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What is it? Are There Any Dangers? .. The hCG diet is a weight-loss plan that combines calorie restriction with the use of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hCG diet was developed in the 1950s by Albert T. W. Simeons, an English endocrinologist. Participants are typically instructed to reduce their caloric intake to 500 cals per day.
Key Points
hCG is a human hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is said to promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, revving upmetabolism, and reducing body fat. Although the diet traditionally involves the use of hCG administered by injection, some participants get the hormone by taking dietary supplements.
Despite the many marketing claims for the diet, scientific research shows that it is ineffective for weight loss.
Claims
In pregnant women, hCG helps provide the foetus with the calories it needs to grow and develop. In order to deliver those calories to the foetus, hCG triggers the release of fat from parts of the body that typically pack excess fat (such as the abdomen).
Proponents of the diet claim that hCG can have a similarly fat-reducing effect on individuals looking to lose weight. Specifically, the hormone is said to stimulate fat loss in so-called “problem areas” like the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, and undersides of the arms.
Proponents also claim that the hCG diet can lead to overall weight loss. Some marketers suggest that diet participants can expect to lose up to two pounds per day.
The Science Behind the hCG Diet
There is no evidence that the hCG diet can help you lose weight (beyond the weight loss resulting from calorie restriction), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What’s more, the FDA warns that the hCG diet has not been found to decrease appetite or redistribute body fat.
In a report in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, scientists analysed the available research on the effectiveness of the hCG diet in treating obesity.
Reviewing 24 clinical trials, the report’s authors found that the diet did not promote weight loss, reduce hunger, trim body fat, or fight obesity.
Dangers?
Although hCG is approved by the FDA to treat infertility in women, hCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss. The FDA warns that using hCG as part of the diet may trigger a number of adverse reactions (including headaches, irritability, restlessness, depression, and fatigue).
The FDA also warns that since hCG may cause fluid retention, the hormone should be used with caution among people with heart disease, renal disease, epilepsy, migraines or asthma.
There are many safety concerns associated with severe calorie restriction, a key component of the hCG diet. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that following a very low-calorie diet may increase your risk of gallstones. Furthermore, some medical experts caution that severe calorie restriction can keep you from meeting your nutritional needs.
Should You Use the hCG Diet for Weight Loss?
Due to the safety concerns and lack of science behind the hCG diet, this programme cannot be recommended for weight loss. If you’re looking to lose weight, the NIH recommends following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise. Keeping a food diary,
getting eight hours of sleep each night, and keeping your stress in check may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
There’s also some evidence that certain mind-body techniques (such as yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi) may support your weight-loss efforts.
If you’re considering the hCG diet for losing weight, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before starting.
