What is hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a glycoprotein hormone that is indispensable to pregnancy. It was first discovered in the urine of a pregnant women by Ascheim and Zodek in 1927. hCG is also known as pregnancy hormone. It is made up of alpha- and beta-subunits. Another variant of hCG is hyperglycosylated hCG (hCGh).

hCG’s Function in the Body

Free alpha-hCG alone has no known biological function. In females, hCG (formed by combination of both alpha- and beta- subunits) binds to ovary for maintaining the corpus luteum, which is a transient endocrine structure created upon ovulation.

In early pregnancy, this corpus luteum produces progesterone hormone, which helps the uterine lining to become ready for implantation of the embryo and growing of fetus. The presence of hCG is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy and is often detected in pregnancy tests. Its essential role is to support the development of the embryo and fetus.

Normal males do not have hCG hormone. However, when free beta-hCG and hCGh isoforms are found in the serum of men, it is suggestive of cancer. They both contribute in the growth and spread of cancer. Also, the beta-hCG serum test is used as a postoperative marker to detect residual tumors and therapeutic success. When treated with an external source of hCG, it activates the testicular Leydig cells, which increases the synthesis of testosterone in hypogonadic males.

hCG and Weight Loss

The foundation of the hCG diet is the idea that, when taken in small quantities, hCG interact with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls appetite and metabolism. Thus, hCG can help with weight loss by reducing appetite and encouraging the body to burn fat for providing energy to body. Followers of the hCG diet claim that the hormone causes the body's metabolism to reset, resulting in quicker and long-lasting weight loss.

In 1954, Dr. Albert Simeons conducted a study on hCG and diet in which individuals were confined to 500 Kcal per day and were given 125 IU (12.5 ng or 450 nmol) hCG as a supplement and weight loss outcomes were reported. The described weight loss was attributed to the hCG injection’s vague and unexplained fat-mobilizing effects, which were also supposed to decrease hunger.

However, only five years later, in 1959, a second study contradicted the earlier findings and concluded that the diet's claims were incorrect. The weight loss in the second research was attributed only to the 500 Kcal diet, rather than the hCG administration. Following that, Craig’s (1963) and Frank’s (1964) group, each did their own research based on the initial diet used in the 1960s. Both the investigations independently concluded that there was no possible link between hCG administration and weight loss or appetite suppression.

hCG’s Effect on Body Composition

Practitioners of hCG believe that it can affect metabolism and suppress hunger. They believe that it helps in the mobilization of stored fat in body and suppresses appetite, making it simpler for people to stick to a very low-calorie diet. Practitioners of the hCG diet claim that it promotes fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this notion, and excessive calorie restriction can result in the loss of both fat and muscle mass.

Nonetheless, there is not much research to support such statements, and it is frequently contradictory. Scientifically it is argued that the observed weight loss in persons following the hCG diet is primarily due to the extremely low-calorie intake, rather than any specific benefits of hCG.

The Rules of the HCG Diet

The hCG diet is a controversial weight loss method that combines a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) with hCG supplementation, which is frequently provided as hCG injections, or as hCG spray, tablets, and oral drops available in the medical shop. The hCG diet comes with a set of strict rules that participants are expected to follow to maximize its effectiveness. The diet is typically divided into 4 phases which participants have to follow:

Phase 1: Loading Phase

The Loading Phase's aim is to encourage the body's release of fat deposits from trouble areas while also increasing metabolic rate.  The loading period lasts two days. During these two days, the participant will receive hCG injections in the morning and eat to stay full throughout the day.

Phase 2: Calorie-Restricted Phase

(Days 3–23 or 3–46 (depending on the schedule))

In this phase participants take 500 calories per day. The 500 calories are food specific, which means no breads, sweets, or fatty foods are allowed. Simultaneously, participants take hCG supplements to supposedly enhance fat mobilization and minimize hunger.

Phase 3: Stabilization Phase

Following the calorie-restricted phase, participants gradually increase their calorie intake to 1500-2000 calories per day while avoiding grains and sugars in phase 3. The weight loss phase is just as vital as the maintenance phase. The goal of the maintenance phase is to keep metabolic function going and to tailor metabolic balance to the new weight.  Participants are recommended to establish a regular training plan including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts during the maintenance period.

Phase 4: Maintenance Phase

This is the lifetime maintenance of the program. In this phase participant continue to keep sugars to a minimum, and introduce starches back to their diet very slowly. Participants continue to eat proteins and stay away from heavily processed or fast foods, weigh themselves often, and use the steak day if they have gained beyond their set baseline weight.

HCG diet plan bars you from eating dairy products, high-carb foods, sugary beverages, fatty and oily foods, sweets and desserts, and alcohol. When on hCG diet plan, you are allowed to eat only lean proteins like chicken, egg white, fish, etc; permitted fruits and vegetables (which are low in calorie), herbs and spices and beverages like tea and coffee without sugar and water. Followers of hCG diet claim a weight loss of approximately 2 pounds per day and a drastic reduction in weight in a span of 3 to 6 weeks.

Risks and Side Effects

Healthcare practitioners do not recommend the hCG diet for the weight loss. According to them, hCG is only supposed to be used for treatment of infertility and hormonal imbalances. Food and Drug Administration has judged the use of hCG for weight loss to be fraudulent since 1975, and hCG labelling must reflect this. The following are some of the risks associated with the hCG diet:

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Severely restricted diets may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients.
• Muscle Loss: Despite claims of muscle preservation, VLCDs can lead to muscle wasting.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Drastic calorie reduction can cause fatigue and weakness.
• Gallstone Formation: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone development.
• Imbalance in Hormones: The use of hCG may alter the body's normal hormonal balance. This can have unanticipated consequences on numerous physiological processes and offer risks, particularly when hormones are changed without competent medical care.
• Imbalances in Electrolytes: Extreme calorie restriction may cause electrolyte imbalances, impairing the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and neurons.
• Growth of cancer: hCG might encourage the production of androgen cells, which could result in the growth of certain types of cancers.

Before considering the HCG diet, individuals should:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight loss regimen.
• Understand Risks: It’s always better to be aware of potential risks and side effects associated with the hCG diet.  
• Medical Supervision: If participant is choosing to proceed with hCG diet, ensure proper medical supervision and monitoring throughout the program. 
• Consider alternatives: Investigate alternate weight loss approaches that include healthy eating, frequent physical activity, and behavioural changes. Sustainable lifestyle changes are more likely to produce long-term benefits.

Conclusion

After considering the controversy and potential risks, hCG diet participants should consider an alternative weight loss method. Approaches relying on evidence-based research and safety considerations, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and modifications in one’s behaviour may provide sustainable and safer weight loss solutions. Although the hCG diet has garnered attention for its rapid weight loss, its effectiveness and safety remain controversial. Because the calorie intake during the diet is extremely low, there are concerns about nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and other side effects. To achieve long-term success, individuals should prioritize their health, seek advice from medical professionals, and consider evidence-based weight loss strategies.

Owing to the controversial nature of the hCG diet, individuals intending for this diet plan should be adequately pre-informed about the pros- and cons of the diet plan and emphasize on their safety first. Readers are advised to always consult a medical professional before considering any significant weight loss program including hCG diet.