It is my understanding that the HCG injections are there to preserve the muscle so that a VLCD (very low calorie diet) can be followed effectively, utilizing highly nutritious but very low fat foods.
The diet is key to the program, as it encourages the body fat to be used as fuel. Under a doctor’s care, an appetite suppressant is also prescribed so that a VLCD can be tolerated long term.
This program is done in 8-week intervals, with three weeks off between cycles. Exercise is encouraged. I started five weeks ago with about 100 lb. to lose, and in that time have lost 17 lb. so far.
Having taken mood stabilizers and antidepressants for about 3 years now, my metabolism has changed rapidly, considering I eat healthy and instruct and coach 13 intense muscle strengthening programs per week! I gained 18kg in this period of time - and no, I did not eat more than usual, no lies.
I became desperate and completely adament to discover a cure for this. So I found the Dr. Simeons Manuscript and yes, for the first time in my life ever, I went on a diet.
I injected myself everyday, except Sundays, for 40 days and did exactly as Dr Simeons suggested, and I LOST EXACTLY AS HE SAID ONE WOULD. What an incredibly mind blowing experience, the fat melted away. It was phenomenal. But, I will add, it is only for those who REALLY WANT TO LOSE FAT.
You only do what is really important to you and this was. How can a healthy person who gets others to lose weight successfully, just gain weight? - it’s bizarre.
I practice what I preach and for some reason I felt extremely punished and cursed. I just couldn’t lose weight and I new that it was simply ludicrous to add more exercise to such a hectic training schedule.
If you do the program, exactly as Dr Simeons (NOT TRUDUEA) prescribed, you’ll have success. Read the entire document, and please, don’t try to follow other methods. Dr Simeons spent his life researching and succesfully curing people of their lament. DO AS HE SAYS - YOU WON’T REGRET IT.
I went on the HCG injections for 10 weeks, and I did lose about 20 1bs — maybe because i am older 56) and less active.
I have found with HCG that you mostly lose in inches than pounds. The only drawback with this program is,you may as well lay on the couch the first two weeks as you are too weak to exercise.
I have been on hCG injections for the previous past 2 months (Jan. & Feb.) and lost 35 lbs. consuming 800 - 1000 calories a day, and no simple carbs. I also walked most days.
My Dr. stopped giving hCG this mo (March), and I have found it very hard to even stay on my diet this mo. Amazingly - I have not gained any weight, even though I have overate.
I miss the content and full feeling that the hCG gave me. I will be finding another Dr. who gives hCG. I have 35 more lbs. to go before my target weight.
I am currently on my fourth day of 500 calories with the HCG injections. The first 2 days were so tough, I almost quit every hour. My third day went a lot smoother - I started feeling alert and full of energy. The only reason I haven’t quit as yet is due to the rapid weight loss.
The past 1 and a half months have been incredibly busy at work, and as a result I stopped exercising and the weight just piled on. Add to this mixture the affects of winter and wanting more comfort foods, I couldn’t keep the weight off. I felt terrible about letting myself go.
So, I decided to try the HCG after my mom and sister had successfully lost weight on it, and amazingly kept it off even after following their previous eating patterns.
After the 2 days of gorging, I weighed in at 65.4 kgs the Monday morning. Tuesday morning I weighed in at 64.7 kgs. Wednesday I weighed 63.9 kgs. I have to add, I had such a craving for coffee, and even though you are permitted coffee, milk is not allowed and I get nauseous from drinking black coffee. SO Wednesday I decided to have one cup of coffee with low fat milk and sweetener - and couldn’t wait to see what affect it would have on my weight today, Thursday.
Today I weighed in at 63 kg’s. Feels good. Had another coffee with milk today, so I’ll have to see again tomorrow if this has an affect on my weight loss.
The restrictive nature of this diet is truly tiresome. I know its not desirable, but I might not stay on it for much longer, and rather follow the traditional route of healthy, balanced eating and exercise. I feel like I’m punishing myself right now.
But heck, the weight loss feels good, but I don’t really approve of the instant gratification, don’t know if this is psychologically a good approach in the long run…..
Editor’s Comments: A 500 calorie diet is more than restrictive - it can hardly be considered either a “safe” or “practical” approach to weight loss (the minimum “safe” caloric limit for women is around 800-1200 calories, depending on a few factors).
Additionally, a large percentage of weight loss will be comprised of muscle mass. This is not desirable, since muscle is metabolically active tissue and contributes to an elevated metabolism. This makes it more likely the weight will come back faster than ever when you go off this diet… which you must at some point.
HCG? It helps! It supports! It works! It is not the cure-all, but it is a tool to help you accomplish a very difficult task. Is it easy? No. But nothing is… Happy Living to you!
I am going to start doing HCG treatment soon. I watched four people do it with amazing results. They have all kept the weight off. They have changed their diets, but it has been amazing to watch them shrink.
My sister was 187 and lost 42 pounds in just eight weeks. She was following the manuscripts but was only in taking 300 calories a day.
My mom followed the same diet and lost 35 pounds and is about to start her second cycle. I have no clue how the FDA can say this treatment does not work. I would not suggest lowering your calorie intake to that level but they both only experienced a little hunger that was satisfied by drinkig water.
Editor’s Comments: 300 calories a day? Of course you’re going to lose weight… but how much of that is going to lean muscle — tissue that always burns calories and elevates the metabolism? How could you possibly cover your basic nutritional needs at that level? Franky, we think this sounds highly unsafe, and possibly dangerous.
By the way, it’s not the FDA that says HCG doesn’t work, it’s a whole number of peer-reviewed clinical studies. Fact is, if you only consume 300 calories per day, you will lose weight — with or without HCG.
I recently started the HCG injections 7 days ago and was following the 500-800 calorie intake and gained 3lbs. I was very discouraged, so I did a little research on low calorie diets vs low carb diets and was amazed that low carb diets are so much healthier for you.
The huge intake of carbs is responsible for my additional weight gain, so check out the foods your consuming and look at the the carbs!
On such a low cal intake you’re losing muscle mass. I will continue to use the HCG as it promotes fatigue and helps burn fat and promotes good sleep. Please do your research.
My initial weight gain problem is because I abused carbs. So why do I want to take in a high level of them, my Dr. who is promoting this diet had no answers for me.
I have just finished my first week of HCG shots and lost 6 pounds. In the past I’ve tried everything, including starving myself - nothing has worked as this has. The first few days are rough, I must admit, but as of yesterday, no hunger pains, loads of energy and I have followed Dr. Simeons plan to the T.
I am not one to rule out Placebo effect but if it works more power to me! Phase 3 of the plan seems to make sense, looks healthy and pretty easy to follow.
Compared to all the diet junk that’s out there including the weight loss programs that scam you into buying their products and the hundreds of dollars you can dish out, I think HCG ( and I paid 100.00 through my doctor)is a small price to pay.
On the other hand I would never go through some one like Kevin Trudeau to pay for something like this, His prices are crazy! He is definitely making a huge profit.
My advice is to find a “real” doctor who will support you in this.
If you do this EXACTLY as prescribed, including the load on the first 2 days, it works! I, like most other single moms in my late 30’s have that spare tire thing and I just got sick of it! I have been on this diet and the injections for one week and I have lost 10 pounds. I am sleeping all night, I am not tired and after the first two days, the hunger went away. Low fat and low carbs (what this diet basically is)and reading labels will help you lose weight anyway, but from my understanding, you would never make it on 500 cals a day without the HCG. Believe it or not, I am actually full after a meal. I can’t even eat it all and always save my fruit for a snack. It is not expensive to try the protocol. I have invested less than $100 and am doing it myself, not at a clinic. I talked with my OB first and he couldn’t find any negatives, aside from the usual internet bad-mouthing from folks who have never tried it or tried it and did it wrong!!
My suggestion? Just print the Simeon’s protocol-Trudeau adds too much stuff, and try it. If it doesn’t work, you probably have wasted no more money or time than you would have on any other diet
I’ve gotten through my third day of HCG dieting. My mom and I have been using the sublinqual method (not injections). Just as Simeon promised, I’m losing 1 pound a day.
When you see the results on the scale, that alone motivates you. 500 cal per day is hard but the HCG has to be curbing my appetite or I would be a crazy woman.
My wonderful mom helped me prepare for the diet. I’m a 10 hr/day manager with a husband and 6 y/o so she knew it was going to be tough for me to make it happen.
She prepared menus with the calories already counted. We weighed and prepared a lot of my meat ahead of time and froze it so I could just grab it for lunch and go.
Would highly recommend this strategy. Best of luck to the other dieters.
I’ve used HCG before and I lost about 100 lbs from it. I swear by it. I found a doctor around my area who at the time was giving the injections for a reasonable price and at the time I honestly didn’t know that this was illegal for weight loss purposes in the US.
I had been over weight my whole life. I can remember being 5 and being a “fat girl” ever since I went to this doctor and took HCG.
I lost 18 pounds in the first 2 weeks I took it and it only took me 3 months to loose 77 lbs.
Unfortunately the doctor who was giving these shots to me and many others, got in serious trouble for distributing this HCG to his patients. He was taken to court by one patient of his and had to give up his license and eventually he decided to retire.
This broke my heart that a man who brought me to life and made me more healthy and happy, had to give up what he loved to do - helping people loose weight and live happy lives.
Its been about 7 years since I last went to that doctor for the HCG injections.
I cannot understand why they distribute all these other “weight loss” pills and diets and even some of these surgeries, claiming that you will loose so much weight and keep it off. None of it works but the FDA won’t approve HCG for weight loss.
I can’t wait for this to finally get approved.
I myself will be undergoing weight loss surgery and I don’t even think that’s as effective as the HCG.
I took HCG shots, through my doctor, only once a week. Made sure to get 30g protein within the 1st 3 hours of waking up, (she also added phentermine to help curb appetite for the 1st month or so).
I followed a 800-1000 calorie diet for 2 weeks then went 1000-1200 calories for one week. In 3 months I lost almost 40 lbs. I found my miracle.
I have hypothyroid (very low) and could not lose those last 50 lbs since having my 3rd baby(at 38 years old) I definitely lost more inches than lbs.
I am 6'2? and weigh 195 lbs, but wear a size 12 and am very happy with that. Even at 180lbs (15 years ago, I was a size 14) I can’t take the phentermine any more since I just quit working. I stopped the shots for 3 months, to “test” if I would gain the weight back. Only gained 3lbs so started the shots again over a month ago. Lost the 3 lbs, but nothing like when I first started the program. Can’t complain.
I haven’t weighed below this in 15 years, so it really worked great for me! SO many of my friends are doing excellent with it too! (40-80lbs in <6 months) Feel like I’m 20 again!
I am planning to try the HCG diet next week. I am trying to find out more about how HCG is extracted from the urine or the placenta and what risks that may include - similar to blood transfusions?
I assume it is important that there are no medical issues going on for the donor. Has anyone else been concerned about this? What have you found out?
The guy who says it doesn’t work and to save your money does not know what he’s talking about and I’ll bet he never tried hCG.
My wife and I both went on the Semiens Protocol for six months and I lost 67 pounds and she lost 45 pounds.
Over the course of 18 months I’ve lost 90 pounds on the Protocol and kept it off!
I truly believe that it works.
Editor’s comments: Any HCG diet we reviewed will work simply because of the massive caloric restriction. Existing clinical data does not support the claim that HCG aids in weight loss (see the full review for more details).
I am on my 2nd round, but only 23 days this time. I lost 18 pounds the first time back in October. I have a small heart issue so I cannot take “diet drugs”. I figure if my female body made the HCG during my pregnancy, what the heck…can’t hurt to try it.
This has been the best thing I could have done!! I have not weighed under 180 in 10 years. I have stayed within a couple of pounds of my ideal weight, but doughnuts and chips will make you fat!
My fault for not weighing daily after phase 3, and for eating doughnuts.
I sleep better, I am awake and alert (not the “speedy jittery” alert!), and after the first few days the hunger goes away.
In fact, after the first couple of weeks it is hard to stomach all the calories in a day. I have never felt better.
It has been a great learning experience-you will learn to read everything you buy and become more aware of what kind of JUNK is in a lot of food. My family eats most things now that are all natural with no preservatives.
My only suggestion to anybody who wants to try it is to find some recipes on the internet… the actual diet food is very boring. The shipping is usually a bit slow on the meds, so start early with that part!
Do your research-the positive feedback on this FAR outweighs the negative.
I really could care less about all the negative “studies” regarding hcg. For those of us who are experiencing the weight loss, that is what matters!
I have a multitude of chronic health problems-severe chronic fatigue syndrome, mal-absorption syndrome, chronic back/leg pain from an injury/surgery, to name a few. I had gained a huge amount of weight, and had no luck losing it. Tried the hcg and lost 12.6# in 22 days. From the forum I visited, this was on the low end- but I was 3 for 3 in regards to the things that make hcg not work quite as well- female, long hx of taking thyroid medication, and long hx of prescription medications.
I know that it wasn’t just the 500 calorie diet, because I had no hunger while on the shots. And for the past 3 weeks I have eaten as much as I want, including fat, as long as I stayed away from sugar and starch. I not only haven’t gained any weight back, but have continued to lose a little. I’m not a Kevin Trudeau fan for many reasons, but this has been used around the world successfully, and I personally have communicated with enough people in the past 7 weeks to know it isn’t a fluke.
Editor’s comments: Margie, we’d suggest clinical studies are important. In large part, they prevent well-established crooks like Mr. Trudeau from continuing to pull the wool over the eyes of consumers. As we’ve stated, anyone consuming 500 calories per day is going to lose weight. The studies show that HCG makes no difference over a placebo (in other words, individuals taking a placebo and sticking to a 500 calorie attain exactly the same benefits).One study states…
“Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been claimed to aid in weight reduction by reducing hunger, and affecting mood as well as aiding in localized (spot) reduction. We have tested these claims in a double-blind randomized trial using injections of HCG or placebo. Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.”
The fact that you’ve haven’t gained anything back is no validation of HCG effectiveness either; you’ve indicated that you’ve implemented an Atkins-style diet (no carbs or sweets) which is actually very good for weight maintenance. While we’re happy you’ve lost the weight you wanted, your experience is not a clinical validation of the effectiveness of HCG.
In short, I did drop weight very quickly. However, 41% of the weight was lean body mass! This diet does not target just fat, as claimed. Become educated about what HCG will do to your body before trying it!
I have struggled with my weight for over 20 years and since I was a child ~ I have lost over 100 pounds with this protocol!!! It’s simply been a blessing and miracle for me. It is possible to not lose weight on such a low calorie diet itself because the body goes into starvation mode.
It’s also important to note that although you are only taking in 500 calories a day, your body it utilizing much more than that via the abnormally stored fat. Also, Dr. Simeons DID do studies, and he worked on this protocol for many, many years ~ his manuscript is “Pounds & Inches”.
Also, if you’ve lost lean muscle ( I did at first), then you need to add a bit more protein throughout the day, so the blood sugars do not yo-yo & go up and down so much ~ When Dr. Simeons did the studies, there was not the epidemic and issue of diabetes/hormone issues that there is today.
To the editor: You mentioned “Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been claimed to aid in weight reduction by reducing hunger, and affecting mood as well as aiding in localized (spot) reduction. We have tested these claims in a double-blind randomized trial using injections of HCG or placebo. Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.”
I would appreciate the knowledge of where I can find information and specifics on this study. The statement you gave says nothing of the specific dosing or specific diet of the study. And what is reported of “clinical trials/studies” is often VERY deceiving!
“…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.”
(End of editor’s comments).
Again, I have battled with my weight since I was 8 ~ I’m now 31! From August to March I lost over 100 pounds!!! (with a few breaks in there) The HCG protocol really works IF you follow it. I consider myself my own personal ‘clinical study’ with all of the things I’ve done over the years, and in my results, this HCG protocol is the “winner!”
Well, I am posting this risking professional ridicule (but not afraid). Why do I say that? Because I am a traditionally trained, board certified MD physician who, when I first heard about the hCG protocol for weight loss used the words “stupid, dumb fad diet, unsafe, gross negligence” in describing my initial response to the HCG protocol to a family member who wanted me to prescribe hCG to them for the purpose of losing weight. Then they told me they already did it once, lost 35 lbs in 39 days, kept the weight off, felt good doing it, and wanted to lose more. And felt great doing the VLC protocol. So I looked into it. After I did I still thought the same thoughts concerning the “diet.” Why? Because I made the same mistake every other traditionally trained health professional does when looking at the protocol. I looked at it from a narrow minded view. “It’s not FDA approved, anyone can lose weight on 500 Kcalories a day, there are no studies proving it, you can’t live on 500 calories, anecdotal reports are worthless, etc.” First thing you see when you google hcg weight loss are either scam marketing ads for it or traditional reviews with negative responses. Of course you would think this is a “bad fad diet.” Until I kept looking.
And I spoke with individuals who succeeded and those who didn’t and I looked closer to the reasons why. I also stepped away from my own traditional bias and tried to open my mind to the protocol. I read the studies. Some legitimate, others not so much. All small and old. And yes, the Kevin Trudeau book and marketing push is one big scam to make money off of things not related to the protocol. That does not make the protocol unsafe or ineffective. Then I supervised actual patients with strict adherence to the original Dr Simeon’s protocol. And guess what, I found success in small numbers. Remarkable success. And I do not mean in just weight loss. In fact, it turns out it is not the weight loss that is the success of the protocol, rather the ability to be self aware in keeping the weight off. Yes, all anecdotal. Over 200 patients and counting.
Yes, there are failures. I can count them on one hand. Yes, anyone can lose weight on 500 calories, but can anyone actually do 500 calories for 39 days and feel great? A myth concerning this protocol is that you live off 500 calories. Actuality is that you live off the 500 calories you ingest PLUS the calories you burn from your fat and the nutrition that is released from the fat you burn. Another myth: Fat only stores fat soluble vitamins. Nope. Fat stores many other minerals and hormones and in fact, is part of the endocrine system in making certain hormones. So as you burn fat it releases nutrition that your body uses for metabolism. Another fact ignored: Did you know the hCG hormone is similar to thyroid hormone and acts to stimulate the thyroid? This is a generalization but an accurate one. I do not know exactly how this relates to weight loss and I do not think anyone does. However, I am willing to bet this is part of the reason why it works in this protocol.
I am traditionally trained, extremely skeptical but not cynical, healthy in my skepticism of all medicine whether FDA approved or not (remember Vioxx, Sledane. Baycol, Zelnorm, Fen-Phen?). I find it interesting that the FDA will approve a procedure that has a 300 plus people a year death rate (gastric bypass) not to mention a very high co-morbidity (associated problems) rate and physicians who will approve of this procedure. Yet, place a “black box” on hCG saying no approval for weight loss when there has been ZERO noted issues in over 50 years in hCG use in weight loss. The “extensive studies” that are cited on both sides of the argument are very small studies (Greenway, etc.) and old and are equivocal when they are all looked at together. No study follows up on long term weight loss. Another interesting note is it is well documented that hCG is safe at 100 times the amount used for weight loss. Why no large studies? Because there is no money to be made in a generic medication. Why don’t I do a large study? Because it costs money and I am unable to get a grant to do so. No pharmaceutical will give money for a large study again, because there is no money to be made. If I found/developed a synthetic and patentable hCG then money would be available.
Another commonly stated argument against the hCG Protocol: Kevin Trudeau. Unfortunately this is a flawed argument. Just because Kevin Trudeau has been fined and is a scam artist does not make the hCG protocol ineffective. The hCG protocol is not his. It was not developed by him. He just found it, wrote a book and sells unrelated items that he says is “required for the diet to work” but has nothing to do with the protocol. That is the scam. By the way. On this Ultimatefatburner.com negative review page there are multiple links to purchasing hCG for weight loss and to find hCG weight loss clinics. Does this make this review a scam or invalid? No. (Note to the editors, practice what you preach).
Editor’s note: Dr. Gonzalez, I’m sure you’re well aware of the difference between editorial copy and advertising. Until publishers in any medium are exempted from paying rent, for clothing, food, and so on, there will always appear to be an apparent conflict of interest between the material presented and advertising. Fact is, it occurs in every publishing industry, and is an unfortunate, yet necessary part of life. Please recognize the difference. (End of editor’s comments.)
The hCG is not for everybody. It is not a “weight loss cure” and it must be physician directed and supervised. It cannot be applied to the general public as many diets are. A full health evaluation is imperative prior to beginning such a diet. I have saved many from gastric bypass, been able to get diabetics off their medications, get patients off blood pressure meds, antidepression meds, and cholesterol meds because of this protocol. Anecdotal? Yes. Ineffective? No. Need larger studies? Yes.
As a side note, my clinic is not an hCG only weight loss clinic but I do use hCG for weight loss in a very selective patient population to help them avoid gastric bypass or other unsafe weight loss substitutes.
Ben Gonzalez, MD
Medical Director
Atlantis Medical Wellness Center
Editor’s comments: Thank you very much for your comments, Dr. Gonzalez. We always appreciate it when a qualified professional weighs in with his (or her) opinion. Regarding the studies cited; they may be old (not all are small - like this one, for instance), but they are the only ones we have. Our job here is to balance the advertising claims with the evidence - and to date, published evidence does not show HCG in a great light. When you consider that the supplement industry had a long and sordid history of making unsubstantiated claims in order to fleece consumers, we are highly skeptical of those who make arguments contrary to what is borne out by existing evidence. Especially when they have a huge financial incentive to do so, no real scientific evidence to base that argument upon, and occasionally, a shady background (case in point, Mr Kevin Trudeau).
That does not mean that new, larger scale studies on HCG will show different, more beneficial results. And we’ll be happy to revise our conclusion on HCG… but only when we have some peer-reviewed data to base that revision on. But until then, we have to rely on the only evidence we have.
It would be fantastic if you used your own clinic as a “testing ground”, and wrote up and published your results in a qualified peer-reviewed journal.
You are correct concerning the general motives of the supplemental industry. And you are certainly correct concerning the ability of that industry to “fleece” consumers (selling DHEA and other supplements that are not bioavailable , all the ‘must have vitamins to prolong life’ ads that exist, high anti-oxidant drinks that cost $60 a bottle, ect.). The FDA, much needed and useful as it is, does not have a perfect record of review. Not anywhere near perfect. True balance needs to be impartial and truly objective. Your reviews seem skewed. Example of that is the persistent citation of Trudeau as a scam artist as a reason for hCG ineffectiveness in your reviews and in your response to my comments. He is most definitely a scam artist. However, that is independent of the hCG protocol. The published data to date concerning hCG is not only small and old (I agree, that doesn’t mean it is invalid), but truly equivocal. It does not establish the effectiveness or lack thereof concerning the hCG protocol. And just because it is published doesn’t mean it is truth. The Vioxx fiasco is the best recent example (still reading about it in today’s news).
I want to make it clear, I do not believe the claims made by “hCG Weight Loss Centers” are valid. Especially the ones using oral hCG. Nor do I believe the hCG protocol is for the general population. It is not. It can be for a select few and it MUST be medically supervised. In my very small population I have found amazing success in individuals who have tried multiple mainstream protocols and have failed. I have saved individuals from gastric bypasses (an FDA approved procedure with published data, a death rate and significant co-morbidity) and been able to get long term diabetics off their medications solely due to the hCG protocol. Most definitely anecdotal. It is my overall belief that the hCG protocol does not work for the general population. That it is effective in a select population that has underlying sub acute endocrine issues (I am being very general here because this is not the forum for detailed physiologic discussion) that prevent traditional approach to weight loss. None of the old literature addresses what I have mentioned. I am building data but my hCG population is too small to be effective anytime soon.
Just a few more comments: Those individuals who have found success in the hCG protocol in my opinion, likely have an underlying metabolic or endocrine issue that is unrecognized. These individuals truly find success where other diets (this is NOT a diet, rather a protocol) and protocols have failed. There must be a full evaluation of the endocrine system along with all the other usual labs obtained in a regular physical exam. Then those results must be evaluated by a physician who understands how to interpret beyond the “normal ranges” reported by the labs.
Weight loss is a struggle for many, the hCG protocol is for few of those many. There is a need for not just one study, but a few in order to determine if the hCG protocol is effective and for exactly what population it is effective. As I mentioned in a previous post, there is no money for a good large study anytime soon. For now, I do not recommend this protocol for the general population.
Overall, your editorial is very good and useful to the general public and I appreciate your comments. You can contact me through the clinic anytime if you come across other providers who may want to put an objective study together. Please keep at it!
Editor’s comments: Thanks once more for your comments, Dr Gonzalez. However, we do take issue with this comment; “True balance needs to be impartial and truly objective. Your reviews seem skewed.” If you read the full review of HCG here, you’ll find that our view of HCG is not based on Mr Trudeau’s character (as you say, the HCG protocol did not originate with him), but with the lack of clinical data validating HCG’s effectiveness over a placebo (you can check all the referenced published data in the full review). And ALL the studies are conclusive; it showed no benefit.
We aren’t running a weight loss clinic and using HCG on clients, so we’re not privy to the sort of insights with HCG that perhaps you have. Our job is to look at the existing data, compare it to the claims, and report on the results. That’s exactly what we did here. Looking at the published data, how could you come to any other conclusion? As you say yourself, even the positive results you have obtained are anecdotal. In other words, even you have no real evidence.
Dr Gonzalez, two last comments; first, this forum really is meant for folks to leave comments and feedback on various products. If you have any other comments, please do contact us directly. Second, we’ve integrated your follow up comments into this post for convenience.
“Dr Gonzalez, two last comments; first, this forum really is meant for folks to leave comments and feedback on various product.”
hCG is not just an over-the-counter product and I felt a physician’s perspective was warranted. It is a prescribed medication. This is one of the reasons why I felt compelled to comment. Also, the “full review” you refer to has a very large and highlighted part concerning Trudeau. A patient of mine brought this to my attention and stated to me that is the reason why he felt the hCG protocol was not safe. This is how your review came to my attention. This large and highlighted part of your review is a common thread in many blogs and reviews. This is what people many focus on. And that is why many individuals who have looked at this review fell it is skewed. The Trudeua highlight seems a large part of the reason for the review’s dissent. Just wanted to point that out.
As far as ‘published data,” you are correct. However, the studies are way too small and limited for absolute conclusions. As I mentioned, I agree with your final overall conclusions. I just want to clarify that the hCG protocol when selective and followed by a physician can be very effective and very safe. Safer than many alternatives such as gastric bypasses and more effective than many over the counter “diet pills and fads.” As you mentioned, this requires much more detailed discussion for another forum. Again, keep up the good work overall.
i have used hcg a number of times, once being after having a baby and twice since. I understand and have read Dr.Simeon’s write up as well as Kevin’s book. I know there is a lot of controversy about it, but it has completely worked.
5 other people i know who have also done it, and without fail, they have results just as promised. I do feel extremely well when on it, it takes away my back pain from the result of a car accident, the late day tiredness where I would normally need to drink a coke, or take a nap. I feel satisfied, but you do miss eating what you want, and sometimes I crave things, but that doesn’t mean to say I am hungry.
I have recommended it to many people who have tried alternative weight loss and haven’t had success. It is very difficult and if you don’t have will power - don’t even try because it is very hard, but very very rewarding. I lost 20lbs the first time I did it in a 3 week program. I never gained any back. This is my body’s normal healthy body weight.
I have since gone on it, where I tried to lose all the “abnormal fat” I have. I lost another 11 lbs.
I have since gained that back due to unhealthy eating habits, and not following phase 4 of Kevin’s rules. I am happy to go on the diet once a year before summer to shed the last 10-15lbs. It has been the best thing I have ever found! My weight watcher and exercise freak friends who have bad eating habits and can’t kick the weight are jealous! I say to them “all you need to do is get some will power and you can look like me too” I LOVE HCG!
I have successfully used HCG to lose 100lbs in a 7 month period and have other friends who have lost between 25 and 80lbs while following the protocol. It is challenging to some but once those challenges are over come it is smooth sailing all the way to fat freedom. I continue to recommend HCG to anyone fighting the battle of the bulge.
HCG has also helped friends fighting gout, lupus, diabetes and high blood pressure. There are so many benefits to using it that it would put the drug companies out of business. Once you are able to cure a majority of the illnesses born from obesity then there is no need for them.
SALLY ON 19 JAN 2008 AT 9:35 AM #
It is my understanding that the HCG injections are there to preserve the muscle so that a VLCD (very low calorie diet) can be followed effectively, utilizing highly nutritious but very low fat foods.
The diet is key to the program, as it encourages the body fat to be used as fuel. Under a doctor’s care, an appetite suppressant is also prescribed so that a VLCD can be tolerated long term.
This program is done in 8-week intervals, with three weeks off between cycles. Exercise is encouraged. I started five weeks ago with about 100 lb. to lose, and in that time have lost 17 lb. so far.
COLLEEN ON 07 MAR 2008 AT 11:43 AM #
Having taken mood stabilizers and antidepressants for about 3 years now, my metabolism has changed rapidly, considering I eat healthy and instruct and coach 13 intense muscle strengthening programs per week! I gained 18kg in this period of time - and no, I did not eat more than usual, no lies.
I became desperate and completely adament to discover a cure for this. So I found the Dr. Simeons Manuscript and yes, for the first time in my life ever, I went on a diet.
I injected myself everyday, except Sundays, for 40 days and did exactly as Dr Simeons suggested, and I LOST EXACTLY AS HE SAID ONE WOULD. What an incredibly mind blowing experience, the fat melted away. It was phenomenal. But, I will add, it is only for those who REALLY WANT TO LOSE FAT.
You only do what is really important to you and this was. How can a healthy person who gets others to lose weight successfully, just gain weight? - it’s bizarre.
I practice what I preach and for some reason I felt extremely punished and cursed. I just couldn’t lose weight and I new that it was simply ludicrous to add more exercise to such a hectic training schedule.
If you do the program, exactly as Dr Simeons (NOT TRUDUEA) prescribed, you’ll have success. Read the entire document, and please, don’t try to follow other methods. Dr Simeons spent his life researching and succesfully curing people of their lament. DO AS HE SAYS - YOU WON’T REGRET IT.
CINDY ON 15 MAR 2008 AT 11:37 AM #
I went on the HCG injections for 10 weeks, and I did lose about 20 1bs — maybe because i am older 56) and less active.
I have found with HCG that you mostly lose in inches than pounds. The only drawback with this program is,you may as well lay on the couch the first two weeks as you are too weak to exercise.
CAROL ANN ON 08 APR 2008 AT 5:01 PM #
I have been on hCG injections for the previous past 2 months (Jan. & Feb.) and lost 35 lbs. consuming 800 - 1000 calories a day, and no simple carbs. I also walked most days.
My Dr. stopped giving hCG this mo (March), and I have found it very hard to even stay on my diet this mo. Amazingly - I have not gained any weight, even though I have overate.
I miss the content and full feeling that the hCG gave me. I will be finding another Dr. who gives hCG. I have 35 more lbs. to go before my target weight.
CHARMAIN ON 08 MAY 2008 AT 12:18 PM #
I am currently on my fourth day of 500 calories with the HCG injections. The first 2 days were so tough, I almost quit every hour. My third day went a lot smoother - I started feeling alert and full of energy. The only reason I haven’t quit as yet is due to the rapid weight loss.
The past 1 and a half months have been incredibly busy at work, and as a result I stopped exercising and the weight just piled on. Add to this mixture the affects of winter and wanting more comfort foods, I couldn’t keep the weight off. I felt terrible about letting myself go.
So, I decided to try the HCG after my mom and sister had successfully lost weight on it, and amazingly kept it off even after following their previous eating patterns.
After the 2 days of gorging, I weighed in at 65.4 kgs the Monday morning. Tuesday morning I weighed in at 64.7 kgs. Wednesday I weighed 63.9 kgs. I have to add, I had such a craving for coffee, and even though you are permitted coffee, milk is not allowed and I get nauseous from drinking black coffee. SO Wednesday I decided to have one cup of coffee with low fat milk and sweetener - and couldn’t wait to see what affect it would have on my weight today, Thursday.
Today I weighed in at 63 kg’s. Feels good. Had another coffee with milk today, so I’ll have to see again tomorrow if this has an affect on my weight loss.
The restrictive nature of this diet is truly tiresome. I know its not desirable, but I might not stay on it for much longer, and rather follow the traditional route of healthy, balanced eating and exercise. I feel like I’m punishing myself right now.
But heck, the weight loss feels good, but I don’t really approve of the instant gratification, don’t know if this is psychologically a good approach in the long run…..
Editor’s Comments: A 500 calorie diet is more than restrictive - it can hardly be considered either a “safe” or “practical” approach to weight loss (the minimum “safe” caloric limit for women is around 800-1200 calories, depending on a few factors).
Additionally, a large percentage of weight loss will be comprised of muscle mass. This is not desirable, since muscle is metabolically active tissue and contributes to an elevated metabolism. This makes it more likely the weight will come back faster than ever when you go off this diet… which you must at some point.
TJ IN AZ ON 03 JUN 2008 AT 2:01 AM #
HCG? It helps! It supports! It works! It is not the cure-all, but it is a tool to help you accomplish a very difficult task. Is it easy? No. But nothing is… Happy Living to you!
DEVEN ON 25 JUL 2008 AT 5:56 PM #
I am going to start doing HCG treatment soon. I watched four people do it with amazing results. They have all kept the weight off. They have changed their diets, but it has been amazing to watch them shrink.
My sister was 187 and lost 42 pounds in just eight weeks. She was following the manuscripts but was only in taking 300 calories a day.
My mom followed the same diet and lost 35 pounds and is about to start her second cycle. I have no clue how the FDA can say this treatment does not work. I would not suggest lowering your calorie intake to that level but they both only experienced a little hunger that was satisfied by drinkig water.
Editor’s Comments: 300 calories a day? Of course you’re going to lose weight… but how much of that is going to lean muscle — tissue that always burns calories and elevates the metabolism? How could you possibly cover your basic nutritional needs at that level? Franky, we think this sounds highly unsafe, and possibly dangerous.
By the way, it’s not the FDA that says HCG doesn’t work, it’s a whole number of peer-reviewed clinical studies. Fact is, if you only consume 300 calories per day, you will lose weight — with or without HCG.
BARB ON 31 JUL 2008 AT 4:42 PM #
I recently started the HCG injections 7 days ago and was following the 500-800 calorie intake and gained 3lbs. I was very discouraged, so I did a little research on low calorie diets vs low carb diets and was amazed that low carb diets are so much healthier for you.
The huge intake of carbs is responsible for my additional weight gain, so check out the foods your consuming and look at the the carbs!
On such a low cal intake you’re losing muscle mass. I will continue to use the HCG as it promotes fatigue and helps burn fat and promotes good sleep. Please do your research.
My initial weight gain problem is because I abused carbs. So why do I want to take in a high level of them, my Dr. who is promoting this diet had no answers for me.
Wish me luck and good luck to you all.
MARIE ON 10 SEP 2008 AT 4:35 PM #
I have just finished my first week of HCG shots and lost 6 pounds. In the past I’ve tried everything, including starving myself - nothing has worked as this has. The first few days are rough, I must admit, but as of yesterday, no hunger pains, loads of energy and I have followed Dr. Simeons plan to the T.
I am not one to rule out Placebo effect but if it works more power to me! Phase 3 of the plan seems to make sense, looks healthy and pretty easy to follow.
Compared to all the diet junk that’s out there including the weight loss programs that scam you into buying their products and the hundreds of dollars you can dish out, I think HCG ( and I paid 100.00 through my doctor)is a small price to pay.
On the other hand I would never go through some one like Kevin Trudeau to pay for something like this, His prices are crazy! He is definitely making a huge profit.
My advice is to find a “real” doctor who will support you in this.
PENNY ON 03 OCT 2008 AT 12:35 PM #
If you do this EXACTLY as prescribed, including the load on the first 2 days, it works! I, like most other single moms in my late 30’s have that spare tire thing and I just got sick of it! I have been on this diet and the injections for one week and I have lost 10 pounds. I am sleeping all night, I am not tired and after the first two days, the hunger went away. Low fat and low carbs (what this diet basically is)and reading labels will help you lose weight anyway, but from my understanding, you would never make it on 500 cals a day without the HCG. Believe it or not, I am actually full after a meal. I can’t even eat it all and always save my fruit for a snack. It is not expensive to try the protocol. I have invested less than $100 and am doing it myself, not at a clinic. I talked with my OB first and he couldn’t find any negatives, aside from the usual internet bad-mouthing from folks who have never tried it or tried it and did it wrong!!
My suggestion? Just print the Simeon’s protocol-Trudeau adds too much stuff, and try it. If it doesn’t work, you probably have wasted no more money or time than you would have on any other diet
LISA ON 14 OCT 2008 AT 4:15 PM #
I’ve gotten through my third day of HCG dieting. My mom and I have been using the sublinqual method (not injections). Just as Simeon promised, I’m losing 1 pound a day.
When you see the results on the scale, that alone motivates you. 500 cal per day is hard but the HCG has to be curbing my appetite or I would be a crazy woman.
My wonderful mom helped me prepare for the diet. I’m a 10 hr/day manager with a husband and 6 y/o so she knew it was going to be tough for me to make it happen.
She prepared menus with the calories already counted. We weighed and prepared a lot of my meat ahead of time and froze it so I could just grab it for lunch and go.
Would highly recommend this strategy. Best of luck to the other dieters.
GEMMA ON 24 OCT 2008 AT 4:55 PM #
I’ve used HCG before and I lost about 100 lbs from it. I swear by it. I found a doctor around my area who at the time was giving the injections for a reasonable price and at the time I honestly didn’t know that this was illegal for weight loss purposes in the US.
I had been over weight my whole life. I can remember being 5 and being a “fat girl” ever since I went to this doctor and took HCG.
I lost 18 pounds in the first 2 weeks I took it and it only took me 3 months to loose 77 lbs.
Unfortunately the doctor who was giving these shots to me and many others, got in serious trouble for distributing this HCG to his patients. He was taken to court by one patient of his and had to give up his license and eventually he decided to retire.
This broke my heart that a man who brought me to life and made me more healthy and happy, had to give up what he loved to do - helping people loose weight and live happy lives.
Its been about 7 years since I last went to that doctor for the HCG injections.
I cannot understand why they distribute all these other “weight loss” pills and diets and even some of these surgeries, claiming that you will loose so much weight and keep it off. None of it works but the FDA won’t approve HCG for weight loss.
I can’t wait for this to finally get approved.
I myself will be undergoing weight loss surgery and I don’t even think that’s as effective as the HCG.
SHARLENE ON 14 NOV 2008 AT 9:19 AM #
I took HCG shots, through my doctor, only once a week. Made sure to get 30g protein within the 1st 3 hours of waking up, (she also added phentermine to help curb appetite for the 1st month or so).
I followed a 800-1000 calorie diet for 2 weeks then went 1000-1200 calories for one week. In 3 months I lost almost 40 lbs. I found my miracle.
I have hypothyroid (very low) and could not lose those last 50 lbs since having my 3rd baby(at 38 years old) I definitely lost more inches than lbs.
I am 6'2? and weigh 195 lbs, but wear a size 12 and am very happy with that. Even at 180lbs (15 years ago, I was a size 14) I can’t take the phentermine any more since I just quit working. I stopped the shots for 3 months, to “test” if I would gain the weight back. Only gained 3lbs so started the shots again over a month ago. Lost the 3 lbs, but nothing like when I first started the program. Can’t complain.
I haven’t weighed below this in 15 years, so it really worked great for me! SO many of my friends are doing excellent with it too! (40-80lbs in <6 months) Feel like I’m 20 again!
ADRIANNE ON 30 DEC 2008 AT 9:43 PM #
I love the HCG this has been the only thing that has worked for me, I cant believe it. My first week I lost 7 pounds.
KAY ON 03 JAN 2009 AT 4:15 PM #
I am planning to try the HCG diet next week. I am trying to find out more about how HCG is extracted from the urine or the placenta and what risks that may include - similar to blood transfusions?
I assume it is important that there are no medical issues going on for the donor. Has anyone else been concerned about this? What have you found out?
DAVE WARKENTINE ON 05 JAN 2009 AT 10:01 AM #
The guy who says it doesn’t work and to save your money does not know what he’s talking about and I’ll bet he never tried hCG.
My wife and I both went on the Semiens Protocol for six months and I lost 67 pounds and she lost 45 pounds.
Over the course of 18 months I’ve lost 90 pounds on the Protocol and kept it off!
I truly believe that it works.
Editor’s comments: Any HCG diet we reviewed will work simply because of the massive caloric restriction. Existing clinical data does not support the claim that HCG aids in weight loss (see the full review for more details).
PENNY ON 12 JAN 2009 AT 5:55 PM #
I am on my 2nd round, but only 23 days this time. I lost 18 pounds the first time back in October. I have a small heart issue so I cannot take “diet drugs”. I figure if my female body made the HCG during my pregnancy, what the heck…can’t hurt to try it.
This has been the best thing I could have done!! I have not weighed under 180 in 10 years. I have stayed within a couple of pounds of my ideal weight, but doughnuts and chips will make you fat!
My fault for not weighing daily after phase 3, and for eating doughnuts.
I sleep better, I am awake and alert (not the “speedy jittery” alert!), and after the first few days the hunger goes away.
In fact, after the first couple of weeks it is hard to stomach all the calories in a day. I have never felt better.
It has been a great learning experience-you will learn to read everything you buy and become more aware of what kind of JUNK is in a lot of food. My family eats most things now that are all natural with no preservatives.
My only suggestion to anybody who wants to try it is to find some recipes on the internet… the actual diet food is very boring. The shipping is usually a bit slow on the meds, so start early with that part!
Do your research-the positive feedback on this FAR outweighs the negative.
MARGIE ON 15 APR 2009 AT 10:38 PM #
I really could care less about all the negative “studies” regarding hcg. For those of us who are experiencing the weight loss, that is what matters!
I have a multitude of chronic health problems-severe chronic fatigue syndrome, mal-absorption syndrome, chronic back/leg pain from an injury/surgery, to name a few. I had gained a huge amount of weight, and had no luck losing it. Tried the hcg and lost 12.6# in 22 days. From the forum I visited, this was on the low end- but I was 3 for 3 in regards to the things that make hcg not work quite as well- female, long hx of taking thyroid medication, and long hx of prescription medications.
I know that it wasn’t just the 500 calorie diet, because I had no hunger while on the shots. And for the past 3 weeks I have eaten as much as I want, including fat, as long as I stayed away from sugar and starch. I not only haven’t gained any weight back, but have continued to lose a little. I’m not a Kevin Trudeau fan for many reasons, but this has been used around the world successfully, and I personally have communicated with enough people in the past 7 weeks to know it isn’t a fluke.
Editor’s comments: Margie, we’d suggest clinical studies are important. In large part, they prevent well-established crooks like Mr. Trudeau from continuing to pull the wool over the eyes of consumers. As we’ve stated, anyone consuming 500 calories per day is going to lose weight. The studies show that HCG makes no difference over a placebo (in other words, individuals taking a placebo and sticking to a 500 calorie attain exactly the same benefits).One study states…
“Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been claimed to aid in weight reduction by reducing hunger, and affecting mood as well as aiding in localized (spot) reduction. We have tested these claims in a double-blind randomized trial using injections of HCG or placebo. Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.”
The fact that you’ve haven’t gained anything back is no validation of HCG effectiveness either; you’ve indicated that you’ve implemented an Atkins-style diet (no carbs or sweets) which is actually very good for weight maintenance. While we’re happy you’ve lost the weight you wanted, your experience is not a clinical validation of the effectiveness of HCG.
Visitor Rating:FATLOSSCHRONICLES ON 19 APR 2009 AT 11:38 AM #
I tried the HCG Diet, and documented everything on my blog. I documented all the numbers, including fat loss vs. lean body mass.
http://fatlosschronicles.blogspot.com
In short, I did drop weight very quickly. However, 41% of the weight was lean body mass! This diet does not target just fat, as claimed. Become educated about what HCG will do to your body before trying it!
Visitor Rating:JENN ON 02 MAY 2009 AT 6:30 PM #
I have struggled with my weight for over 20 years and since I was a child ~ I have lost over 100 pounds with this protocol!!! It’s simply been a blessing and miracle for me. It is possible to not lose weight on such a low calorie diet itself because the body goes into starvation mode.
It’s also important to note that although you are only taking in 500 calories a day, your body it utilizing much more than that via the abnormally stored fat. Also, Dr. Simeons DID do studies, and he worked on this protocol for many, many years ~ his manuscript is “Pounds & Inches”.
Also, if you’ve lost lean muscle ( I did at first), then you need to add a bit more protein throughout the day, so the blood sugars do not yo-yo & go up and down so much ~ When Dr. Simeons did the studies, there was not the epidemic and issue of diabetes/hormone issues that there is today.
To the editor: You mentioned “Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) have been claimed to aid in weight reduction by reducing hunger, and affecting mood as well as aiding in localized (spot) reduction. We have tested these claims in a double-blind randomized trial using injections of HCG or placebo. Weight loss was identical between the two groups, and there was no evidence for differential effects on hunger, mood or localized body measurements. Placebo injections, therefore, appear to be as effective as HCG in the treatment of obesity.”
I would appreciate the knowledge of where I can find information and specifics on this study. The statement you gave says nothing of the specific dosing or specific diet of the study. And what is reported of “clinical trials/studies” is often VERY deceiving!
Editor’s comments: The statement we gave is an except of a study, which we linked to -you can find it here. It’s the conclusion of the study. You may need to pay for the full thing. You may also want to check out “The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis“, which concludes…
“…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.”
(End of editor’s comments).
Again, I have battled with my weight since I was 8 ~ I’m now 31! From August to March I lost over 100 pounds!!! (with a few breaks in there) The HCG protocol really works IF you follow it. I consider myself my own personal ‘clinical study’ with all of the things I’ve done over the years, and in my results, this HCG protocol is the “winner!”
Visitor Rating:BEN GONZALEZ, MD ON 07 MAY 2009 AT 12:25 AM #
Well, I am posting this risking professional ridicule (but not afraid). Why do I say that? Because I am a traditionally trained, board certified MD physician who, when I first heard about the hCG protocol for weight loss used the words “stupid, dumb fad diet, unsafe, gross negligence” in describing my initial response to the HCG protocol to a family member who wanted me to prescribe hCG to them for the purpose of losing weight. Then they told me they already did it once, lost 35 lbs in 39 days, kept the weight off, felt good doing it, and wanted to lose more. And felt great doing the VLC protocol. So I looked into it. After I did I still thought the same thoughts concerning the “diet.” Why? Because I made the same mistake every other traditionally trained health professional does when looking at the protocol. I looked at it from a narrow minded view. “It’s not FDA approved, anyone can lose weight on 500 Kcalories a day, there are no studies proving it, you can’t live on 500 calories, anecdotal reports are worthless, etc.” First thing you see when you google hcg weight loss are either scam marketing ads for it or traditional reviews with negative responses. Of course you would think this is a “bad fad diet.” Until I kept looking.
And I spoke with individuals who succeeded and those who didn’t and I looked closer to the reasons why. I also stepped away from my own traditional bias and tried to open my mind to the protocol. I read the studies. Some legitimate, others not so much. All small and old. And yes, the Kevin Trudeau book and marketing push is one big scam to make money off of things not related to the protocol. That does not make the protocol unsafe or ineffective. Then I supervised actual patients with strict adherence to the original Dr Simeon’s protocol. And guess what, I found success in small numbers. Remarkable success. And I do not mean in just weight loss. In fact, it turns out it is not the weight loss that is the success of the protocol, rather the ability to be self aware in keeping the weight off. Yes, all anecdotal. Over 200 patients and counting.
Yes, there are failures. I can count them on one hand. Yes, anyone can lose weight on 500 calories, but can anyone actually do 500 calories for 39 days and feel great? A myth concerning this protocol is that you live off 500 calories. Actuality is that you live off the 500 calories you ingest PLUS the calories you burn from your fat and the nutrition that is released from the fat you burn. Another myth: Fat only stores fat soluble vitamins. Nope. Fat stores many other minerals and hormones and in fact, is part of the endocrine system in making certain hormones. So as you burn fat it releases nutrition that your body uses for metabolism. Another fact ignored: Did you know the hCG hormone is similar to thyroid hormone and acts to stimulate the thyroid? This is a generalization but an accurate one. I do not know exactly how this relates to weight loss and I do not think anyone does. However, I am willing to bet this is part of the reason why it works in this protocol.
I am traditionally trained, extremely skeptical but not cynical, healthy in my skepticism of all medicine whether FDA approved or not (remember Vioxx, Sledane. Baycol, Zelnorm, Fen-Phen?). I find it interesting that the FDA will approve a procedure that has a 300 plus people a year death rate (gastric bypass) not to mention a very high co-morbidity (associated problems) rate and physicians who will approve of this procedure. Yet, place a “black box” on hCG saying no approval for weight loss when there has been ZERO noted issues in over 50 years in hCG use in weight loss. The “extensive studies” that are cited on both sides of the argument are very small studies (Greenway, etc.) and old and are equivocal when they are all looked at together. No study follows up on long term weight loss. Another interesting note is it is well documented that hCG is safe at 100 times the amount used for weight loss. Why no large studies? Because there is no money to be made in a generic medication. Why don’t I do a large study? Because it costs money and I am unable to get a grant to do so. No pharmaceutical will give money for a large study again, because there is no money to be made. If I found/developed a synthetic and patentable hCG then money would be available.
Another commonly stated argument against the hCG Protocol: Kevin Trudeau. Unfortunately this is a flawed argument. Just because Kevin Trudeau has been fined and is a scam artist does not make the hCG protocol ineffective. The hCG protocol is not his. It was not developed by him. He just found it, wrote a book and sells unrelated items that he says is “required for the diet to work” but has nothing to do with the protocol. That is the scam. By the way. On this Ultimatefatburner.com negative review page there are multiple links to purchasing hCG for weight loss and to find hCG weight loss clinics. Does this make this review a scam or invalid? No. (Note to the editors, practice what you preach).
Editor’s note: Dr. Gonzalez, I’m sure you’re well aware of the difference between editorial copy and advertising. Until publishers in any medium are exempted from paying rent, for clothing, food, and so on, there will always appear to be an apparent conflict of interest between the material presented and advertising. Fact is, it occurs in every publishing industry, and is an unfortunate, yet necessary part of life. Please recognize the difference. (End of editor’s comments.)
The hCG is not for everybody. It is not a “weight loss cure” and it must be physician directed and supervised. It cannot be applied to the general public as many diets are. A full health evaluation is imperative prior to beginning such a diet. I have saved many from gastric bypass, been able to get diabetics off their medications, get patients off blood pressure meds, antidepression meds, and cholesterol meds because of this protocol. Anecdotal? Yes. Ineffective? No. Need larger studies? Yes.
As a side note, my clinic is not an hCG only weight loss clinic but I do use hCG for weight loss in a very selective patient population to help them avoid gastric bypass or other unsafe weight loss substitutes.
Ben Gonzalez, MD
Medical Director
Atlantis Medical Wellness Center
Editor’s comments: Thank you very much for your comments, Dr. Gonzalez. We always appreciate it when a qualified professional weighs in with his (or her) opinion. Regarding the studies cited; they may be old (not all are small - like this one, for instance), but they are the only ones we have. Our job here is to balance the advertising claims with the evidence - and to date, published evidence does not show HCG in a great light. When you consider that the supplement industry had a long and sordid history of making unsubstantiated claims in order to fleece consumers, we are highly skeptical of those who make arguments contrary to what is borne out by existing evidence. Especially when they have a huge financial incentive to do so, no real scientific evidence to base that argument upon, and occasionally, a shady background (case in point, Mr Kevin Trudeau).
That does not mean that new, larger scale studies on HCG will show different, more beneficial results. And we’ll be happy to revise our conclusion on HCG… but only when we have some peer-reviewed data to base that revision on. But until then, we have to rely on the only evidence we have.
It would be fantastic if you used your own clinic as a “testing ground”, and wrote up and published your results in a qualified peer-reviewed journal.
Visitor Rating:BEN GONZALEZ, MD ON 11 MAY 2009 AT 9:47 PM #
Dear Editor,
You are correct concerning the general motives of the supplemental industry. And you are certainly correct concerning the ability of that industry to “fleece” consumers (selling DHEA and other supplements that are not bioavailable , all the ‘must have vitamins to prolong life’ ads that exist, high anti-oxidant drinks that cost $60 a bottle, ect.). The FDA, much needed and useful as it is, does not have a perfect record of review. Not anywhere near perfect. True balance needs to be impartial and truly objective. Your reviews seem skewed. Example of that is the persistent citation of Trudeau as a scam artist as a reason for hCG ineffectiveness in your reviews and in your response to my comments. He is most definitely a scam artist. However, that is independent of the hCG protocol. The published data to date concerning hCG is not only small and old (I agree, that doesn’t mean it is invalid), but truly equivocal. It does not establish the effectiveness or lack thereof concerning the hCG protocol. And just because it is published doesn’t mean it is truth. The Vioxx fiasco is the best recent example (still reading about it in today’s news).
I want to make it clear, I do not believe the claims made by “hCG Weight Loss Centers” are valid. Especially the ones using oral hCG. Nor do I believe the hCG protocol is for the general population. It is not. It can be for a select few and it MUST be medically supervised. In my very small population I have found amazing success in individuals who have tried multiple mainstream protocols and have failed. I have saved individuals from gastric bypasses (an FDA approved procedure with published data, a death rate and significant co-morbidity) and been able to get long term diabetics off their medications solely due to the hCG protocol. Most definitely anecdotal. It is my overall belief that the hCG protocol does not work for the general population. That it is effective in a select population that has underlying sub acute endocrine issues (I am being very general here because this is not the forum for detailed physiologic discussion) that prevent traditional approach to weight loss. None of the old literature addresses what I have mentioned. I am building data but my hCG population is too small to be effective anytime soon.
Just a few more comments: Those individuals who have found success in the hCG protocol in my opinion, likely have an underlying metabolic or endocrine issue that is unrecognized. These individuals truly find success where other diets (this is NOT a diet, rather a protocol) and protocols have failed. There must be a full evaluation of the endocrine system along with all the other usual labs obtained in a regular physical exam. Then those results must be evaluated by a physician who understands how to interpret beyond the “normal ranges” reported by the labs.
Weight loss is a struggle for many, the hCG protocol is for few of those many. There is a need for not just one study, but a few in order to determine if the hCG protocol is effective and for exactly what population it is effective. As I mentioned in a previous post, there is no money for a good large study anytime soon. For now, I do not recommend this protocol for the general population.
Overall, your editorial is very good and useful to the general public and I appreciate your comments. You can contact me through the clinic anytime if you come across other providers who may want to put an objective study together. Please keep at it!
Ben Gonzalez, MD
Medical Director
Atlantis Medical Wellness Center
http://www.atlantismedispa.com
Editor’s comments: Thanks once more for your comments, Dr Gonzalez. However, we do take issue with this comment; “True balance needs to be impartial and truly objective. Your reviews seem skewed.” If you read the full review of HCG here, you’ll find that our view of HCG is not based on Mr Trudeau’s character (as you say, the HCG protocol did not originate with him), but with the lack of clinical data validating HCG’s effectiveness over a placebo (you can check all the referenced published data in the full review). And ALL the studies are conclusive; it showed no benefit.
We aren’t running a weight loss clinic and using HCG on clients, so we’re not privy to the sort of insights with HCG that perhaps you have. Our job is to look at the existing data, compare it to the claims, and report on the results. That’s exactly what we did here. Looking at the published data, how could you come to any other conclusion? As you say yourself, even the positive results you have obtained are anecdotal. In other words, even you have no real evidence.
Dr Gonzalez, two last comments; first, this forum really is meant for folks to leave comments and feedback on various products. If you have any other comments, please do contact us directly. Second, we’ve integrated your follow up comments into this post for convenience.
Visitor Rating:BEN GONZALEZ, MD ON 14 MAY 2009 AT 8:32 AM #
Dear Editor,
A couple of quick notes:
“Dr Gonzalez, two last comments; first, this forum really is meant for folks to leave comments and feedback on various product.”
hCG is not just an over-the-counter product and I felt a physician’s perspective was warranted. It is a prescribed medication. This is one of the reasons why I felt compelled to comment. Also, the “full review” you refer to has a very large and highlighted part concerning Trudeau. A patient of mine brought this to my attention and stated to me that is the reason why he felt the hCG protocol was not safe. This is how your review came to my attention. This large and highlighted part of your review is a common thread in many blogs and reviews. This is what people many focus on. And that is why many individuals who have looked at this review fell it is skewed. The Trudeua highlight seems a large part of the reason for the review’s dissent. Just wanted to point that out.
As far as ‘published data,” you are correct. However, the studies are way too small and limited for absolute conclusions. As I mentioned, I agree with your final overall conclusions. I just want to clarify that the hCG protocol when selective and followed by a physician can be very effective and very safe. Safer than many alternatives such as gastric bypasses and more effective than many over the counter “diet pills and fads.” As you mentioned, this requires much more detailed discussion for another forum. Again, keep up the good work overall.
DrG
Visitor Rating:TIFFANY ON 29 MAY 2009 AT 10:17 AM #
i have used hcg a number of times, once being after having a baby and twice since. I understand and have read Dr.Simeon’s write up as well as Kevin’s book. I know there is a lot of controversy about it, but it has completely worked.
5 other people i know who have also done it, and without fail, they have results just as promised. I do feel extremely well when on it, it takes away my back pain from the result of a car accident, the late day tiredness where I would normally need to drink a coke, or take a nap. I feel satisfied, but you do miss eating what you want, and sometimes I crave things, but that doesn’t mean to say I am hungry.
I have recommended it to many people who have tried alternative weight loss and haven’t had success. It is very difficult and if you don’t have will power - don’t even try because it is very hard, but very very rewarding. I lost 20lbs the first time I did it in a 3 week program. I never gained any back. This is my body’s normal healthy body weight.
I have since gone on it, where I tried to lose all the “abnormal fat” I have. I lost another 11 lbs.
I have since gained that back due to unhealthy eating habits, and not following phase 4 of Kevin’s rules. I am happy to go on the diet once a year before summer to shed the last 10-15lbs. It has been the best thing I have ever found! My weight watcher and exercise freak friends who have bad eating habits and can’t kick the weight are jealous! I say to them “all you need to do is get some will power and you can look like me too” I LOVE HCG!
Visitor Rating:FATFREE1 ON 09 JUN 2009 AT 1:04 PM #
I have successfully used HCG to lose 100lbs in a 7 month period and have other friends who have lost between 25 and 80lbs while following the protocol. It is challenging to some but once those challenges are over come it is smooth sailing all the way to fat freedom. I continue to recommend HCG to anyone fighting the battle of the bulge.
HCG has also helped friends fighting gout, lupus, diabetes and high blood pressure. There are so many benefits to using it that it would put the drug companies out of business. Once you are able to cure a majority of the illnesses born from obesity then there is no need for them.
Editor’s comments: hCG IS considered a prescription drug, administered under the guidance of a licensed physician. How does using it put the drug companies out of business? That aside, did you realize that more and more, alternative herbal products are being manufactured by the “drug companies” you have so little respect for?
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