HCG Diet: What It Is, Claims & Safety Concerns

The hCG diet promises rapid weight loss through hormone injections combined with extreme calorie restriction. This rapid weight loss programme has gained popularity despite serious medical concerns about its safety and effectiveness. Understanding what the hCG diet involves—and why health experts strongly caution against it—can help you make safer, more informed decisions about weight loss.

What Is the HCG Diet?

The hCG diet combines daily doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—a hormone produced during pregnancy—with an extremely restrictive 500-calorie daily intake. First introduced in the 1950s, this controversial weight loss method is often promoted as a way to alter metabolism and reduce persistent fat deposits. The hCG diet meal plan severely limits food choices while requiring daily hormone supplementation through injections or hCG drops.

Despite its popularity, major medical organisations consider this rapid weight loss programme unsafe and unproven for long-term weight management. The hormone hCG is approved by the U.S. FDA only for specific fertility treatments and hormonal disorders—not for weight loss or obesity management.

How the HCG Diet Works

Proponents claim the hCG diet operates through several mechanisms:

• Hormone and calorie combination: Daily hCG supplementation paired with a severely restricted 500-calorie intake
• Fat mobilisation theory: Supporters believe hCG releases stored fat for energy while preserving muscle mass
• Appetite suppression: The hormone allegedly reduces hunger, making extreme restriction more tolerable
• Metabolic ‘reset’: Advocates claim hCG reprogrammes metabolism to burn fat more efficiently
• Structured eating: Very specific food lists eliminate fats, sugars, and most carbohydrates

Phases of the HCG Diet Explained

The hCG diet phases follow a structured three-step protocol:

1. Loading Phase (2 days)
   Begin daily hCG while consuming high-fat, high-calorie foods to ‘prepare’ fat stores for restriction.
2. Weight Loss Phase (3-6 weeks)
   Continue hCG supplementation while limiting intake to 500 calories daily with highly specific food choices.
3. Maintenance Phase (3 weeks)
   Stop hCG and gradually increase calories while avoiding sugars and starches to stabilise weight.

HCG Diet Protocol: Daily Rules

• Calorie limit: Maximum of 500 calories daily, typically divided between lunch and dinner
• Protein portions: 100g lean meat, fish, or poultry per meal
• Vegetable servings: One type of approved vegetable per meal
• Fruit allowance: One small apple, orange, or handful of strawberries daily
• Starch portion: One breadstick or toast slice without butter
• Beverage restrictions: Only water, black coffee, or plain tea
• Fat elimination: Complete ban on oils, butter, nuts, and full-fat dairy

What Foods Are Allowed on the HCG Diet?

The hCG diet meal plan permits extremely limited food choices:

• Approved proteins: Skinless chicken breast, very lean beef, white fish, shellfish
• Permitted vegetables: Spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, celery
• Allowed fruits: Apples, oranges, half grapefruit, small strawberry portions
• Minimal starches: Plain breadsticks or toast without any added fats
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, fresh herbs, spices, vinegar, and lemon juice (without sugar)

Foods You Must Avoid on the HCG Diet

• All fats and oils: Butter, margarine, cooking oils, salad dressings
• Sugars and sweets: Table sugar, honey, desserts, sweetened beverages
• High-fat proteins: Bacon, sausages, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy
• Starchy foods: Bread (except one slice), pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals
• Processed foods: Packaged snacks, ready meals, fast food items

Sample 7-Day HCG Diet Menu

Does the HCG Diet Really Work?

While followers may experience rapid initial weight loss, research shows this results entirely from severe calorie restriction—not from the hCG itself. Any diet limiting intake to 500 calories daily will produce quick results, but such extreme restriction typically leads to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.

Scientific Evidence: What Research Actually Shows

Multiple controlled clinical trials have examined the hCG weight loss diet for effectiveness. Research consistently demonstrates that participants receiving hCG injections lose no more weight than those receiving placebo injections whilst following identical low-calorie diets.

Side Effects & Health Risks of the HCG Diet

• Nutritional deficiencies: Severe calorie restriction can cause deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and protein
• Muscle loss: Inadequate protein and calories lead to lean muscle breakdown
• Metabolic slowdown: Extreme restriction reduces metabolic rate, hindering future weight loss
• Gallstone formation: Rapid weight loss increases gallstone development risk
• Electrolyte imbalances: Can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances
• Hormonal disruptions: May alter reproductive cand menstrual cycles
• Psychological effects: Extreme restriction can trigger disordered eating patterns

Is the hCG Diet Approved by the FDA?

The FDA has not approved hCG for weight loss purposes. While prescription hCG is available for specific fertility treatments, using it for weight reduction is considered off-label use. The FDA clearly states that hCG is not approved for weight loss or dietary use and should only be used under medical supervision for approved indications. The FDA has also issued warning letters to companies selling these products with unsubstantiated weight loss claims.

Long-Term Results: Does the hCG Diet Help Maintain Weight Loss?

Studies indicate that most people regain weight rapidly once they resume normal eating after completing the hCG diet. The extreme restriction doesn't teach sustainable eating habits or address underlying behaviours contributing to weight gain. Additionally, metabolic slowdown from severe calorie restriction can make maintaining weight loss more challenging long-term.

Safer, Evidence-Based Alternatives to the hCG Diet

• Balanced calorie reduction: Aim for a moderate deficit of 300–500 calories per day
• Structured meal plans: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and adequate vegetables
• Regular physical activity: Combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training
• Behavioural counselling: Address emotional eating patterns and build sustainable habits
• Medical supervision: Work with healthcare providers for personalised guidance

Who Should Not Follow the HCG Diet?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Severe restriction can harm maternal and infant health
• Adolescents: Growing bodies require adequate nutrition for proper development
• People with eating disorders: Extreme restriction may trigger dangerous behaviours
• Individuals with chronic conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions require stable nutrition
• Anyone taking medications: Severe calorie restriction may interfere with medication absorption or metabolism

When to Consult a Doctor Before Starting the HCG Diet

Given the significant health risks, it’s essential to discuss any weight loss plan with your healthcare provider before starting. This is especially important if you have underlying medical conditions, take medications, or have previously struggled with eating disorders. Your doctor can recommend safer, evidence-based approaches tailored to your individual health needs and weight loss goals.

Conclusion

Given the significant health risks, it’s essential to discuss any weight loss plan with your healthcare provider before starting. Instead of pursuing this controversial rapid weight loss programme, consider working with healthcare professionals to develop a balanced, evidence-based approach that supports long-term success without compromising your health.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we support your wellness journey through comprehensive health assessments and diagnostic services. Our network of more than 220 laboratories and 4,600 service centres provides convenient access to accurate testing to support your health decisions. With our home sample collection service reaching 10,000+ touchpoints across India, you can monitor your health markers safely and effectively as you pursue sustainable weight management under medical guidance.

Also Read: Beta HCG Test: What It Is, Normal Levels, Pregnancy And How It Works

FAQs

Is the hCG diet safe?

No. Medical bodies consider it unsafe due to extreme calorie restriction and health risks.

How much weight can you lose on the hCG diet?

Rapid loss of 1–2 pounds a day may occur, mostly from water and muscle, and is often regained.

What foods can you eat on the hCG diet?

The hCG diet meal plan permits only lean proteins (100g portions), specific vegetables, limited fruits, and minimal starches totalling 500 calories daily.

Why is the hCG diet controversial?

Multiple studies show hCG offers no added benefit, while the diet poses clear health risks.

Does hCG actually burn fat?

No. Weight loss comes from severe calorie restriction, not hCG.

Can I exercise while on the hCG diet?

No. The low calorie intake makes exercise unsafe.

Are hCG drops real or effective?

Over-the-counter hCG drops are not FDA-regulated. They are ineffective, with poor absorption.

What happens if you cheat on the hCG diet?

Weight may fluctuate, but added calories supply nutrients the body needs.

Is the hCG diet approved by doctors?

Doctors do not recommend the hCG diet due to safety concerns and lack of proven effectiveness.

References

• https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hcg-diet-products-are-illegal
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/hcg-diet/faq-20058164
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/hcg-and-weight-loss