Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) for Weight Loss: Ineffective and Potentially Unsafe
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is NOT effective or safe for weight loss and should not be used for this purpose. 1
FDA Position and Evidence Base
The FDA drug label explicitly states in capital letters: "HCG HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE EFFECTIVE ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS BEYOND THAT RESULTING FROM CALORIC RESTRICTION, THAT IT CAUSES A MORE ATTRACTIVE OR 'NORMAL' DISTRIBUTION OF FAT, OR THAT IT DECREASES THE HUNGER AND DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH CALORIE-RESTRICTED DIETS." 1
Multiple well-designed studies confirm this position:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 40 obese women found that those receiving hCG injections showed no advantages over those on placebo for any measured variables, including weight loss, hunger levels, or body circumferences 2
- Another double-blind study of 51 women found no statistically significant difference between hCG and placebo groups in weight loss, percent of weight loss, hip and waist circumference, or hunger ratings 3
Safety Concerns
The hCG diet typically involves:
- Severe caloric restriction (often 500 kcal/day)
- Daily hCG administration via injections or other forms
This approach poses several risks:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Muscle loss
- Metabolic adaptations promoting weight regain
- Gallstone formation 4
- Potential serious adverse events, including thrombosis 5
A case report documented left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolisms in a patient two weeks after starting the hCG diet 5
Approved Uses for hCG
hCG is FDA-approved only for specific medical conditions:
- Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomic obstruction
- Selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males
- Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in certain anovulatory, infertile women 1
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Approaches
Instead of hCG, the following evidence-based approaches are recommended:
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Create an energy deficit of 500-750 kcal/day
- Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly 4
- Implement high-frequency behavioral counseling
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications (for BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities):
- Orlistat
- Phentermine/topiramate ER
- Naltrexone/bupropion ER
- Liraglutide 3 mg
- Semaglutide 2.4 mg 6
For Severe Obesity:
- Intragastric balloon therapy may be considered for those who have failed conventional weight loss strategies 6
Conclusion
Despite its continued popularity in some circles, hCG for weight loss represents a fad diet with no scientific support. Multiple scientific publications counter claims of its effectiveness 7, and its use for weight loss should be discouraged due to lack of efficacy and potential safety concerns.