The HCG Diet Revolution

Curious about the controversy surrounding the HCG diet? Introduced to the public several decades ago, this unique approach to weight management is making a comeback. This newsletter covers the risks and benefits associated with the HCG diet.

There's a major revival of interest in short-term use (3 or 6 weeks) of very low calorie diets (VLCD) for weight management. Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, this modern weight-control revolution involves a combination of severe calorie restriction (500 calories per day), combined with injections of modest amounts of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), or the oral use of homeopathic HCG preparations. Although the HCG diet has resurfaced, some physicians and others continue to question the basis for its use.

Weight management accompanied by HCG injections is a concept first introduced in 1954 by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. The widespread use of the Simeons diet in the '60s and early '70s bred special "weight-loss clinics" throughout Europe and, to a lesser degree, the U.S. The Simeons approach was taken advantage of by many healthcare providers. However, the diet eventually fell into disrepute because several studies found few advantages of HCG plus a VLCD when compared to the use of a VLCD alone.

Recent experiences with the HCG diet have revealed many benefits in addition to weight loss. Such observations include targeted removal of fat deposits, retention of muscle mass and improved body contour. While Simeons used an HCG diet for some individuals who were only moderately overweight, many proponents of the HCG diet believe the approach is more suited to those who are significantly overweight or obese.

In my book, The HCG Diet Revolution, I attempt to review the advantages, disadvantages, limitations and perceived benefits of the Simeons approach (HCG diet) to manage weight. As with many alternative health practices used in Integrative Medicine, controversies exist with the HCG diet and further research is necessary. That said, it's difficult to ignore the growing consensus of opinion on the benefits of the Simeons diet in its expanding application in clinical practice.

In regards to the safety of the HCG diet, one thing must be made very clear. This diet involves the use of very low calorie intake, which imposes a temporary phase of forced malnutrition. When very low calorie diets were introduced in the 1950s, several deaths were reported. These deaths were often attributed to mineral/nutrient deficiencies or stress as a consequence of diminished calorie intake. This is why it is very important to supplement the HCG diet with minerals and vitamins.

While Dr. Simeons did not recommend fat intake in his diet described in 1954, he was unaware of the benefits of essential fatty acids. Individuals on a very low calorie diet will develop some degree of essential fatty acid deficiency, which is why I recommend at least 1,000 mg of fish oil be taken on a daily basis to supplement the diet.

It is my strong opinion that a very low calorie diet requires strict supervision by a healthcare practitioner. I do not think it is wise for the average person to undertake a low calorie diet without some form of nutritional consultation. All readers must understand that there is a significant branch of medical opinion that does not see any benefit from the administration of a very low calorie diet with the addition of HCG. It is necessary for me to reiterate this message, as medical opinion remains divided on this subject.

The reason for the existence of so many weight loss diets may be taken as proof that few serve any useful purpose. Notions about "quick fixes" for weight control are fantasies, but there is an emerging science of weight control that focuses on the stubborn and persistent nature of obesity. My book attempts to address these issues in a short and direct manner (Holt S, Holt on the HCG Diet Revolution, 2011, available at www.stephenholtmd.com).

While the scientific jury remains out on the HCG diet, the recently described benefits of this unique approach to weight management are certainly hard to ignore.

Be Healthy!
Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D.