Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is released by the embyro and placenta in pregnant women.  During pregnancy, HCG helps to maintain the uterine lining by increased progresterone production.  This hormone can be used to induce ovulation in the ovaries, and also increases testosterone production.

HCG was first promoted as a weight loss aid in the 1950's by Dr. Albert T. Simeons.  He stated that HCG would help to mobilize and burn stored fat when combined with a 500 calorie-per-day diet.  This diet is very restrictive and includes a set number of calories from protein per meal, to help burn fat while attempting to protect muscle. 

Since Simeons first introduced the concept of using HCG injections for weight loss, there have been approximately 50 years of extensive, double blind research studies performed to test its efficacy.  There is significant amount of weight loss that typically occurs with this diet, with most people losing about 5 pounds per week.

There are still some questions about the safety and efficacy of HCG for weight loss.  Some studies have shown that HCG is no more effective for weight loss than the 500 calories alone.  The FDA has not approved HCG for weight loss, and there is not enough safety data to know whether HCG may have long-term side effects or health risks.

The HCG Diet combines a strict low calorie diet with daily injections of HCG for the purpose of using up fat stores in the body that are either excessive in amount or difficult to lose.  The HCG Diet is a doctor guided program to ensure a patient is first in good health to begin the strict program and secondly to educate and monitor the patient for optimal success. 

Required Lab Work