Is the Classic HCG Diet an Effective or Safe Way to Lose Weight?
Why are the HCG food plan different than other diet plan fads is most likely the controversial hormonal agent injections the plan calls for. Shutterstock
On top of their list of peculiar dietary fads, an original variety of the HCG diet happens to be largely discredited by professionals. Many people are still enticed by the diet’s promises of losing up to a half pound or a pound a day by combining hormone injections, pellets, drops, or sprays with a restrictive 500-calorie diet - a risky proposition, says Liz Weinandy, RD, at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
“It is not proved secure by [the Drug and Food Administration (FDA)], neither has it been shown valuable,” she cautions. “We just don’t understand the long-term problems.” The Food and drug administration ...