Monday, October 19, 2009
You
may have heard about the “hCG diet,” or know of people using hCG
injections for weight loss. It is important to understand all of the
risks and benefits of this diet and the medication involved before
starting a program.
Human
chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone released by the embryo and
placenta in pregnant women. During pregnancy, hCG helps to maintain the
uterine lining by increasing progesterone production.
In addition to occurring during pregnancy, hCG is also secreted by some
cancer tumors. This hormone can be used to induce ovulation in the
ovaries, and also increases testosterone production.
So why are people using hCG for weight loss?
Human
chorionic gonadotropin was first promoted as a weight loss aid in the
1950s by Dr. Albert T. Simeons. Simeons stated that hCG would help to
mobilize and burn stored fat, when combined with a 500 calorie-per-day
diet. This diet is very restrictive, and includes a set number of
calories from protein per meal, to help burn fat while attempting to
protect muscle.
Since
Simeons first introduced the concept of using hCG injections for weight
loss, there have been approximately 50 years of extensive, double-blind
research studies performed to test its efficacy. There is a significant
amount of weight loss that typically occurs with this diet, however,
most studies have shown that hCG is no more effective for weight loss
than the 500 calorie diet alone.
The
FDA has not approved hCG for weight loss. There is not enough safety
data to know whether hCG may have long-term side effects or health
risks.
As
a naturopathic physician, I have chosen not to use hCG for weight loss
with my patients, because there have not been enough studies to
determine its safety, and I always consider the safety of my patients
to be my number one priority.
Instead, I have worked with my naturopathic colleagues to formulate a
100% natural, safe, and researched protocol for hormonal control of
weight loss. It is called Metabolic Plus, which is a 12-week program
tailored to each individual. This protocol focuses on the 5 underlying
elements of weight gain, and targets these elements for comprehensive
weight loss and metabolic wellness. Most people who follow the
Metabolic Plus Protocol lose 15-20% of their starting weight within 12
weeks. The most beneficial thing about this program is that it gets to
the root causes of your weight issues, whether that is hormonal
imbalances, emotional food addictions, blood sugar dysregulation, or
low metabolic rate.
You can get started on the Metabolic Plus Program by calling us in Tempe, AZ at 480-456-0402, or in Mesa, AZ at 480-985-0000.
There
are so many weight loss trends on the market; it is important to be
fully informed about the safety and effectiveness of all products or
treatments before choosing a weight loss plan.
There
are safe and natural products and methods available that are effective
for weight loss, while also improving your overall health and energy.
As naturopathic physicians, we can sit down with you to discuss all of
your options, and help you to find the right program for you.
Call for more information on natural weight loss,
or to schedule your free 15 minute consultation
with Dr. Tara Peyman.
Tempe - 480.456.0402
Mesa - 480.985.0000
References:
Asher
WL, Harper HW. Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on weight loss,
hunger and feeling of well-being. American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 26:211–218, 1973.
Bosch B et al. Human chorionic
gonadotropin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
South African Medical Journal 77:185–189, 1990.
Frank BW. The use of
chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the treatment of obesity. A
double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 14:133–136,
1964.
FTC: Marketer Kevin Trudeau violated prior court order. FTC news release, Sept 14, 2007.
Greenway
FL, Bray GA. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of
obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method. West Journal of
Medicine 127:461–463, 1977.
Lijesen GK et al. The effect of human
chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of
the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. British Journal of
Clinical Pharmacology 49:237–243, 1995.
Miller R, Schneiderman LJ. A
clinical study of the use of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight
reduction. Journal of Family Practice 4:445–448, 1977.
Simeons A.T.W. The action of chorionic gonadotropin in the obese. Lancet 2:946-947, 1954.
Stein
M.R. et al. Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight
reduction: a double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition 29:940–948, 1976.
Trudeau K. The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About. Alliance Publishing, 2007.
Young R.L. et al. Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. JAMA 236:2495–2497, 1976.