symtoms

Many of the side effects produced by HCG supplements mimic those of early pregnancy. Dieters may feel nauseous and experience marked fatigue, irritability and headaches. There is also the potential of more serious mood problems such as anxiety and depression. Marketers of HCG products and diet plans, such as SerenitySpa in San Francisco, California, say that HCG diet supplements contain very low quantities of HCG and can not result in a positive pregnancy test.

Low-Calorie Diet and Hunger

HCG diet programs restrict calorie intake to between 500 and 800 calories per day. While proponents of the plans claim that HCG can help curb hunger, results are highly variable and some individuals will naturally experience significant hunger on the diet. Food options are limited to lean proteins such as chicken fish, and turkey and fresh fruits and vegetables, and some dieters may also experience cravings for their favorite foods that are not allowed on this strict regimine. Some individuals may regard this increased hunger or the occurance of cravings as possible "pregnancy-like" symptoms, but it is likely that hunger or cravings are a result of these dietary restrictions.

Expert Insights

The Mayo Clinic notes that HCG has not been approved by the FDA for use with weight loss and dieting, and HCG supplements marketed by companies are neither inspected nor regulated by the FDA, so their authenticity and safety has been called into question by many critics. The Mayo Clinic notes that weight lost on the diet is likely due to the extremely low calorie diet plan. Likewise, side effects that may be regarded as symptoms of pregnancy caused by the HGC, such as fatigue, upset stomach, and mood changes, may simply be the result of a lack of proper caloric intake.