HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is a hormone that the female body produces during pregnancy. Essentially, the hormone’s native function tells the brain to release fat stores. This led formulators and manufacturers to advertise the benefits of HCG supplementation for the treatment of obesity.
The HCG diet was invented in 1954 by Albert Simeons, where he claimed that severe 500 calorie diets, matched with daily HCG injections, would cause significant long-term weight loss. Simeons also argued that the HCG treatment would help preferentially target the weight loss of fat over muscle, and also help suppress patients’ appetites. Patients did lose weight on Simeons’ program, but was it the shots or the diet that made the biggest impact?
500 calorie diets are guaranteed to promote weight loss, but they are also very risky, causing muscle loss, decreased metabolism, and nutrient deficiencies. In fact, most clinical studies recommend restricting caloric intake no lower than 1200 calories per day.
LabDoor’s review of high-quality, double blind studies of HCG weight loss treatments found clinical trials dating as far back as 1976 proving the ineffectiveness of HCG for weight reduction. Further studies in 1990 and 1997 confirmed this finding: there is no statistically-significant measure proving the efficacy of HCG for the treatment of obesity.
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription HCG
There is a big difference between prescription and non-prescription HCG intake. Prescription HCG treatments are FDA-approved for a number of ailments, including as a fertility remedy supporting the induction of ovulation.
However, the FDA has repeatedly stated that “There is no substantial evidence that HCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restrictive diets.”
Non-prescription HCG drops are even less likely to provide real efficacy for the treatment of obesity. These treatments are not subject to any regulatory oversight and contain trace amounts of its labeled active ingredient, if any. The FDA officially banned all homeopathic and/or over-the-counter HCG diet products in December 2011.
Another major problem with HCG drops is they are often advertised through online pharmacies and other unlicensed distributors. The products purchased could be contaminated, expired, or mislabeled, leading to serious health risks for the user. It is vital that all medical treatments are always obtained from a licensed and reputable source for safety.
With all of this information in hand, it is clear that there is no scientific evidence that HCG drops work for weight loss. No study has shown that HCG drops or injections provide any health benefits. Don’t waste your money or risk your health on these dangerous placebos and hazardous dietary restrictions.
Note: All supplement and medical treatments should be reviewed by a physician or other health professional, especially those who advocate severe dietary restrictions or other practices with major health risks and expected side effects.
- Header Image: Nomadic Lass (Flickr)
- Does the HCG diet work – and is it safe? – Mayo Clinic
- HCG Drops Aren’t Effective for Weight Loss, Experts Say – Huffington Post
- The HCG Diet: Fact vs. Fiction – Doctor Oz
- HCG Diet Products Are Illegal – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)