Complications from HCG injections?

Jolie, BSN · Apr 20, 2007

Can you post a link to a website explaining risk/benefits of this use of HCG? Is this being prescribed by a reputable physician/weight-loss clinic? I have never heard of using HCG in this manner.

I took HCG injections for infertility treatment (a well-recognized use) and suffered ALL of the side-effects you describe, and more. They were horrible, debilitating, and I can't imagine taking those risks for the "benefit" of quicker weight loss.

PCUSheryl · Apr 20, 2007

From what I've read and heard, HCG increases fat loss, making it a useful adjunct to diet and exercise programs. I've known many women who've done the injections with good results, and none have described any side-effects at all.

The dosage may be higher for fertility purposes, perhaps?

http://www.hcgobesity.org/hcg_obesity_opinions.htm

http://hcgobesity.org/hcg1.htm

There is lots of info on the net about hcg-- some positive, but mostly negative it seems.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Apr 20, 2007

Hmm, I wouldn't risk my ovaries or future fertility on a quick weight loss method.

Doesn't anybody exercise anymore?

SCSTxRN · Jul 31, 2010

LOL - I'd ditch my ovaries in a heart beat, and as far as more kids - I am so done - pregnancy - before which I was about 30 lbs over weight, preterm labor, steroids, and bed rest put me at a ::drum roll please:: 100 lbs gain - of which I lost the "original 30" through healthy eating and as much exercise as my knees and ankles could handle... and then nothing. Can't lose another freaking five pounds, even continuing the healthy diet (1400kcal with a kitchen scale) and 45 minutes of exercise a day. A nurse friend works for a doctor that prescribes it - and I am so looking at HCG to get off some substantial or so so that it is comfortable to really workout again.

CNM 26.2 · Aug 5, 2010

I did the hCG diet last year before doing a lot of research on it. I did lose about a pound a day but the diet is SO strict that it's impossible to follow. You have to eat 500 calories a day but that's not 500 calories of anything you want-there are literally about 10 foods to choose from. In addition you have to give up most of your personal care items like lotions, etc because many of them have fat content that somehow interferes with the hcg and slows weight loss if you use them. I started doing more research on it and what I found was that there's really not a lot of scientific research out there. The one half way decent study that I read showed that there was no difference in weight loss or feelings of hunger between hcg and placebo group. The original research done on the hcg was on extremely overweight people and it was done in the 1950's.

Sensible diet, exercise and patience, that's the BEST way to go!

robby5313 · Sep 25, 2010

I did one course of the hcg and lost 15 pounds. I am currently on my second round and hope to lose another 10. Yes, the diet is very restrictive....but there are a few things you can try. I know you are not supposed to have sugar....BUT I use Watson Farms carb/fat/sugar free dressings and BBQ sauce. It has not affected my weight. I also make a yummy peanut sauce with their peanut butter and it is no calorie. You just have to kind of be creative in your food choices. Once you see the pounds coming off, that is incentive enough for me. One word of advice...I did the injections the first time and then tried the drops. The drops actually do not contain any hcg. I went back to the injections for the second round and have done well with them. After being off after the first round, I was able to maintain my weight without problems. I would recommend it for anyone....you WILL lose fat from places you have not been able to previously. It has truly been amazing...but a test in willpower thats for sure

SWS RN, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2010

I worked for a weight loss clinic last year, we used HCG injections/Dr Simeon's Diet...this method has been around for years, It began in Europe, invented by Dr Simeon in Italy. It is gaining in popularity again.

The plan we used is under an MD's care, diet and counseling...etc.

Anywaiy, I lost 30 lbs in one month....I am not kidding.

And the majority of our clients lost about 1 lb per day.

I was responsible for all of the counseling and education of new patients, took the Health histories and did the initial exam before the consultation with the MD.

I have kept the wt off now for 1 year and I eat anything within reason.

The diet is restrictive, but I didn't find it too difficult. The premise is that the HCG does something metabolically and you lose that sensation of hunger on the 2nd day.

You do have to follow it closely...but it DOES work.

BTW the amt of HCG is minimal...not the doses used for infertility.

visitor102610 · Oct 26, 2010

I just read your post about HCG and weight loss and found it very helpful, especially coming from an RN. I am considering trying it with the B12 injections through a local doctor who supervises the program. I have general anxiety disorder for which I take Cymbalt. Also on Synthroid, Crestor and Ativan (as needed for sleep). I just don't want to do anything to interrupt my system that now seems to be on track and running so smoothly. Any thoughts?

efda3 · Nov 19, 2010

I have also had success on the hCG diet. I lost 16 pounds in the first 13 days.

Simba&NalasMom, LPN · Feb 17, 2011

Any data on how long people who do hcg keep the weight off?

MomRN0913 · Feb 18, 2011

500 cal a day? Ummm, that can't be healthy. Talk about killing your metabolism.... I have never heard of HCG injections before for weight loss. What Dr's actually do this?