Lifestyle /
HCG Diet: Is it Safe?
You'll lose weight twice as fast – but is it safe?
This low-calorie – 500 to 800 a day – diet plan involves injections of the pregnancy hormone 'Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin.' (HCG) The diet supposedly burns fat, maintains muscle, and limits hunger.
Dr. Zach LaBoube of Inside Out Wellness and Weight Loss says, the HCG diet trend originated in the 1930s; and was the brainchild of Dr. A. T. Simeon.
The hormone is produced in the placenta of pregnant women, providing a working calorie source for the baby. If HCG is supplemented, in low doses in the absence of pregnancy, a body can sustain itself with the stored body fat. As a result, dieters lose 20 to 30 pounds in 30 days.
While there may be some benefits to this low-calorie diet, it is pretty controversial. Jennipher Walters of Shape Magazine says that HCG is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. Furthermore, its alarming low-calorie intake is about one-fourth of what nutritionists and dieticians recommend for a healthy, fit body.
There is no study or research that confirms that the HCG hormone will lead to a weight loss. Dr. Eric Wilson of UT Health speaks to ABC about some of the negative effects of the HCG diets, “This is a hormone that's been studied in the past — many, many years ago, and it didn't show any real results. And now it's being looked at all over again and we still don't have any strong results.”
Side effects aren't exactly appealing either: headache, fatigue, irritability, and breast enlargement in men.
Lastly, it should not be a considered a part of a permanent lifestyle change because it is impossible to have the diet without the regular HCG injections.
J.D. McGraw, who lost more than 30 pounds with the diet, tells ABC, “You've got to scratch the whole word diet. It's got to be a lifestyle change.” Once you are no longer using the diet, then it will have a reverse negative effect, and the weight will be gained back again.
"It's reckless, irresponsible, and completely irrational," Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told U.S. News and World Report about the HCG diet. "Can you lose weight on it? Of course, but that's mainly because you're hardly consuming any calories. And any benefit is not going to last."
The diet is also costly: $100 cdn a week for the blood work, pharmaceutical visits, and HCG injections.
Would you consider the HCG diet? Leave your comments below!
Feature Image:usweekly
Image: skinnymom
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Tired of the 401 Grind? Discover the Northern Ontario Train Adventure Winning Over GTA Families
-
Inside Vancouver's Luxury Event Scene: How Paarull JS Bakshi Is Turning Storytelling Into Unforgettable Experiences
-
The Stories Behind the Spice: 7 South Asian Dishes Carrying Stories of Migration, Memory & Survival
-
When Amma Says “Don't Get Me Anything”, But She’ll Be Glad You Did Anyway With These Mother’s Day Gifts
-
Beyond the Taj Mahal: 8 South Asian Places That Feel Like Walking Through History
-
8 Spring Bingeworthy Reads From The South Asian Diaspora
-
Exclusive Chat: Inside ‘Fly In The Chai’ With Author Zenia Wadhwani
-
The Ultimate North American Ramadan & Eid Guide To Gifting, Décor & Family Traditions
-
Escape The Polar Vortex: South Asia’s Dreamiest Winter Escapes
-
The Ultimate Guide To Cozy Winter Reading By South Asian Authors
-
Move Over Hot Chocolate - Winter Belongs To The Saffron Latte & Masala Chai
-
Diwali Gift Guide: From ‘PajamaSutra’ To ‘Little Ladoo’ & More, A Gift For Everyone
-
The Ultimate Guide To South Asian-Inspired Fall Home Décor
-
This Fall’s Must-Reads: Diverse Stories By South Asian Authors
-
The Ayurvedic Guide To Allergy-Safe Desi School Lunches
-
Before The Frost: A Desi Gardener’s Guide To August In Canada
-
From Dragons To Desi Romance: 13 South Asian Books Heating Up Summer 2025
-
Picnic Like A Pro: Easy South Asian BBQ Recipes To Wow Everyone
-
This Might Get Heated: The Ultimate Chai Ranking No One Asked For
-
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide For Your Desi Mom
-
Ever Hosted A Desi Picnic? Here Is Your Ultimate Guide To Wowing Your Family & Friends
-
'Detective Aunty' & 9 Other Must-Read Spring 2025 Books By South Asian Authors
-
Beyond Samosas: Healthy & Satisfying Ramadan Suhoor And Iftar Recipes!
-
6 Ways South Asian Parents Can Teach Their Children About Black History Month
-
Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine's Day
-
From Birth Charts To Lunar Calendars: Setting Intentions For 2025 With South Asian Traditions
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season