What is HCG?

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women.  It was first used for weight loss over 60 years ago by British physician Albert Simeons who treated children with Frohlich’s syndrome (a condition usually associated with tumors of the hypothalamus and causing increased appetite). Dr. Simeons combined HCG with an ultra-low-calorie diet (~500 cal/day).

Does HCG work for weight loss?

No, it doesn’t.  We’ve looked at it extensively and there is no credible evidence that it suppresses appetite or helps distribute fat during weight loss.

But don’t just take our word for it.  See what others have to say:

Federal Agencies Act to Remove HCG Weight Loss Products
Read the press release, dated December 6, 2011

Federal Drug Administration:

The FDA requires the following labeling on all HCG products:  “HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity.  There is no substantial evidence that it 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-restricted diets.”

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA):

“There was no statistically significant difference between those receiving HCG vs placebo during any phase of this study.”  

American Society of Bariatric Physicians:

“Numerous clinical trials have shown HCG to be ineffectual in producing weight loss.”  

Journal of Family Practice:

“Treatment of obesity with human chorionic gonadotrophin was shown to be of no better value than saline in a double-blind crossover study of weight reduction in obese subjects.”  

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN):

“HGC per se offered no advantage over placebo injections in regard to weight loss, distribution of fat lost, or hunger index during weight reduction.”  

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology:

“A meta-analysis was conducted to assess if there is scientific ground for the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity.  We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.”  

<b>It’s clear that HCG doesn’t live up to its hype.</b>
When combined with a typical ultra-low-calorie diet of 500 calories per day, people do lose weight.  But the weight loss is due to the severe calorie restriction, not the HCG.  Furthermore, this level of calorie restriction can be dangerous to your health, lead to the loss of lean muscle mass, and often results in regaining body fat after terminating the diet.  Over the counter (OTC) HCG was recently banned by the FDA.  Prescription controlled HCG is still available and may remain so because it doesn’t directly harm you (the FDA’s job is to protect the public from things that hurt you).  But we believe in practicing good medicine, so we don’t use HCG.