let's get personal!

Cliffslosinit

1. Your mother's maiden name Penne'
2. The last 4 of your social security number OU812
3. The name of your first pet Twig n berries
4. Your date of birth. I was mixed in a petri dish first, that counts right??

1ConcreteGirl

HCG Makes Big Claims
A Potentially Dangerous Diet
Story Started Decades Ago
Anyone who has ever been on a diet—and there are many of us—knows that there are sensible ways to lose weight. These include balanced diets, exercising and realistic goals.

And then there are reckless ways to shed pounds—fads and diet aids that promise rapid weight loss, but often recommend potentially dangerous practices. These include HCG weight-loss products marketed over-the-counter (OTC) that are identified as "homeopathic" and direct users to follow a severely restrictive diet.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to steer clear of these "homeopathic" human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) weight-loss products. They are sold in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays and can be found online and in some retail stores.

FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued seven letters to companies warning them that they are selling illegal homeopathic HCG weight-loss drugs that have not been approved by FDA, and that make unsupported claims.

(For the list of manufacturers, distributors and products—and more information about FDA’s concerns about HCG—visit www.fda.gov/hcgdiet.)


HCG is a hormone that is produced by the human placenta during pregnancy.

Products that claim to contain HCG are typically marketed in connection with a very low calorie diet, usually one that limits calories to 500 per day. Many of these popular HCG products claim to “reset your metabolism,” change “abnormal eating patterns,” and shave 20-30 pounds in 30-40 days.

“These products are marketed with incredible claims and people think that if they're losing weight, HCG must be working,” says Elizabeth Miller, acting director of FDA’s Division of Non-Prescription Drugs and Health Fraud. “But the data simply does not support this; any loss is from severe calorie restriction. Not from the HCG.”

HCG is approved by FDA as a prescription drug for the treatment of female infertility, and other medical conditions. It is not approved for weight loss. In fact, the prescription drug label notes 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.”

HCG is not approved for OTC sale for any purpose.

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A Potentially Dangerous Diet
Living on 500 calories a day is not only unhealthy—it’s hazardous, according to FDA experts. Consumers on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects that include gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat.

Shirley Blakely, a nutritionist at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, echoes concerns about such restrictive diets. They can be dangerous, she says, and potentially fatal.

Very low calorie diets are sometimes prescribed by health care professionals for people who are moderately to extremely obese as part of medical treatment to lessen health conditions caused by obesity, like high blood pressure. But even then, strict—and constant—medical supervision is needed to ensure that side effects are not life threatening, says Blakely.

Without medical oversight, consumers on very low calorie diets may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals and—most critically—protein.

“In general, the reference (average) calorie level is 2,000,” says Blakely. “If you want to lose weight, reduce your daily intake by 500 calories. Over the course of a week, that equals 3500 calories, which is the loss of a pound. Gradual weight loss is the way to do it.”

Hey, look, another smart person!

danasings

Let's get personal, personal. I wanna get personal.

Let me hear your body talk.

Sing it, Firstsip!!

I've been patient and I've been good, trying to keep my hands in the table...

...yes, I know ALL of the words to "Physical" DO NOT JUDGE ME!!

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Thanks for the flowers...I'm also wearing leg warmers.

DavPul

polarsjewel

Let's get personal, personal. I wanna get personal.

Let me hear your body talk.

Sing it, Firstsip!!

I've been patient and I've been good, trying to keep my hands in the table...

...yes, I know ALL of the words to "Physical" DO NOT JUDGE ME!!

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Thanks for the flowers...I'm also wearing leg warmers.

It only counts if you are also wearing the head band

danasings

Let's get personal, personal. I wanna get personal.

Let me hear your body talk.

Sing it, Firstsip!!

I've been patient and I've been good, trying to keep my hands in the table...

...yes, I know ALL of the words to "Physical" DO NOT JUDGE ME!!

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Thanks for the flowers...I'm also wearing leg warmers.

It only counts if you are also wearing the head band

Of course! And a leotard...

Redbird99ky

1. Jenny
2. 8675
3. Jenny
4. 3/09

Jenny, I got your number!