HCG & B12 Shots for Weight Loss

HCG is a hormone produced naturally in women's bodies during pregnancy. Vitamin B12, meanwhile, is an important vitamin that usually regulates the nervous system and the brain. Injections of both are increasingly used to aid weight loss.

HCG Features

• HCG stands for Human chorionic gonadotropin, and is produced during pregnancy. At first, an embryo produces it, but later the mother produces it in her placenta. It signals to the embryo's hypothalamus to rid the body of extraneous fatty tissue.

HCG for Weight Loss

• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found in 1976 that HCG did not increase weight loss by itself. However, its proponents--most notably the late researcher A.T.W. Simeons--argue that it helps users follow a very low calorie diet (VLCD) of about 500 calories, without losing lean body mass. It can be taken orally, in drops, or administered by injection.

B12 Features

• Vitamin B12 is the most complicated of all vitamins, and because it contains cobalt, is also known as cobalamin. It is vital in regulating metabolism of every cell in the body. It naturally occurs in animal products, including meat, eggs, fish and dairy products. It is also available in supplements and fortified foods.

B12 for Weight Loss

• The most popular study cited by proponents of B12 supplementation showed that people who took the vitamin over years gained slightly less weight than those who did not. However, many other factors including lifestyle differences, probably contributed. Still, some report increased metabolism and higher energy from B12 injections.

Prescriptions

• HCG is a prescription drug and must be obtained from a doctor who can supervise its use. Vitamin B12 is, of course, legal, but again, the injections must be obtained from a doctor supervising their use.