If you are looking for a weight loss program to get started on in the new year, you might want to cross off diet products that include homeopathic hCG from your list. According to the FDA and the FTC, this type of weight loss program is not only unproven to be help consumers lose weight, it may be unsafe.
Companies Marketing hCG Violate Federal Laws
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seven companies have been warned that they stand in violation of federal law by selling hCG diet products that have not been FDA-approved. While the hormone hCG has been approved to be used for female infertility, it has not been approved for the purposes of weight loss.
In addition, these companies have made unsubstantiated claims that hCG is an effective weight loss program when marketing their products.
The hCG Diet Program
One company that markets the hCG diet program claims that consumers can lose up to 2 pounds per day. To achieve this, they must not only take the recommended "hCG drops", but consumers of the program are restricted to only 500 calories per day.
Companies have claimed that when people ingest the hormone hCG on a daily basis, it helps to decrease appetite and help to promote weight loss. However, critics argue that the weight loss results simply from the severe calorie restriction and has little to do with hCG.
Is hCG Safe?
On one company's website, they state, "the hcg diet is a leading weight loss diet because it's effective, safe, and easy." Experts disagree. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, some of the possible side effects with a very low calorie diet such as the hCG diet include:
- Increased risk of gallstones
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Male breast enlargement
Experts also caution consumers that any weight that is lost while on the hCG diet will likely be gained back once you complete the plan.
FDA and FTC Recommend Removal of hCG Diet Products
As it turns out, companies who falsely advertise that their products will help consumers lose weight are not uncommon. "Deceptive advertising about weight loss products is one of the most prevalent types of fraud,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Any advertiser who makes health claims about a product is required by federal law to back them up with competent and reliable scientific evidence, so consumers have the accurate information they need to make good decisions.”
Should you have any question about how to safely lose weight, be sure to talk to your own medical care provider for guidance about getting a healthy diet and starting an exercise program.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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