The hCG diet: Effective or worthless?

November 4, 3:28 PMCharlotte Diet and Exercise ExaminerDenise Reynolds, RD LD/N

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hCG injections are part of a diet program for rapid weight loss.
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The hCG diet was first introduced over 50 years ago by Dr. Albert T Simeons, but is gaining popularity in many of today’s weight loss clinics.

HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone present in both men and women, but which is produced in great amounts in pregnant females. During pregnancy, the substance controls the woman’s metabolic functions. In non-pregnant persons, research suggests that hCG similarly stimulates metabolism, causing thousands of calories in stored fat to be released and used by the body or expelled.

The protocol for the hCG diet consists of injected or topical hormone in combination with a very low calorie diet (VLCD), about 500 calories a day. The low calorie diet is prescribed to keep the fat cells from immediately taking in more fat. Many physicians also restrict the types of food eaten. Protein is stressed, and starches, fat and alcohol are avoided. Food such as milk are also prohibited because of its estrone content, and bananas because of an enzyme that is said to prevent the body from losing fat.

Promoters of the diet claim an average weight loss of 1 to 3 pounds per day. In addition, hCG is thought to provide satiety to improve the dieter’s relationship with food and eating.

HCG has been studied in multiple medical journals since the 1970’s, with most finding no scientific evidence that the hormone is effective in that it does not bring about fat redistribution nor reduce hunger. The FDA has not approved it for weight loss (it is approved as a fertility treatment), but medical doctors can prescribe it off-label for that use.

Side effects are said to be uncommon, but can include headaches, irritability, restlessness, water retention, breast tenderness, swelling at the injection site, and depression. A serious complication from the use of hCG is the development of ovarian hyperstimulation in females. Symptoms include tremendous pelvic pain, swelling of feet, legs and hands, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, and a diminishing of urination. Immediate medical attention is advised.

Treatments can be costly; a one-month prescription typically costs about $150. Experts strongly discourage dieters from purchasing this product online or through unreputable sources, as the product would not be regulated and could cause harm.