Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy, playing a role in supporting fetal development. Its presence in the body is what pregnancy tests detect. Beyond its reproductive function, HCG has become associated with various weight loss protocols, often involving significant dietary restrictions.
Understanding HCG for Weight Loss
HCG is a hormone created by the placenta in pregnant individuals. The concept of using HCG for weight loss originated in the 1950s with British physician Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. He proposed that combining small doses of HCG with a severely restricted diet could lead to fat loss while preserving muscle mass and reducing hunger.
The HCG diet protocol typically involves a very low-calorie intake, often ranging from 500 to 800 calories per day. Proponents of this diet suggest that HCG helps the body mobilize stored fat for energy, acting as a metabolic aid during periods of extreme caloric deficit. The diet aims to encourage the body to utilize fat reserves, supposedly preventing the usual side effects associated with such restrictive eating, like intense hunger or muscle loss.
Common HCG Injection Dosages
HCG is typically administered via injections as part of its associated weight loss protocols. These injections can be given subcutaneously, into the fatty tissue, or intramuscularly. The dosages used in these weight loss regimens are considerably lower than those prescribed for fertility treatments. For weight loss, common daily injection dosages often range from 125 to 200 International Units (IU), although some protocols suggest 250-500 IU, particularly for men, administered several times per week.
The HCG diet generally follows a multi-phase structure, with injections integrated into specific periods. An initial “loading phase” involves consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods while beginning HCG injections. The main “weight loss phase” follows, lasting from three to six weeks, where daily HCG injections continue alongside the very low-calorie diet. A “maintenance phase” then involves gradually reintroducing foods without HCG.
Effectiveness and Health Concerns
Scientific evidence does not support the claims that HCG is effective for weight loss beyond the effects of extreme calorie restriction. Multiple studies, including a 1995 meta-analysis, have concluded that HCG does not lead to greater weight loss, improved fat distribution, or a reduction in hunger compared to a placebo when combined with a very low-calorie diet. Any weight loss observed on the HCG diet is primarily attributed to the severe calorie deficit, which would cause weight loss regardless of HCG administration.
The very low-calorie diet, a core component of the HCG protocol, carries substantial health risks. Individuals following such restrictive diets may experience fatigue, headaches, irritability, and constipation. More serious concerns include nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, gallstones, blood clots, and heart arrhythmias. Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, do not endorse the use of HCG for weight loss, citing a lack of scientific support and potential dangers.
Regulation and Where to Obtain HCG
The use of HCG for weight loss is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has explicitly stated that there is no substantial evidence that HCG increases weight loss beyond what results from caloric restriction alone, nor that it affects fat distribution or reduces hunger. Products marketed for weight loss that contain HCG, especially those sold over-the-counter in forms like drops, pellets, or sprays, are considered unapproved new drugs and are illegal.
Obtaining HCG from unregulated sources, such as certain online pharmacies or unauthorized clinics, poses significant risks. These products may not contain the advertised amount of HCG, could be contaminated, or contain unknown ingredients. While HCG is an FDA-approved prescription drug for certain medical conditions, such as female infertility and specific hormone treatments in men, its prescription for weight loss is an “off-label” use that lacks scientific validation. Consumers are advised to avoid HCG weight loss products and to consult healthcare professionals for safe and effective weight management strategies.