HCG diet safe?

124

Replies

  • reaolliemama
    reaolliemama Posts: 483 Member
    You'll get no answers here just criticism. message me and I'll let you know about it, and there are a few of the people on my friends list, there are many different protocols...but not all of them work.
    if you follow this advice, ask for a health guarantee...bet you dont get one

    Not here to argue, here to answer the OP's question, while stil following the rules of the forums which will soon be no talk of HCG. Just following the rules.

    the "spirit" of the rule is to NOT promote unhealthy diets.

    Not promoting, told her to inbox me because this thread is going to erupt into a fiasco sooner or later, and it will be much easier to talk in a private message.

    I see your daily goal is 550 calories. you are a starving yourself. please dont advise others.

    ^^^^Agree^^^^^ You are promoting an unhealthy eating plan...STOP IT!!!
  • jenebeyer
    jenebeyer Posts: 5 Member
    If you have to question the HCG diet safety, you already know the answer.
    I have known 6 people lose a lot of weight w/ HCG and then gain it all back and then some. While it's tempting, it's not smart!
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member
    If you have the mindset, the motivation, and determination, HCG resets your metabolism and rids your body of stored fat. It works for the positive people who doesn't CHANGE their mindset, motivation, and determination.

    resets metabolism? please provide any study or whatever that proves this.

    Starvation mode...=) I believe it resets your metabolism. Either way...who cares...any research provided will be brushed off as a 'scam' or complete BS...because no one wants to believe that maybe....just maybe...something different works.

    Translation: There is no such research so I'll just cop out again and claim "conspiracy"

    Do you need a tin-foil hat? I'm sure this guy could spare you one.

    tin-foil-hat-625p.jpg


    I LOVE SHINEY PAPER!!!

    are-you-mad-at-me-for-some-raisin.jpg

    LOL not mad, just find it highly amusing how all the pro-HCG people in this thread like yourself continue to say you are more informed that the rest of us and yet none of you has provided a single unbiased study to backup your claims (y'know... like scientific n' stuff).

    You're my entertainment for the evening. Congrats.

    Never claimed to know more than anyone. I believe in pro choice...regarding everything. Pro choice about how you chose to diet...or how you cook your food, what religion you are, how you raise your kids. But as an HCG user...I am TIRED of being attacked. If you noticed...I never claimed to know anything more than anyone else...but all the ANTI-HCG users...are the condescending ones... we get defensive because we are treated like 5 year olds that dont seem to understand how the potty works or something. And really...I am a grown adult...I have done research. And really..it's worked for me...worked better than anything. I used to have real eating issues....starving myself every day and purging when I failed...why? because I had no control over myself. I won that battle...but then I lost another. I have tried and tried and tried...all ending it tearful failures that no one here seems to get. It was HCG, or surgery...or just lie back and die. But it's ok =) I'm happy with my choice, just like everyone else here is happy with theirs.

    As for entertaining...I'm having my fun before they shut this baby down....so it's all good *thumbs up* Also I did provide a book...that has ALL the scientific research...unfortunately it is a book that much be bought...so I cannot show you anything from it without taking the time to type it all out.
  • onedayillbamilf
    onedayillbamilf Posts: 662 Member
    Nope. I read for about a month straight on the internet, reading both pros and cons, went to the doctor to get bloodwork done and explained to him what I was doing. He was familiar and had both patients who succeeded and failed. Spoke to numerous people before I tried the drops and no one solicted me. I prefer the pellets. I don't need to cite anything. Do what I did...research. But since most of you people have your mind made up I'm not going to bother. If anyone is interested then can do exactly what Idid.

    Might I recommend the book Weightloss Apocalypse? It is a VERY good read and clears up tons of the questions people have and reasons why many people fail after the diet. =)

    They aren't going to read it. Because everyone in here who already is so sure of their opinion but has no clue how it works is not going to take the time to do a little research. Thanks for pointing out that book. They'll just tell us to guess what exercise and eat clean. Which is what I already do!!! LMAO

    And yet you refuse to post any information that you've found, and just say "do your own research." HELLO cop-out!

    No I refuse because you are all smart people do your own research. You have time to find stupid pictures to post find the google search button. Not going to sit in a parody of jokes with juvenilles If you want to argue something on an adult level then please do so otherwise continue to hide behind your screens. In essence how about if you dont like it STFU and keep it moving

    In other words, do as you say, not as you do? Got it.
  • Health_Gal
    Health_Gal Posts: 715 Member
    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm282334.htm

    FDA NEWS RELEASE

    For Immediate Release: December 6, 2011
    Media Inquiries: Shelly Burgess 301-796-4651, shelly.burgess@fda.hhs.gov or Tamara Ward 301-796-7567, Tamara.Ward@fda.hhs.gov
    Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

    FDA, FTC act to remove “homeopathic” HCG weight loss products from the market
    Joint action is first step in halting sale of the products

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today issued seven Warning Letters to companies marketing over-the counter (OTC) HCG products that are labeled as “homeopathic” for weight loss.

    Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the human placenta and found in the urine of pregnant women. HCG is FDA-approved as an injectable prescription drug for the treatment of some cases of female infertility and other medical conditions.

    The letters warn the companies that they are violating federal law by selling drugs that have not been approved, and by making unsupported claims for the substances. There are no FDA-approved HCG drug products for weight loss.

    The joint action is the first step in keeping the unproven and potentially unsafe products from being marketed online and in retail outlets as oral drops, pellets, and sprays.

    The labeling for the “homeopathic” HCG products states that each product should be taken in conjunction with a very low calorie diet. There is no substantial evidence HCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from the recommended caloric restriction. Consumers on a very low calorie diet are at increased risk for side effects including gallstone formation, electrolyte imbalance, and heart arrhythmias.

    “These HCG products marketed over-the-counter are unproven to help with weight loss and are potentially dangerous even if taken as directed,” said Ilisa Bernstein, acting director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “And a very low calorie diet should only be used under proper medical supervision.”

    “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.”

    According to the Warning Letters, the companies have 15 days to notify the FDA of the steps they have taken to correct the violations cited. Failure to do so may result in legal action, including seizure and injunction, or criminal prosecution.
    Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events (side effects) that may be related to the use of these products to MedWatch, the FDA's voluntary reporting program, by calling 800-FDA-1088, or electronically at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.


    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

    #
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    Nope. I read for about a month straight on the internet, reading both pros and cons, went to the doctor to get bloodwork done and explained to him what I was doing. He was familiar and had both patients who succeeded and failed. Spoke to numerous people before I tried the drops and no one solicted me. I prefer the pellets. I don't need to cite anything. Do what I did...research. But since most of you people have your mind made up I'm not going to bother. If anyone is interested then can do exactly what Idid.

    Might I recommend the book Weightloss Apocalypse? It is a VERY good read and clears up tons of the questions people have and reasons why many people fail after the diet. =)

    They aren't going to read it. Because everyone in here who already is so sure of their opinion but has no clue how it works is not going to take the time to do a little research. Thanks for pointing out that book. They'll just tell us to guess what exercise and eat clean. Which is what I already do!!! LMAO

    And yet you refuse to post any information that you've found, and just say "do your own research." HELLO cop-out!

    No I refuse because you are all smart people do your own research. You have time to find stupid pictures to post find the google search button. Not going to sit in a parody of jokes with juvenilles If you want to argue something on an adult level then please do so otherwise continue to hide behind your screens. In essence how about if you dont like it STFU and keep it moving

    Still waiting for you to post your research... *twiddling thumbs*

    BTW: The burden of proof is on you. Your claim that HCG is safe is an assertion that I and many others in this thread are asking you to backup with scientific unbiased research. You keep refusing which tells me that you really have no backing for this other than, "I did it, and I'm fine," which, by the way, does not a scientificly-sound argument make. Oh, and telling me to STFU and keep it moving just makes you look infantile and rude. All I did was (admittedly sarcastically) ask you to provide the research that you seem to be witholding because you want us to "do our own research." This argument is very hollow at best.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,974 Member
    I'm debating on starting the HCG diet. I have a friend that has lost 80lbs in the last year on it, and I'm very impressed. The problem is that, even at my weight (225), I know how unhealthy 600 calories a day divided into two meals can be for the body, that on top of skipping breakfast. The idiot at GNC that sold me my HCG drops 'gave' me protein shakes knowing that it is not acceptable on HCG.

    So, I guess this is my question...Is it possible to lose the weight taking HCG and not cutting back to 600 calories? I'm currently at 1300, and rarely reach that goal. I'm usually 100-200 below goal. Can I cut back to 1000-900 and lose MORE weight with the drops? Or, will I lose the same amount without the drops because of the change in calorie intake? Someone please help! Thank you!
    HCG doesn't work. The EXTREME DIET is why weight is lost. Problem is that it's probably more lean muscle tissue than fat which DOESN'T help your metabolism.
    And drops aren't even real HCG, so you're essentially getting a placebo. Don't fall for it. Go get your money back.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member

    *bright lights and shiney glitter*
  • Kori18
    Kori18 Posts: 48
    Yes! As long as it is prescribed by a licenses doctor and you follow the guidelines and maintenance program you will be find. Many close friends have kept it all off plus some for almost a year!

    Go for it! Stop listen to the critics.
  • Health_Gal
    Health_Gal Posts: 715 Member
    No doctor worth trusting would EVER condone or promote the fraud HCG starvation diet.

    Any doctor that endorses that scam diet should be stripped of their license to practice medicine!
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    <--- lost more than 100 pounds in a year eating nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks in sensible portions, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly. (sensible portions add up to more than 1200 calories fyi)

    Oh, and I didn't have to swallow or inject any pregnant lady pee in the process.

    Don't do it - just work hard and be patient.
  • Safe? NO> The only way to diet safely is to do it by eating right and exercising.
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member

    *bright lights and shiney glitter*

    LOL nice try skippy. That website belongs to a company that sells HCG and a doctor who profits from prescribing it.

    I asked you for some UNBIASED studies on HCG, that means no profit incentive.

    P.S. Not a lick of actual science in there also.
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member

    *bright lights and shiney glitter*

    LOL nice try skippy. That website belongs to a company that sells HCG and a doctor who profits from prescribing it.

    I asked you for some UNBIASED studies on HCG, that means no profit incentive.

    P.S. Not a lick of actual science in there also.

    Im not skippy...it's too darn late for that. I browsed it quickly, I've forgotten where I got most of my research in all honesty and it will take time to find it again. All I know is I've done anorexia...and with the HCG I feel a ton better than I ever did simply starving myself. I know my personal opinion doesnt matter because I'm not science. But either way, it works for me, and a few other people. The book I'm reading "Weightloss Apocalypse" seems to have a ton of answers to the protocol and why it works. I havent gotten to the end yet, but just like everyone here can say 'diet and exercise' I believe the HCG works.
  • GinaJDarling
    GinaJDarling Posts: 16 Member
    I have lost 80lbs in 5months on HCG. It works; I am not saying it is the healthiest thing to do LONG TERM. The diet is meant to do in phases. If you do not plan on doing all the phases you will gain the weight back because you did not do it properly. People say it's unsafe because they never read the whole diet. I go 30 days at the most low calorie because you do loose vitamins and minerals over time. I would not recommend doing more than 30 days at a time. I would really make sure you take a calcium supplement and a multivitamin. I love HCG and you stay motivate from the results you see every day. It is your choice, it won't hurt to try. If you don't like it then on to the next diet!
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member

    *bright lights and shiney glitter*

    LOL nice try skippy. That website belongs to a company that sells HCG and a doctor who profits from prescribing it.

    I asked you for some UNBIASED studies on HCG, that means no profit incentive.

    P.S. Not a lick of actual science in there also.

    Im not skippy...it's too darn late for that. I browsed it quickly, I've forgotten where I got most of my research in all honesty and it will take time to find it again. All I know is I've done anorexia...and with the HCG I feel a ton better than I ever did simply starving myself. I know my personal opinion doesnt matter because I'm not science. But either way, it works for me, and a few other people. The book I'm reading "Weightloss Apocalypse" seems to have a ton of answers to the protocol and why it works. I havent gotten to the end yet, but just like everyone here can say 'diet and exercise' I believe the HCG works.

    Dead serious this time, I swear.

    If you are eating 550 calories per day, you are still anorexic. I think you may be suffering from the placebo effect believing the HCG is suppressing your hunger.

    I do sincerely hope you get the help you need for your disease, but this crazy diet is doing you no good at all. I do mean this sincerely, so please don't read more into it than that. Anorexia is a serious, dangerous, mental condition that requires therapy and support to overcome. I know because my best friend in high school had to go through this. We almost lost her before she finally got help. I hope you don't end up that extreme before you get the help you need.
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    I have lost 80lbs in 5months on HCG. It works; I am not saying it is the healthiest thing to do LONG TERM. The diet is meant to do in phases. If you do not plan on doing all the phases you will gain the weight back because you did not do it properly. People say it's unsafe because they never read the whole diet. I go 30 days at the most low calorie because you do loose vitamins and minerals over time. I would not recommend doing more than 30 days at a time. I would really make sure you take a calcium supplement and a multivitamin. I love HCG and you stay motivate from the results you see every day. It is your choice, it won't hurt to try. If you don't like it then on to the next diet!
    ...OR you could skip HCG *and* "the next diet" and just focus on being healthy for a lifetime by (I feel like a broken record sometimes) eating nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks in sensible portions, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.
  • angel79202
    angel79202 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Even when I was anorexic...I had days where I would eat more than 500 calories..this is a scary diet..I hope no one does any permanent damage :(
  • sunnyday789
    sunnyday789 Posts: 309 Member
    From the site that you have cited
    Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study

    MR Stein, RE Julis, CC Peck, W Hinshaw, JE Sawicki and JJ Deller Jr

    Our investigation was designed to retest the hypothesis of the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on weight reduction in obese women in a clinic setting. We sought to duplicate the Asher-Harper study (1973) which had found that the combination of 500 cal diet and HCG had a statistically significant benefit over the diet and placebo combination as evidenced by greater weight loss and decrease in hunger. Fifty-one women between the ages of 18 and 60 participated in our 32- day prospective, randomized, double-blind comparison of HCG versus placebo. Each patient was given the same diet (the one prescribed in the Asher-Harper study), was weighed daily Monday through Saturday and was counselled by one of the investigators who administered the injections. Laboratory studies were performed at the time of initial physical examinations and at the end of the study. Twenty of 25 in the HCG and 21 of 26 patients in the placebo groups completed 28 injections. There was no statistically significant difference in the means of the two groups in number of injections received, weight loss, percent of weight loss, hip and waist circumference, weight loss per injections, or in hunger ratings. HCG does not appear to enhance the effectiveness of a rigidly imposed regimen for weight reduction.
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member

    Update to that paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1365103/?tool=pubmed which discusses why the Archer/Harper paper methods failed.

    1. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess if there is scientific ground for the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. 2. Published papers relating to eight controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials that measured the effect of HCG in the treatment of obesity were traced by computer-aided search and citation tracking. 3. The trials were scored for the quality of the methods (based on four main categories: study population, interventions, measurement of effect, and data presentation and analysis) and the main conclusion of author(s) with regard to weight-loss, fat-redistribution, hunger, and feeling of well-being. 4. Methodological scores ranged from 16 to 73 points (maximum score 100), suggesting that most studies were of poor methodological quality. Of the 12 studies scoring 50 or more points, one reported that HCG was a useful adjunct. The studies scoring 50 or more points were all controlled. 5. We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.
  • sexycheesemonkey
    sexycheesemonkey Posts: 196 Member
    You guys do realize nursing women do lose a ton of bodyfat...

    P.S. DO ANY OF YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE A BIRD FEEDER???

    Bird feeder....corn on the cob...peanut butter...and bird seed =) and tooth picks.
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    You guys do realize nursing women do lose a ton of bodyfat...

    P.S. DO ANY OF YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE A BIRD FEEDER???

    I'm glad you asked! It's quite simple, really.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/409529-pine-cone-bird-feeder
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    I have lost 80lbs in 5months on HCG. It works; I am not saying it is the healthiest thing to do LONG TERM. The diet is meant to do in phases. If you do not plan on doing all the phases you will gain the weight back because you did not do it properly. People say it's unsafe because they never read the whole diet. I go 30 days at the most low calorie because you do loose vitamins and minerals over time. I would not recommend doing more than 30 days at a time. I would really make sure you take a calcium supplement and a multivitamin. I love HCG and you stay motivate from the results you see every day. It is your choice, it won't hurt to try. If you don't like it then on to the next diet!
    You loss because you were in a severe calorie deficit. Good luck with your lean body mass goals for 2012.
  • deniserenee_02
    deniserenee_02 Posts: 158 Member
    It's a waste of money I never had any lasting results from diet gimics sp?
  • cindycoley19
    cindycoley19 Posts: 39 Member
    HCG Drops= SCAM!

    Save your money. Eat well and excercise.
  • victoriamorphis
    victoriamorphis Posts: 1 Member
    So true! I have a few friends that have tried it too and they don't look healthy at all.
  • Hcg is safe but the calorie's are 500 per day. The problem with hcg is if you don't follow it to the T- you could gain back plus some. I did it 1 1/2 years ago and I gained it all back. It is a very hard diet to follow if you are not committed. :) Hope this helps.
  • Not at all. you have to eat only 500 calories. no sugar no fat and very little carbs. its hard as hell to do and it is not healthy
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