Understanding the hCG Diet
By Tara Peyman, ND
You may have heard about the “hCG diet,” or know of people using hCG injections for weight loss. It is important to understand all of the risks and benefits of this diet and the medication involved before starting a program.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone released by the embryo and placenta in pregnant women. During pregnancy, hCG helps to maintain the uterine lining by increasing progesterone production. In addition to occurring during pregnancy, hCG is also secreted by some cancer tumors. This hormone can be used to induce ovulation in the ovaries, and also increases testosterone production.
So why are people using hCG for weight loss?
Human chorionic gonadotropin was first promoted as a weight loss aid in the 1950s by Dr. Albert T. Simeons. Simeons stated that hCG would help to mobilize and burn stored fat, when combined with a 500 calorie-per-day diet. This diet is very restrictive, and includes a set number of calories from protein per meal, to help burn fat while attempting to protect muscle.
Since Simeons first introduced the concept of using hCG injections for weight loss, there have been approximately 50 years of extensive, double-blind research studies performed to test its efficacy. There is a significant amount of weight loss that typically occurs with this diet, however, most studies have shown that hCG is no more effective for weight loss than the 500 calorie diet alone.
The FDA has not approved hCG for weight loss. There is not enough safety data to know whether hCG may have long-term side effects or health risks.
As a naturopathic physician, I have chosen not to use hCG for weight loss with my patients, because there have not been enough studies to determine its safety, and I always consider the safety of my patients to be my number one priority.
There are so many weight loss trends on the market; it is important to be fully informed about the safety and effectiveness of all products or treatments before choosing a weight loss plan.
There are safe and natural products and methods available that are effective for weight loss, while also improving your overall health and energy. As naturopathic physicians, we can sit down with you to discuss all of your options, and help you to find the right program for you.
For more information on natural weight loss,
or to schedule your free 15 minute consultation
with Dr. Tara Peyman, call
Tempe - 480.456.0402
Mesa - 480.985.0000
References:
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Bosch B et al. Human chorionic gonadotropin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. South African Medical Journal 77:185–189, 1990.
Frank BW. The use of chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the treatment of obesity. A double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 14:133–136, 1964.
FTC: Marketer Kevin Trudeau violated prior court order. FTC news release, Sept 14, 2007.
Greenway FL, Bray GA. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method. West Journal of Medicine 127:461–463, 1977.
Lijesen GK et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 49:237–243, 1995.
Miller R, Schneiderman LJ. A clinical study of the use of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction. Journal of Family Practice 4:445–448, 1977.
Simeons A.T.W. The action of chorionic gonadotropin in the obese. Lancet 2:946-947, 1954.
Stein M.R. et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29:940–948, 1976.
Trudeau K. The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About. Alliance Publishing, 2007.
Young R.L. et al. Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA 236:2495–2497, 1976.
