Diet pills made from the pregnancy hormone, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), claim that consumers can drop 20-30 pounds in 4 or 5 weeks all while being energized. The diet products containing HCG are made from human placenta, which are sold to the HCG diet product companies by hospitals. While prescription HCG is approved by the FDA for infertility, it is not approved for weight loss.
HCG diet pills may not be contributing to weight loss at all. The diet product companies are also advising HCG users to cut down to a 500 calorie diet, which may actually be attributing to the rapid weight loss and is something the FDA says is extremely dangerous.
If you or someone in your home has been using HCG diet products, the FDA advises that you discard the product and discontinue use immediately. Harmful effects should be reported online to FDA’s MedWatch program or by phone at 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088) and to the consumer’s health care professional.