HCG diet Is it safe and effective? Mayo Clinic
HCG diet: Is it safe and effective? - Mayo Clinic
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Products and servicesHas the HCG diet been shown to be safe and effective
Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. No on both counts. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to steer clear of over-the-counter weight-loss products that contain HCG. HCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. As a prescription medication, HCG is used mainly to treat fertility issues. HCG is not approved for over-the-counter use, nor has it been proved to work for weight loss. HCG medications are required to carry a label from the FDA noting that the medication is not effective for weight loss. Some over-the-counter HCG weight-loss products are labeled "homeopathic" - but the FDA says they're still not safe. Companies that sell over-the-counter HCG weight-loss products are breaking the law. So why has there been so much talk about the HCG diet? Perhaps it's because the diet recommends severe calorie restriction - typically just 500 to 800 calories a day. People who follow diets so low in calories are likely to lose weight, at least in the short term. Some research has linked HCG weight-loss products to a possible increase in cancer risk. HCG might encourage the production of androgen cells, which could result in the growth of certain types of cancers. However, diets that so severely limit calories have risks, such as gallstone formation, irregular heartbeat, limited intake of vitamins and minerals, and an imbalance of electrolytes. Side effects have also been reported with the HCG diet and include fatigue, irritability, restlessness, depression, fluid buildup (edema), and swelling of the breasts in boys and men (gynecomastia). Another serious concern is the risk of blood clots forming and blocking blood vessels (thromboembolism). If weight loss is your goal, there are safer ways to lose weight. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about how to make healthy changes that lead to permanent weight loss, such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. With Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Coffee caloriesHigh-protein diets ShareTweet Dec. 15, 2021 Show references HCG diet products are illegal. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hcg-diet-products-are-illegal. Accessed Sept. 22, 2019. HCG diet. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Aug. 20, 2019. Perreault L. Obesity in adults: Drug therapy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 22, 2019. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) diet. Hormone Health Network. https://www.hormone.org/support-and-resources/resource-library/hcg-diet. Accessed Aug. 20, 2019. Chorionic gonadotropin, human (hCG) injection. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. https://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Accessed Aug. 20, 2019. Butler SA, et al. Evidence for, and associated risks with, the human chorionic gonadotropin supplemented diet. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2016; doi:10.3109/19390211.2016.1156208. Questions and answers on HGC products for weight loss. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/questions-and-answers-hcg-products-weight-loss. Accessed Aug. 20, 2019. See more Expert AnswersProducts and Services
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