The HCG diet is a weight loss method involving a very low-calorie diet and a prescription drug called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
HCG is a hormone that is naturally made in the body during pregnancy. People who promote the HCG diet claim that it helps with weight loss and moving fat from the thighs and buttocks to other parts of the body. But studies have shown that this does not happen.
People use the HCG diet for weight loss, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
HCG is an FDA-approved drug for certain conditions, but not for weight loss. Despite this, HCG weight-loss products continue to be available online and in weight loss clinics. They're often marketed as "homeopathic." The FDA warns consumers to avoid HCG diet products.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Weight loss. The HCG diet does not improve weight loss in people with obesity.
There is interest in using the HCG diet for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
The HCG diet is possibly safe when used under medical supervision. The drug HCG can cause side effects including headache, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and depression.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: The HCG diet is likely unsafe when used during pregnancy. The HCG drug used during the HCG diet can cause birth defects.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the HCG diet is safe during breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Prostate cancer: The HCG diet should not be used by people with prostate cancer. The drug HCG might make prostate cancer worse.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The HCG diet combines a very low-calorie diet (500-800 calories daily) and the prescription drug HCG. HCG may be taken by mouth or given as an injection. This diet has not been shown to improve weight loss. For safety reasons, it should only be used while under medical supervision. Speak with your healthcare provider before use.
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