The HCG Diet: Let the Buyer Beware

hCG: The Human Pregnancy Hormone

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta in a pregnant woman. This hormone is vital to the development of the embryo, and increases the production of male and female sex hormones.

The Diet is Born

hCG helps "kickstart" natural testosterone production, and complements anabolic androgenic steroids. In 1954, a British physician by the name of A.T.W. Simeons developed a diet based on calorie restriction (a 500kCal/day diet) and the injection of hCG to increase the rate of weight loss. Recent double-blind, peer reviewed studies show the effect of hCG on dieting is dubious, at best.

The premise behind the hCG diet is that the dieter will restrict caloric intake (common to all diets) while taking a "supplement" of hCG. The hCG in the newest version of the hCG diet is delivered orally, though the original method in experiments by Dr. Simeons was by injection.

There are three "phases" to the hCG diet:

• Phase 1: Preparation

This phase is the creation of Kevin Trudeau, a convicted felon and infomercial salesman best known for promoting alternative medicine. Phase 1 involves preparing the body and mind for the looming, intense "Phase 2." Relaxing CD's, eating organic food, and eliminating MSG from the diet are among the recommendations.

• Phase 2: Reduction

Two days of "loading" are followed by a very low calorie diet (VLCD). The VLCD must be 500 calories per day or less, and must be followed for a minimum of 25 days. The hCG supplement is taken for each day of the low calorie diet, until two days prior to the end of the VLCD. At day 23, the dieter discontinues the hCG, but continues the diet for another two days.

• Phase 3: Intermittent Maintenance Phase

The third phase must be followed for a minimum of 21 days following Phase 2, according to "HCG coaches." This involves a morning weight, to verify there has been no change greater than 2 pounds from the last day of hCG dosing. The diet then takes a high protein/low carbohydrate slant: dieters may resume typical eating habits as long as they refrain from foods with a high glycemic index.

While people have lost weight on the hCG diet, it has absolutely nothing to do with the hCG. The calorie limitations cause weight loss, but the addition of hCG has no more effect than taking a sugar pill every morning. Many peer-reviewed, scientific studies have demonstrated the hCG diet is not effective:

1. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (September 1976) found there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of weight loss between individuals given hCG and those receiving a placebo.
2. A German study (July 1987) indicated not only was the hCG diet ineffective, but the diet did cause ovarian cysts and a severe headache.
   
3. The South African Medical Journal (February 1990) demonstrated hCG had no advantages over placebo and was ineffective for weight loss.
4. The British Journal of Pharmacology (September 1995) constructed a meta-analysis of all prior studies (including the original one performed by Dr. Simeons) and found there was absolutely no benefit derived from using hCG for weight loss.
   

While hCG is a natural hormone in pregnant women, it is not present in men.Adverse effects of hCG have been reported for men and women, and include:

• Abnormal development of breasts in men (gynacomastia)
• Over-stimulation of the ovaries in women, producing too many eggs
• Ovarian cysts in women
  
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Hair loss
• Mood changes
• Increase in prostate size in men (prostate hypertrophy)

In addition, purchasing hCG from an over-the-counter or online source may be counterfeit, adding in the risk of unknown agents added to the product by fraudulent dealers.

Since research has demonstrated hCG has absolutely no effect on weight loss, the risks of taking this hormone far outweigh any benefits. While hCG has very legitimate uses for fertility procedures and aiding in the descending of testicles in young boys, it should never be used for a weight loss scheme.