There is a lot of buzz about HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) use in the medical weight loss programs.

I am frequently asked this question; " Do you give the ( HCG ) shots in your weight loss program ?"

HCG injection use in weight loss was  suggested a long time ago. Actually, there are multiple weight loss centers using the HCG injection outside the United States.  

I decided to look into this hype.  I did some searching in literature internationally and domestically. I found the following facts regarding the HCG. ( I will leave out the statistics for general population to understand it easier)

1. Using HCG injection for losing weight did not show any benefit in almost all of the studies.

2. Most studies did not show long term (more than few months) effects of weight loss either.

3. Most studies did not prove that desirable fat mobilization is achieved by HCG injection.

So what is all the buzz about HCG?

The original HCG protocol for weight loss was done in Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). Those individuals consumed maximum of 500 calories per day. And they are given HCG injection for approximately 1.5 months. They did lose weight significantly, but not more than the individuals on VLCD 500 Cal diet alone.

To simplify it: It is very likely that they did lose weight because of low calorie diet, not because of HCG.

Why there is conflict in the HCG use in weight loss?

The earth was considered flat once upon a time, till we looked at it from all different angles. But we now have the open media through which anyone can say whatever. They may read an old note saying " the earth is flat" and then blurt it out in the media.

So HCG injections are any good in weight loss?

The research found out that HCG gives you a sense of feeling good. While receiving the HCG and VLCD (500Cals), the subjects on the HCG could tolerate the misery of 500 Cals VLCD better.So it is a feel good hormone !

What about the body contouring fat loss with HCG?

It is not true. Multiple studies have looked at it and it does not mobilize the fat in the desired way.

Does HCG help  prevent wrinkles in the skin after losing weight?

It does not tighten the skin.

So will I use the HCG in my weight loss clinic?

I will not use the HCG for losing weight for the following reasons:

1. In my opinion,HCG does not help lose weight. Its possible benefit is to make you feel good when you are on VLCD.
2. I do not support the Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) of 500 calorie a day ( Studies show that VLCD causes more loss of  lean mass than fat mass)
3. If weight loss is only temporary for 3 months or less, why bother putting you through with all extreme restriction and daily shots.
4. We do not need to use the HCG for the "feeling good" benefit as nobody need to feel bad while trying to lose weight. "Feeling bad" comes from extreme restriction and it does not work for long term. If you are making it too hard to lose weight, you are doing it wrong.