The Truth About the HCG Diet: Why Science Doesn’t Support It

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: March 17, 2011

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What is the HCG (Simeons) Diet?

Is the HCG Diet right for me? The short answer is no. I do not recommend the HCG diet or the Simeons method for dieting. The HCG diet (also known as the Simeons diet) has been around since the early 1950s. Dr. Simeons was a physician who treated boys with a hormonal condition. In this condition, a brain tumor caused hormone abnormalities which resulted in the boys not entering puberty. The appearance of overweight in these boys seemed to Dr. Simeons to be of the “feminine” type (a 1950s term), and was centered around the trunk. When treating them with HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), it raised testosterone and they entered puberty and proceeded to lose some of their weight.

Dr Simeons went on to adapt this diet to many who were overweight. For the “HCG diet” he added the injection of HCG to a 500 calorie diet. His claims for the diet were robust. Weight loss, he claimed, was drastic, targeted the central weight, gave minimal hunger, and several other very far-fetched claims including that it made singer’s voices better.

Why Our Doctors Do Not Recommend the HCG Diet

This diet has been studied multiple times throughout the years. After 1-2 studies (that have been repeatedly questioned for their accuracy and design) showed the HCG and diet combo did work, several well designed studies have been unable to reproduce the weight loss seen in the original studies. They also have not shown that HCG adds anything to the severely reduced calorie diet. Based on these studies the FDA has required that since 1975 that all physicians that use HCG for weight loss have to have their patients sign a waiver that states HCG has not been shown to be a helpful addition to weight loss on a low or very low calorie diet.

The FDA and the “HCG Myth”

Because of the FDA ruling and the lack of good studies on HCG, its use fell out of favor until 2007 when Kevin Trudeau, an internet marketer, came out with a book and a set of infomercials about the book. The book was entitled “Weight Loss Cure.” He was subsequently fined 37 million dollars for false advertising. He stated the diet helped you permanently lose weight. Unfortunately, based on this publicity, HCG and its diet has become the latest reborn diet fad.

The fact is we want to believe in HCG and the Simeons diet. Unfortunately, the science (and there are plenty of well done studies- randomized, double blinded and placebo controlled) just doesn’t support the use of HCG. We all believe that everyone on a 500 calorie diet should lose weight. Also based on what we now know about nutritional ketosis, most of those people should not feel hunger. The problem is that the HCG (either by injection or by mouth) has not been proven to add anything to the diet. Most doctors will also agree that the amount of protein provided in the 500 calories Simeons diet are not enough to maintain metabolism and lean muscle mass and therefore are not a healthy way to lose weight.

The Dangers of a 500-Calorie Protocol

Last year the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASPB.org) released a position statement which states that the use of HCG for weight loss is not recommended and the Simeons diet (the 500 calorie diet) is not recommended. I have read, in depth, the 15 studies associated with the position statement and completely agree with the recommendations. I spoke at the ASBP meeting in November 2010 to support the position statement.

Fortunately, there are many different diets that do show great weight loss results and have the science to back it up. I recommend you find a physician who is board certified in weight loss and start a proven diet that can help you get started on your weight loss journey.

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Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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