The HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) diet is an extreme weight loss diet claiming to cause very fast weight loss of up to 0.45–1 kg per day.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone that’s present at high levels during early pregnancy. It tells a woman’s body it’s pregnant and maintains the production of hormones that are important for fetal development.

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It has also been used to treat fertility issues. Its proponents claim it will boost metabolism and help you lose large amounts of fat, all without ever being hungry.

HCG- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Diet Plan:

It required the consumption of only one vegetable per meal prohibited the use of oil, body lotions and hygiene products, and limited use of the HCG hormone to odd cycles of 23 and 46 days. The diet is split into three phases. The first phase lasts two days. This is when you are supposed to take HCG supplements. The second phase is the weight loss phase, during which you follow an ultra-low-calorie diet of only 500 calories per day, along with HCG supplement drops, pellets, injections or sprays. The weight loss phase is prescribed for 3–6 weeks at a time. The third phase is when you stop taking HCG and slowly increase your food intake.

Weight Loss:  Remember, HCG does not make you lose weight – the diet makes you lose weight! However, the HCG injections change how you lose weight! It is believed the presence of HCG in the bloodstream takes the appetite away.

Apart from weight loss, there are no documented benefits of the HCG diet. Like most other ultra-low-calorie diets, the HCG diet may cause muscle loss, which results in a reduced ability to burn calories.

Such severe calorie restriction further reduces the number of calories the body burns. This is because the body thinks it’s starving and therefore attempts to preserve energy.

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Moreover, the diet has many side effects, including headaches, fatigue, and depression. There is also one report of a woman developing blood clots, most likely caused by the diet. The FDA does not approve this diet, labeling it dangerous, illegal and fraudulent.