HCG Diet Is Unproven And Potentially Harmful, Say Endocrine Experts
Editor's ChoiceMain Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Endocrinology; Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 12 Dec 2011 - 7:00 PST
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The Hormone Foundation, the public education affiliate of The Endocrine Society, has published a fact sheet called, "Myth vs. Fact: The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Diet", in order to clear up confusion surrounding the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet. The report details how hCG is designed to work in the body, as well as the risks in taking hCG to assist weight loss.
During pregnancy hCG is produced in order to help maintain pregnancy. hCG for infertility treatment has been approved by the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it has not been approved for weight-loss purposes.
In the past few years, hCG has been marketed by some companies to be taken in conjunction with an extremely low-calorie diet to lose weight. However, according to decades of research, hCG can be dangerous and is not an effective treatment to lose weight.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission issued a news release warning companies who market over-the-counter hCG products labeled as "homeopathic" for weight loss that they are:
"...violating federal law by selling drugs that have not been approved, and by making unsupported claims for the substances."
Bradley Anawalt, MD, chair of The Endocrine Society's Hormone Foundation Committee and one of the authors of the novel fact sheet, explained:
"hCG is ineffective in achieving weight loss and can be dangerous. There are a number of potential risks associated hCG including blood clots, decreased sperm production, vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts and breast enlargement in men."
The very low-calorie diet recommended in conjunction with hCH may not give individuals over 40 different nutrients that are vital for good health. Individuals who are considering embarking on a very-low calorie diet should consult a physician before as very-low calorie diets can cause an irregular heartbeat, gallstones, as well as other health problems.
Anawalt, said:
"Many people hoping to lose weight will be attracted to a program like the hCH diet because of its quick weight loss promises, but these promises are hollow. Doctors agree the best way to lose extra pounds and keep them off is to eat a healthy diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fresh fruits, and to limit fried foods or fatty meat products. Drink water instead of sugary sodas and be sure to exercise for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week."
Written by: Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
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23 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239036.php>
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Visitor Opinions In Chronological Order (4)
Hcg diet must be followed carefully
posted by Stephanie Tiffany on 14 Dec 2011 at 6:35 pmI have completed the Hcg diet and lost 37 pounds; two rounds of the drops, since Aug. I believe it is crucial to eat the balanced 500 cal. diet and thats where people have gotten into trouble by omitting the proteins etc...It is effective and I am grateful for this chance to lose the extra weight and it has stayed off, as well.
hcg diet does work
posted by Tammy Timms on 16 Dec 2011 at 7:47 pmI have been on the HCG diet for two weeks and have loss 21 pounds. My blood sugar has dropped from 184 down to 109 and my blood pressure is staying steady at 120/72. I have not needed my medication for my blood pressure and blood pressure for the last several days. I am feeling great.
265 lbs to 195 lbs in 6 mos
posted by Ralph on 18 Dec 2011 at 1:31 amI have had great success with this product.I stuck to the food protocol of 500 calories of good food 3 times a day and lost 1 lb a day.I drank 100 oz.of water a day.I was never hungry,the only side effect I noticed was a slight headache.I have continued the healthy habits and maintained my weight and am grateful this product helped me turn my life around.please do not take it off the market.this stuff works.
Been on diet twice - no weight gain in between
posted by Sally on 20 Dec 2011 at 12:39 amI have been on the diet twice with no weight gain in between. It is important to stay on the foods allowed, eat 5 times a day, drink a gallon of water, take appropriate supplements and have a physical before you start. Lastly tell your doctor what you are doing. If you are careful and follow the diet, this diet is as safe as any other diet, except you actually reset your weight!
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