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HCG: how effective is it?
By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: February 1, 2010
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Every week we get several questions from patients about The HCG Diet. They have friends on it, and want to know if it is safe and effective. Why don’t we use HCG?
As medical bariatricians, specialists in weight loss, we evaluate every available tool for weight loss. We critically look at all of the medical studies, and rate that tool for safety and effectiveness. We place the safety of our patients first, and never use a modality in which the risks outweigh the benefits. All patients need to be informed of the risks of treatment, and the likelihood of benefit.
Next, we look to controlled studies to determine if that tool is going to lead to weight loss in the majority of patients using it. We have done such an evaluation, and determined that HCG is possibly safe, but probably ineffective. There are several studies that show lack of weight loss on HCG over and above the weight loss obtained from the aggressive diet that is part of such a program. In other words, it is the 500 calorie diet that leads to weight loss, not the HCG. HCG adds little to the diet. The only group who appears to show benefit on HCG is in men with low testosterone. This group appears to gain some muscle. For a good summary of the studies, refer to the American Society of Bariatric Physicians Statement on the use of HCG.
Nick
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
Gina
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
Lauren
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
Chuck
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.
Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More
Emily
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
Reviews
Meet Our Team
Robert Ziltzer, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Diana Bone, FNP-C
Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Kristen Ash, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Alicia Earley, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
