Although not approved for weight loss, in the short term under a qualified doctor’s care, using HCG during dieting is generally safe but a poor weight loss solution. And no one knows how using injections of HCG will affect your other hormone levels in the long-term. HCG is an acronym for human chorionic gonadotrophin. This hormone is produced in pregnant females and its presence in urine results in a positive pregnancy test. HCG is used as a drug to treat infertility among women and to help increase sperm count in men. In the 1950s a British doctor claimed HCG injections would help obese patients lose weight more comfortably. It doesn’t. 24 controlled studies found the weight loss no different between subjects receiving HCG injections or placebo. Nor did HCG reduce hunger, establish feelings of well being or preserve lean body mass. The weight loss in all studies were equal to the calorie reduction and the misery the same. So that bears repeating: 24 to 0 is the HCG score, with 0 being the number of HCG studies that support the claims! Also keep in mind that HCG supplements are considered illegal since they are not approved by the FDA for weight loss. The HCG protocol includes regular injections or oral drops and a strict 500 calorie per day diet for 26-45 days. Unfortunately the HCG diet also restricts exercise because the nutrient intake is dangerously low. So as boring as it may sound, stay away from the HCG diet for weight loss and use the MILI evidenced based program for tried and true weight loss and your best chance of maintaining it.