Do HCG injections really cut body fat?

Charlyn Fargo, Contributor

Are the claims of amazing weight loss on the HCG diet really true? The HCG diet, also known as the Simeons therapy, has two components: One is a 500-calorie diet (occasionally increased to 800 calories a day). And the other component is use of HCG hormones, usually by injection or drops taken under the tongue.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy; it is obtained from the urine of pregnant women.

A study in the 1950s suggested that HCG, along with this very low-calorie diet, allowed weight loss without hunger and promoted fat loss without muscle loss. However, an analysis of all available research on HCG-aided weight loss found that only two of the 14 studies showed benefit. One of these two lasted only three weeks and the other stopped at six weeks. The remaining 12 randomised trials showed that weight loss with the use of HCG was no greater than with the use of a placebo or with the diet only.

No evidence available

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, there is no evidence that HCG supports weight loss. And although it may be safe for use under close medical supervision on a short-term basis, it does increase production of androgens (male hormones), so it could promote development of prostate cancer.

That leaves the question of whether diets supplying only 500 calories per day promote long-term weight control. Cutting calories so drastically will almost certainly lead to weight loss if the diet is followed, and under close medical supervision it can be safe for those who are extremely obese.

However, research suggests that it is very difficult to prevent significant loss of lean body tissue (muscle and organs) when calories and protein are as low as those in a 500-calorie diet, and long-term success of weight loss is questionable.

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (doctors who treat obesity with surgery or medical therapies, which could include HCG) has issued a statement concluding that neither the HCG diet nor HCG treatments are recommended for weight loss.

- American Institute for Cancer Research

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian at Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

My iPhone apps

OK, I admit my iPhone has a few pages of apps. Most are fun and useful. Most also reflect one's interests. For me, that includes cooking and nutrition. Here are my personal favourites:

Eat This, Not That: When I need inspiration to eat healthier, this is one I scroll through. It searches restaurants and supermarkets, logs calories and gives me things to swap for healthier alternatives. Restaurants are listed alphabetically and by menu item (appetisers versus entrees or sides). Then they are graded.

The site also offers a bit of handy commentary: "Don't think you're doing yourself any favours by ordering off the market fresh menu. You're far better off with a roast beef or melt sandwich, which will save you an average of nearly 300 calories over a market fresh sandwich or wrap."

Epicurious is a great app to find a recipe.

iFood Assistant gives a recipe of the day as well as cooking videos and recipes that fit a budget.