With each passing moment, a new miracle diet appears, promising the world to women and men searching for their perfect body. The latest trend is HCG for weight loss, but, as with all novelties, little is known about it. So let’s dive deep to clarify the facts and uncover the risks. Could using HCG interfere with fertility for those who are hoping for a positive test result? What are the risks?
Humans in general, even when they have the option to follow a disciplined, healthy lifestyle to reach their ideal body, opt for quicker routes that promise instant results. These options often carry risks that far outweigh any potential benefits of the treatment, especially when the treatment is originally intended for other purposes. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin as it is scientifically known, is the hormone produced by a woman’s body during pregnancy—or rather, it is formed by the cells that make up the placenta, which will nourish the fetus. It is through this hormone that it’s possible to detect pregnancy a few days after conception by urine tests or the beta HCG test.
HCG is what sends signals to the hypothalamus, the brain area responsible for the body’s metabolism, prompting it to store fat, which will be necessary to nourish the placenta and, in turn, the baby. With this in mind, the HCG diet was created, combining daily injections of the hormone with a restrictive diet of just 500 calories per day, aiming to lose between 450 grams and 1.3 kg per day. Many people take this risk in hopes of achieving the expected weight loss. HCG drops are also used, but with a lower dosage and less effectiveness compared to the injection. There is no evidence that HCG injections accelerate weight loss; on the contrary, many point out that it is the restrictive diet that causes such rapid weight loss. In fact, this miracle diet option isn’t even recognized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the institute responsible for food and drug research and testing, which required all advertisements for this treatment to include the statement that “HCG is not a reliable option in the treatment of obesity.”
It used to be very common to find HCG on pharmacy and supermarket shelves in the USA without any medical restriction or required recommendation. But recently it has been added to the list of prohibited drugs or substances, since its use is increasing day by day, especially among users of anabolic steroids. In Brazil, HCG for weight loss is being sold as an injectable substance, pills, and even drops, with no safety regulations and on some websites marketed as homeopathic treatment—so one should be extremely cautious.
Regarding its impact on fertility—HCG can sabotage women’s fertility! As it is a hormone exclusive to pregnancy, the body will interpret that there is an ongoing pregnancy and will not allow the normal hormone cycle to complete. Follicular stimulation, ovulation, and luteal phase. In other words, HCG prevents ovulation and consequently pregnancy. It’s also possible that ingested HCG can cause adverse reactions and side effects such as polycystic ovaries in some women. Therefore, before even starting HCG treatment, a thorough battery of exams must be carried out by the doctor in charge. Preventing possible side effects is fundamental!
Risks of HCG for Weight Loss and Which Symptoms May Occur
As with any little-known or poorly understood treatment, there are significant risks for people who choose HCG for weight loss. Reported side effects of the treatment include severe headaches, depression, intense mood swings, thrombosis, confusion, and malaise, which are recurring symptoms associated with the medication. There is also a risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where women experience severe abdominal pain along with pelvic swelling, excessive weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea.
See Also: Diet Postpartum Weight Loss: Anna Hickmann and Celebrities
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