Is the HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?

From the Guidelines

The HCG diet is not a safe or effective way to lose weight. This diet combines severe calorie restriction (typically 500-800 calories per day) with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, either as injections, drops, or pills. While people do lose weight on this diet, the weight loss comes from the extreme calorie restriction, not from the HCG hormone itself. Multiple clinical studies have shown that HCG provides no additional benefit for weight loss beyond what would be expected from such severe calorie restriction alone. The diet is potentially dangerous because such low calorie intake can cause gallstone formation, irregular heartbeat, and muscle loss. Additionally, the FDA has not approved HCG for weight loss, and has warned companies against selling HCG products for this purpose. The hormone itself may cause side effects including headaches, depression, fatigue, and blood clots.

Key Points to Consider

• The American Heart Association recommends a balanced diet with moderate calorie reduction (typically 1200-1500 calories minimum) for weight loss, as stated in the 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults 1.
• The American Diabetes Association also recommends a balanced diet with moderate calorie reduction for weight loss, as stated in the 2008 nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetes 1.
• A study published in 2025 found that effective long-term weight maintenance programs provide monthly contact and support, include frequent self-monitoring of body weight and other self-monitoring strategies, and encourage regular physical activity 1.

Recommendations for Weight Loss

• A balanced diet with moderate calorie reduction (typically 1200-1500 calories minimum) is recommended for weight loss.
• Regular physical activity is also recommended, with a goal of at least 200-300 minutes per week.
• Frequent self-monitoring of body weight and other self-monitoring strategies, such as food diaries or wearables, can help with weight loss and maintenance.
• It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

From the Research

Safety and Efficacy of the HCG Diet

• The HCG diet has been found to have no evidence to support its efficacy, with all scientific publications subsequent to the original article counteracting its claims 2.
• The diet has been associated with potential harm, including an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms 3.
• There is a lack of significant safety studies associated with the use of the HCG diet, and the few efficacy studies that have been conducted have shown inconsistent results 3.
• The use of HCG products, such as sublingual drops, lozenges, and pellets, has not been proven to be safe or effective for weight loss 3.

Risks and Adverse Effects

• The HCG diet has been linked to adverse effects, including thrombosis and embolisms, and may interact with other medications or health conditions 3, 4.
• The use of HCG products from unverified sources may pose a risk of contamination with abnormal proteins, such as prions, which can transmit diseases like Creutzfeld-Jakob disease 4.
• The increased demand for HCG products has led to shortages and increased expenses for legitimate medical uses, such as the treatment of endocrine disorders and infertility 4.

Biological Functions and Clinical Applications of HCG

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and has various biological functions, including promoting angiogenesis and immunomodulation 5, 6.
• hCG has clinical applications in the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders, as well as in cancer surveillance 5, 6.
• The measurement of hCG can be useful in various clinical conditions, including prenatal screening and gynecological cancers 5.