HCG...Weightloss Miracle?

Everyone who ever went on a diet DREAMS of a pill that would do the work for them. The latest buzz is that a product known as HCG could be a dream come true. So what is it? It is a hormone that is released at the time of pregnancy and is the deciding factor on whether you test ‘positive’ on a pregnancy test. Now I just finished years of studying for my Masters in Nutrition and I never recall HCG being mentioned as a weight loss supplement.  My honest gut reaction was “are you telling me a hormone we release during pregnancy, a time when women EXPAND and gain weight is the key to losing weight? You have got to be kidding me.” Then I stuffed the “cynical me” back into her box and took a minute to look into the claims of HCG’s amazing weight loss results.

Basically my research proved that my gut instinct was right. HCG is no magic cure for your ‘muffin top’ or the ‘roof over your shed’. The diet you are put on while receiving injections and HCG and some drops to take under your tongue is a 500 calorie diet. Now anyone is going to lose weight if you STARVE THEM! Look at the reality show “Survivor” and ask yourself – what is more likely the reason for their weight loss? Now don’t just shout out the answer…think carefully. Ready? THEY ARE STARVING!!!!

Don’t believe me then see for yourself…the proof is in the research both past and present:

A 1977 study stated that…“Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been claimed to aid in weight reduction by reducing hunger, and affecting mood as well as aiding in localized (spot) reduction. We have tested these claims in a double-blind randomized trial using injections of HCG or placebo. Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.” (1) 

A 1990 study concluded that…“Subjects receiving HCG injections showed no advantages over those on placebo in respect of any of the variables recorded. Furthermore, weight loss on our diet was similar to that on severely restricted intake. We conclude that there is no rationale for the use of HCG injections in the treatment of obesity” (2)

You have been warned! Now help someone save a few bucks and tell them to read this blog. Have a great day and be good to your body everyday!

 Sources:

(1) Greenway FL, Bray GA: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity-A critical assessment of the Simeons method. West J Med 127: 461-463, Dec 1977

(2) Bosch B, Venter I, Stewart RI, Bertram SR . Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Parowvallei, CP  Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. S Afr Med J. 1990 Feb 17;77(4):185-9.