The hCG diet promises fast weight loss of 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg) per day without hunger. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems it illegal and dangerous. A British doctor named Albert ...

Context Explanation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hCG injections to treat specific medical conditions. In females assigned at birth (FAABs), they can help treat infertility. In males assigned at ... The placenta makes the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

Insight Material

HCG can be found in blood and urine. HCG is present in the body only during pregnancy. A home pregnancy test checks to see if there's HCG in the urine. During early pregnancy, the amount of HCG in blood and urine rises quickly — doubling every 2 to 3 days. Diagnosis Your health care team might do a variety of tests: Blood tests.

Final Conclusion

These can check the level of the pregnancy hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in your blood. This level is often repeated after 48 hours. A low or falling level of hCG could be a sign of pregnancy loss. If the pattern of changes in your hCG level is irregular, your health care professional may recommend ... Healthy Lifestyle Weight loss Is the HCG diet a safe and effective way to lose weight? No.

The HCG diet isn't safe, and it doesn't lead to long-term weight loss. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It's a hormone made in the body during pregnancy. Lab-made HCG is added to some weight-loss products that are sold without a prescription.