The allure of rapid weight loss often leads individuals to explore various diets, some of which can be potentially dangerous. Among these is the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet, a regimen that has persisted for decades despite a lack of scientific support and warnings from health authorities. This article delves into the effectiveness, risks, and scientific evidence surrounding the hCG diet, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering or questioning this weight loss approach.
What is the HCG Diet?
The hCG diet combines the administration of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with a severely restrictive, very low-calorie diet (VLCD), typically limiting intake to around 500 calories per day. This diet, first proposed by British doctor Albert T. W. Simeons in 1954, claims to promote rapid weight loss, reduce hunger, and target fat burning while protecting against muscle loss.
History of the HCG Diet
The hCG diet originated with Albert T. W. Simeons, who introduced it in a 1954 medical journal article. Simeons' idea stemmed from his treatment of young boys with Fröhlich syndrome, a rare hormonal disorder associated with obesity. In 1971, he further popularized the diet with his book, "Pounds & Inches: A New Approach to Obesity." Renewed internet attention in 2009 led to a surge in the diet's popularity.
The Components of the HCG Diet
The hCG diet typically involves two main components:
- hCG Hormone Supplementation: This involves taking a form of hCG, either through injections, oral drops, pellets, or sprays.
- Severe Calorie Restriction: This requires limiting food intake to approximately 500 calories per day.
The Three Phases of the HCG Diet
The hCG diet is generally divided into three phases:
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to the Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan
- Loading Phase: This initial phase involves consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods for a couple of days while starting to take hCG. The purpose is to supposedly "rev up" the metabolism.
- Weight Loss Phase: This phase lasts for 3 to 6 weeks, during which hCG is continued, and calorie intake is restricted to 500 calories per day.
- Maintenance Phase: In this final phase, hCG is discontinued, and food intake is gradually increased while avoiding sugar and starch for three weeks. The goal is to maintain the weight loss achieved during the previous phase.
During the weight loss phase, individuals typically consume only two meals per day, often lunch and dinner, with specific guidelines for food choices.
Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
While the hCG diet allows for a variety of foods, the severe calorie restriction can make it challenging for individuals with specific dietary needs or preferences to follow. During the weight loss phase, the diet typically requires the consumption of protein from animal sources, such as chicken, beef, fish, and eggs, which may pose a problem for vegetarians and vegans. Gluten-free options are available for carbohydrates during the loading and maintenance phases.
The diet restricts portion sizes and food choices, allowing only two meals a day with specific components:
- One portion of lean protein (veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp, prepared without visible fat)
- One vegetable (spinach, chard, chicory, beet greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, and cabbage)
- One breadstick or one piece of melba toast
- One fruit (orange, apple, a handful of strawberries, or half a grapefruit)
Water, coffee, and tea are allowed in unlimited quantities, with up to 1 tablespoon of milk per day. Sugar substitutes are permitted, but sugar, butter, and oils are not.
Scientific Evidence and Effectiveness
Despite its popularity, the hCG diet has faced considerable scrutiny from the scientific community. Multiple studies and analyses have challenged the claims made by proponents of the diet, particularly regarding the role of hCG in weight loss.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Lack of Evidence for HCG's Role in Weight Loss
Numerous studies have concluded that the weight loss observed in individuals following the hCG diet is solely attributable to the ultra-low-calorie intake and not to the hCG hormone itself. These studies have compared the effects of hCG injections with placebo injections in individuals on calorie-restricted diets, finding that weight loss was similar or identical between the two groups. Furthermore, research has indicated that hCG does not significantly reduce hunger.
A 1995 analysis of 24 studies found no evidence that the hCG diet helps reduce hunger, promote weight loss, or trim fat from specific areas. Other research has shown that placebo injections were as effective as hCG injections in treating obesity.
Meta-Analysis Findings
A meta-analysis of eight controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials measuring the effect of hCG in treating obesity revealed no benefit from using hCG. The conclusion was that there is no scientific evidence that hCG is effective in treating obesity, does not cause weight loss or fat redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.
Official Stance
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery all share the same stance: HCG does not result in weight loss.
Risks and Side Effects
The hCG diet poses several potential risks and side effects, primarily due to the extreme calorie restriction and the unregulated nature of many hCG products.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Risks of Very Low-Calorie Diets
Living on 500 calories a day is not only unhealthy but also dangerous. People on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects, including gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat. Such restrictive diets can be dangerous, even potentially fatal.
Very low-calorie diets are sometimes prescribed by health care professionals for people who are moderately to extremely obese as part of medical treatment to lessen health conditions caused by obesity, such as high blood pressure. But even then, strict and constant medical supervision is needed to ensure that side effects are not life-threatening.
Without medical oversight, people on very low-calorie diets may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals and - most important - protein. If you want to lose weight, do it gradually and reduce the calories you eat every day.
Side Effects of HCG Injections
HCG injections for other medical uses are linked to problems such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Mood changes
- Acne
- Facial hair growth
- Headache
- Swelling of the breasts, penis, or testes
- Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach
- Pelvic pain
- Bloating
Side Effects of Extreme Calorie Restriction
It's very hard to stick to a strict calorie limit. Not only is it uncomfortable to live on just 500 calories a day, but it can also be dangerous. It’s impossible to meet all your nutritional needs on so few calories. Consuming less than 1,200 calories a day makes it tough to get enough vitamins and minerals without taking supplements.
Doctors sometimes recommend a very low-calorie diet (under 1,000 calories per day) if someone is obese and has a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, but these diets must be carefully supervised by a doctor.
People who follow very restrictive diets like this one are at risk for:
- Gallstones
- An imbalance of the electrolytes that help your muscles and nerves work
- Abnormal heartbeat
The hCG diet also contains less protein than experts recommend you get each day. Its recommended protein intake is 30-50 grams, which is typically less than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.36 grams per pound of body weight.
FDA Warnings
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using HCG weight-loss products. These products are typically sold in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays, and can be found online, at weight loss clinics and in some retail stores.
The FDA has approved HCG as a prescription drug for the treatment of female infertility and for other medical conditions. HCG is not approved for use without a prescription for any purpose. It is not approved for weight loss.
Very Low-Calorie Diets Are Unhealthy
Living on 500 calories a day is not only unhealthy but also dangerous. People on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects, including gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat. Such restrictive diets can be dangerous, even potentially fatal.
Potential for Refeeding Syndrome
A case study highlighted the potential dangers of severely calorie-restricted diets, such as the hCG diet, which can lead to refeeding syndrome. This condition is characterized by severe electrolyte imbalances, especially depleted potassium and phosphate stores, and can result in muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, and other complications.
Homeopathic HCG Products
Most of the hCG products on the market today are labeled as homeopathic. In general, homeopathy involves the use of potent substances that have been highly diluted. Homeopathic, over-the-counter (OTC) products don’t contain any actual hCG.
Alternatives to the HCG Diet
Given the lack of scientific support and potential risks associated with the hCG diet, individuals seeking weight loss are encouraged to explore safer and more effective alternatives.
Gradual Calorie Reduction
If you want to lose weight, do it gradually and reduce the calories you eat every day.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Talk with your healthcare professional about making healthy changes that lead to lasting weight loss.
Consulting a Registered Dietitian
I would advise that anyone who’s considering the HCG diet see a registered dietitian instead. They can help you find a plan that could work for you.
Medical Interventions
HCG isn’t approved for weight loss, but there are phenomenal weight loss medications that have been studied and are available by prescription. Your doctor can prescribe them if it’s medically appropriate and something you want to try. That's a better route to take than a dangerous short-term fix.
tags: #hcg #diet #effectiveness #and #risks