What Are the Dangers of HCG?

The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) diet is a very restrictive, low-calorie diet. HCG is a hormone produced by pregnant women in the cells that produce placenta. Its detection in the urine appears approximately 12 to 14 days after conception. When following the HCG diet, daily hormone injections and a restricted diet of 500 calories per day is required. Marketers of the diet claim you can lose one to three pounds per day on the diet.

Low Calorie Diet

• Consuming only 500 calories per day forces your body to compensate by using stored glycogen, muscle and fat. Using these resources actually lowers your resting metabolism, which makes it harder for you to lose weight and metabolize properly. Following this very low calorie diet will make you irritable, lightheaded and decreased brain function.

Side Effects

• Many people on the HCG diet suffer several side effects. The most common include headaches, dizziness, depression, mood swings, blood clots and confusion. Some women develop Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Symptoms of OHSS include pelvic pain, stomach pain, weight gain, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

FDA Regulation

• The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss has not approved HCG injections. According to the FDA, there is no evidence that supports HCG as a weight loss aid at all. Instead, the injections help decrease hunger and discomfort while consuming very few calories. The basis of the diet's effectiveness is starvation.