Tell me about HcG Diet Doc K.

Sure, I'll tell you about it.  Its a load of bollux.

To me it feels like a scheme to simply get a few more bucks out of people who 1) do not do their homework, and b) are gullible to believe anything which comes out of the pop-culture machine (Please see Adkins, South Beach, Master Cleanse, etc...)

The Science:  hCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy by cells that form the placenta.
The quick history: in 1950 Dr. A. Simeons came up with the idea to start utilizing HcG injections combined with a strict 500 calorie a day high protein diet.  This Simones' Method became more and more popular by the 1970s with clamis about rapid weight loss with little hunger issues (1).  


Well, some smarter people said, "wait a tic," and did some meta-analysis which concluded by saying, " [T]here is NO scientific evidence that HcG is effective in the treatment of obesity..."(2).  Not only that, after some concurrent clinical trials started noting that weight loss occurred because of the strict diet and NOT because of the HcG injections, the Simeons' Method started falling out of favor.

Now, despite the ever mounting evidence against the efficacy of HcG (3), this weight loss program has had a recent flare up in popularity.  Which reminds me of the ever popular 'cleanse' called the "Master Cleanse" which was not only a fallacy in science but also a dangerous cleanse.  

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians, in a 2010 press release, finally horned in stating, "[O]ffically not recommending.." HcG injections for weight loss.  Thus pointing out and adding to the growing number of studies and professionals who are screaming the failure of HcG injection efficacy (4,5)

Lastly, on my rant about HcG,  The FDA and FTC has filed joint action against many companies of whom are selling over the counter HcG products.  Not because there were selling them, but because they were falsely and ILLEGALLY claiming to promote weight loss.  

The only FDA approved usage for hCG injections is for a treatment of female infertility.  Making such claims such as weight loss is a violation of federal law.

Who are these companies warned?  Check the list in the references below.(6)

So now what Doc K?   Well, any diet, and I mean ANY DIET, with a restriction to 500 calories per day will produce the same amount of weight loss.  Even they can be potentially hazardous.  Consult your medical provider, or come see me and we can discuss far more safe and effective ways to loose those pounds.

Stay healthy my friends!


~ Doc K

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References (1)

1. Simeons AT. The action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1954;267:946-947.
2. Lijesen GK, Theeuwen I, Assendelft WJ, Van Der Wal G. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1995;40:237-243.
3. Hamilton M, Greenway F. Evaluating commercial weight loss programmes: an evolution in outcomes research.Obes Rev. 2004;5:217-232.
4. American Society of Bariatric Physicians press release regarding the use of HCG in weight loss programs. Denver, Colorado. March 1, 2010.
5. American Society of Bariatric Physicians. ASBP Position On Use of HCG in the Treatment of Obesity. November 2010. Available at:http://www.asbp.org/siterun_data/about_asbp/position_statements/doc5858839311268715587.html Accessed May 17, 2011.
6. 
   

   Manufacturer/Distributor Name	Product Name
   1. HCG Diet Direct LLC	HCG Diet Homeopathic Drops
   2. The hCG Drops LLC	Homeopathic HCG
   3. HCG Platinum LLC; RightWay Nutrition	HCG Platinum HCG Platinum X-30 HCG Platinum X-14
   4. Nutri Fusion Systems LLC	HCG Fusion 30 HCG Fusion 43
   5. www.resetthebody.com; www.theoriginalhcgdrops.com	Homeopathic Original HCG Homeopathic HCG
   6. Hcg-miracleweightloss.com	HCG Extra Weight Loss Homeopathic Drops
   7. Natural Medical Supply	Alcohol Free hCG Weight Loss Formula