* Federal Agencies Act to Remove HCG Weight Loss Products * read the press release, dated December 6, 2011: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm281333.htm 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. Here is what others have to say:
"Numerous clinical trials have shown HCG to be ineffectual in producing weight loss." http://www.asbp.org/resources/uploads/files/HCG%20Position%20Statement.pdf
"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." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/321723?dopt=Abstract
"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." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8527285?dopt=Abstract It's clear that HCG doesn't live up to its hype. 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. |