Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This substance gained notoriety in the mid-20th century after being promoted as a weight loss aid combined with a severely restricted diet. However, this application for weight management has been widely discredited by the scientific community and regulatory bodies. Its use for weight loss purposes is now largely unavailable due to a lack of evidence and safety concerns.
Understanding HCG and the Associated Diet Protocol
HCG is a legitimate, FDA-approved prescription drug when used as an injectable for specific medical conditions, primarily fertility treatments in both men and women. The hormone is used to induce ovulation or to stimulate testosterone production in men with certain deficiencies. The concentration used for these approved treatments is significantly higher than what was typically used for the weight loss protocol.
The controversial weight loss protocol originated with a British physician in the 1950s. It involves HCG and an extremely strict very low-calorie diet (VLCD). The diet limits intake to 500 to 800 calories, a level far below what is considered nutritionally adequate for most adults. HCG was administered through injections, or later, through non-prescription oral drops, pellets, and sprays marketed as “homeopathic.”
Proponents claimed HCG would provide several benefits that made the VLCD tolerable and effective. These purported effects included a reduction in hunger and a boost in metabolism. The theory suggested that HCG would specifically cause the body to mobilize and burn abnormal fat stores, leading to a more desirable body shape. It was also claimed to protect lean muscle mass from being lost during the severe calorie restriction. This speculative mechanism was the core marketing claim that drove its popularity.
Clinical Studies Show No Efficacy for Weight Loss
The downfall of HCG stems directly from a consistent failure to demonstrate any benefit in controlled clinical settings. Scientific investigations sought to determine if the hormone provided any advantage over the extreme calorie restriction alone. The research involved double-blind, placebo-controlled studies where one group received HCG and the other received a saline placebo, with both groups adhering to the same VLCD.
Multiple high-quality trials consistently showed no statistically significant difference between the HCG group and the placebo group. Subjects receiving the hormone did not experience greater weight loss, a more significant reduction in body measurements like hip and waist circumference, or superior redistribution of fat compared to the placebo group. This evidence proved that the weight lost was solely a result of the severely restricted caloric intake and not the hormone itself.
The studies also failed to substantiate the claims that HCG reduced feelings of hunger or improved well-being, which were key marketing points. The official drug label for prescription HCG now carries a clear disclaimer mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This label explicitly states that HCG has not been shown to be an effective therapy for obesity. Furthermore, there is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss, causes better fat distribution, or decreases the hunger associated with calorie-restricted diets.
Regulatory Action and Official Safety Warnings
HCG products are no longer widely available for weight loss due to direct intervention by federal regulatory agencies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took joint action to halt the marketing of these products. This effort targeted companies selling over-the-counter (OTC) forms of HCG, such as oral drops, pellets, and sprays, often misleadingly labeled as “homeopathic”. The agencies issued warning letters, asserting that these OTC HCG products were illegal. They were classified as unapproved new drugs because they were sold without FDA evaluation for safety or effectiveness. The FTC challenged the companies for making unsubstantiated claims, which violated federal law against deceptive advertising.
Beyond the lack of proven efficacy, the agencies emphasized the significant health risks associated with the diet protocol itself. The VLCD of 500 to 800 calories per day is nutritionally inadequate and can be dangerous without rigorous medical supervision. Official safety warnings highlight the risk of serious side effects stemming from the severe calorie restriction. Dangers cited include gallstone formation, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Furthermore, HCG use has been linked to a higher risk of developing blood clots, which can be fatal. The diet can also cause fatigue, headache, depression, and fluid buildup known as edema.