It’s desperation time for many people. The new year is almost here, and people are trying to find that quick fix to lose weight in the coming year. Most certainly, some people will turn to the HCG diet.
I’ve heard a lot lately about how HCG ( human chorionic gonadotropin, the pregnancy hormone) injections can help people lose weight. When I heard about it I was surprised that so many people swear by it and love it. I even saw a sign promoting HCG weight loss at a local “medical spa” (pictured below).
The HCG diet is basically this: Eat 500 Calories per day from specific foods, inject yourself with a shot of HCG each day for 6 weeks, and don’t exercise. According to one web site promoting this diet, you can lose 1-2 pounds per day. The HCG (allegedly) helps you not to be hungry.
Does this sound ridiculous to anyone else?
Let’s see what others have to say. I included the sources in the footnotes so you can check out the details on your own.
A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Pharmacology stated:
“We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG causes weight-loss, a redistribution of fat, staves off hunger or induces a feeling of well-being.” 1
Another study published in The Western Journal of Medicine says:
“Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.” 2
Even a dietician at MayoClinic.com weighed in:
“Years ago, researchers studied HCG injections as a possible weight-loss aid. Results of most studies weren’t promising, however. In fact, HCG injections seemed to be no more effective than were placebos in promoting weight loss. Today, HCG injections are primarily used to treat fertility issues.” 3
Not enough for you? Here’s an article called Weight loss is hard, and human pregnancy hormone won’t change that from a board-certified internist about why HCG is not the answer. It’s a great read from over at CalorieLab.
The Bottom Line? There’s no benefit of injecting yourself with HCG. If you eat 500 Calories per day you will lose weight, but you know that’s just not healthy. Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on HCG injections, maybe buy some healthier foods, join a gym, or hire a good trainier/nutritionist to help you lose weight the healthy way.
Again, I don’t care that the HCG diet does in fact help you lose weight. It’s not healthy and there are better uses for your money.
Healthy lifestyle changes will help you lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime.
Well, I guess if you really want to spend the hundreds of dollars, just send it to me and I’ll send you some saline injections that will have the same effect.
It’s desperation time for many people. The new year is almost here, and people are trying to find that quick fix to lose weight in the coming year. Most certainly, some people will turn to the HCG diet.
I’ve heard a lot lately about how HCG ( human chorionic gonadotropin, the pregnancy hormone) injections can help people lose weight. When I heard about it I was surprised that so many people swear by it and love it. I even saw a sign promoting HCG weight loss at a local “medical spa” (pictured below).
The HCG diet is basically this: Eat 500 Calories per day from specific foods, inject yourself with a shot of HCG each day for 6 weeks, and don’t exercise. According to one web site promoting this diet, you can lose 1-2 pounds per day. The HCG (allegedly) helps you not to be hungry.
Does this sound ridiculous to anyone else?
Let’s see what others have to say. I included the sources in the footnotes so you can check out the details on your own.
A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Pharmacology stated:
Another study published in The Western Journal of Medicine says:
Even a dietician at MayoClinic.com weighed in:
Not enough for you? Here’s an article called Weight loss is hard, and human pregnancy hormone won’t change that from a board-certified internist about why HCG is not the answer. It’s a great read from over at CalorieLab.
The Bottom Line? There’s no benefit of injecting yourself with HCG. If you eat 500 Calories per day you will lose weight, but you know that’s just not healthy. Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on HCG injections, maybe buy some healthier foods, join a gym, or hire a good trainier/nutritionist to help you lose weight the healthy way.
Again, I don’t care that the HCG diet does in fact help you lose weight. It’s not healthy and there are better uses for your money.
Healthy lifestyle changes will help you lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime.
Well, I guess if you really want to spend the hundreds of dollars, just send it to me and I’ll send you some saline injections that will have the same effect.