HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone present in both men and women, but which is produced in great amounts in pregnant females.

During pregnancy, the substance almost completely controls the woman's metabolic functions. In non-pregnant persons, it is suggested that hCG similarly increases the metabolism similar to a pregnant female. This might decrease the lipids and the fat tissue. But to keep the fat cells from filling again with fat, a very low calorie diet is recommended.


Arguments against this diet claim that you would definitely lose weight if you take only 500 calories daily as recommended instead of the normal 2500 calories for man or 2000 calories for women. It is like eating one day and then not eating at all for the next three to four days. Whether all important nutrients are taken with such a low caloric diet is also arguable.


Finally, no medical scientific independent studies have been found to either support or to argue against an HCG diet. You might want to talk with your doctor or nutritionist about whether your health condition is ready for losing weight at all, and if such a low calorie diet might cause certain health issues.