Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (CG) is a pregnancy hormone that is produced by the embryo soon after it is conceived. During pregnancy, hCG helps to support the growth of the fetus. Doctors have used hCG for many years to help women with their hormonal issues or fertility problems.  More recently, however, researchers have found that hCG can actually help the body burn stored fat and could be used to aid in weight loss when combined with a very low calorie diet. In theory, HCG supports the growing fetus by making mom’s fat stores available to be put in circulation in case mom doesn’t eat enough.  This is supported by the fact that many women have nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancies and are unable to eat much, yet are still able to deliver full-term healthy babies.  Some women actually lose weight during their pregnancy and still deliver full-term healthy babies.  When hCG is given to a non-pregnant person, their fat stores are put into circulation to be utilized by the individual just as if they are taking in the calories by eating.  This is why they can get away with eating very few calories without the hunger and cravings that would normally be associated with this.  Dramatic weight loss occurs as a result of this utilization of stored fat.

The first report on hCG and obesity was published in 1954, by a British physician, Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. After his publication, hCG was advocated for several years as a useful approach to obesity. Several studies after that concluded that hCG did not have any additional benefits on weight loss compared to placebo.  However, a similar number of studies have shown a significantly greater percentage weight loss in patients receiving hCG compared to those receiving a placebo. It should be noted that the protocols (including the diets prescribed) varied with each of the studies and most of them deviated from the original protocol described by Dr. Simeons.

Because the research is inconclusive with regards to the efficacy of hCG in producing weight loss normal" the FDA and the American Medical Association have stated that it does not aid in weight loss.  It is approved by FDA for treatment of certain problems of the male reproductive system and in stimulating ovulation in women who have had difficulty becoming pregnant.

However, the FDA's stance is that HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial scientific evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction ,that it causes a more attractive or "normal" distribution of fat or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.

Nonetheless, hCG has been used for over 50 years as a weight loss treatment and there is substantial evidence that it works.  An internet search will reveal countless testimonials with regards to its efficacy. 

We invite you to attend one of our group support meetings to hear testimonials from our current clients and find out about their experience with the program.  Below is a calendar of our meeting times.  Please call our office to find out the location and to reserve a seat as seating may be limited.