What is it?
HCG Drops is a weight loss formulaavailable though many brands that is used to reduce hunger and improve metabolism. It’s said to be strong enough for up to a pound of weight loss a day without causing fatigue.
When using these drops a 500 calorie a day diet needs to be taken for around 8 weeks. It’s only sold via prescription, though some brands use the HCG Drops name by instead adding natural ingredients instead of the hormone. Our review experts have rated several different diet plans, and the most effective was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It combines an appetite suppressing meal replacement alongside a stimulant free fat burning diet pill. To learn more about the benefits of this diet, click the link here.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?
HCG Drops Ingredients and Side Effects
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Hormone that is made in the embryo to develop eggs. It is often used to help women become fertile, and to increase sperm count in men.
It’s only prescribed by a doctor, though there are brands that use the HCG name without adding the hormone.
In terms of weight loss, HCG was once used to help those on a 500 calorie diet lose fat instead of muscle. It was originally created to be used alongside a high protein and low carbohydrate diet. Though the FDA has added:
“There is no substantial evidence that HCG increases weight loss… that it decreases the hunger and discomfortassociated with calorie-restrictive diets”
They also state:
“It is not approved for weight loss”
“HCG is mot approved for OTC sale for any purpose”
Since these drops require a 500 calorie loss, the FDA also commented on the safety of this diet:
“Living on 500 calories a day is not only unhealthy, it’s hazardous”
“increased risk for side effects that include gallstone formation, an imbalance of electrolytes tat keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat”
Brands that sell an over the counter HCG Drops formula don’t actually use the actual hormone, but instead they substitute with other ingredients. Still, the standard of reducing calories to only 500 calories a day is still required. Learn about which diet plans made it to the top ranked list here.
Yet another study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition adds:
“Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction”
This was according to a respected double blind study, which is considered one of the most trustworthy types of clinical studies available. Possible side effects from this ingredient include:
• Weight gain, stomach pan, and headaches.
• Depression, pain, and swelling.
• Restlessness, irritability, and nausea.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
Since the diet plan is incredibly restrictive, it may also produce unwanted issues such as malnutrition, fatigue, mood swings, low energy, and much more. The Mayo Clinic has also mentioned:
“there are safer ways to lose weight”
They also add how the restrictions needed are likely to contribute to weight loss, no matter what is taken:
“People who follow such a very low calorie diet are likely to loseweight at least in the short term”
In prescription form HCG Drops are only to be used for infertility, and there’s no evidence that the different formulas in the over the counter version would be beneficial for weight loss. Likely, the only reason one might lose weight is due to the 500 calorie a day diet. This kind of dieting is what’s called a crash diet, as it is not made for long term use.
Typically, when once reduces calories this low it would require the support of a medical professional. This is due to the many potentially serious side effects which may result such as malnutrition and organ damage. Effective weight loss options are available via the top 10 list of weight loss diets.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
HCG Drops Quality of Ingredients
Since these drops are only available via prescription, the other versions available sold over the counter which use this name typically add some sort of amino acid blend.
The actual HCG hormone has not been proven to be effective for weight lossaccording to many clinical studies and the FDA.
The intended benefit of this for weight loss is to help enhance metabolism, so one can diet with only 500 calories without feeling ill feelings. This has been debunked repeatedly by clinical studies and by the FDA. This makes it a very poor ingredient for weight loss, since it has not been shown to be effective.The highest rated weight loss diets are available in this link.
The Price and Quality of HCG Drops
The prices can vary greatly depending on which brand is chosen, and whether or not one buys small amounts or in bulk.
The actual price for the real hormone is not listed online. Since the quality of each brand is dependent on a lot of factors, it’s impossible to truly judge each single formula. The actual HCG hormone has not been shown to be effective for weight loss, and supplements using this name don’t actually add the hormone. So this means brands are using the name of an unproven weight loss ingredient to promote their own product.
At any price point the requirements for HCG are too much, a 500 calorie a day diet will promote weight loss no matter if HCG is used or not. Since it’s not considered a long term or safe diet plan, it makes the overall quality of any kind of HCG Drops formula potentially unsafe and unproven for weight loss. For a comprehensive listing of the highest rated weight loss diets, click here.
Business of HCG Drops
Many different companies use the HCG Drops name as a way to promote their products. The actual hormone is old via 3 different brand names. One such brand is sold by the Ferring Pharmaceutical groupwhich can be reached below:
Phone Number: (973) 796-1600
Address: 100 Interspace Parkway
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
The company’s which sell the actual hormone don’t mention weight loss as an option, they instead focus on the actual proven benefit which is women’s fertility. This is because the FDA has banned companies from making weight loss claims about HCG Drops.
Supplement companies that use this name don’t actually use the real hormone, and whether or not they offer a return policy depends on each individualpolicy.
No returns are allowed for the hormone version of HCG Drops. The Mayo Clinic has also added:
“Companies that sell over-the-counter HCG weight-loss products are breaking the law”
This is because the FDA has not approved this for weight loss; they have found it to be not just ineffective, but potentially unsafe. It’s unknown what kinds of effects a 500 calorie a day diet may have, and company’s claiming weight loss is possible through this and HCG Drops are not backed by the FDA. A list of the highest ranked diets for weight is featured in the link here.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of HCG Drops
Here are some online customer reviews about the supplement:
“3 months later, I gained theweight back; and no longer have the drive to exercise regularly”
“These drops DO NOT WORK don’t waste your money, I already did”
These are customer reviews from those who used the actual hormone
“I had the worse headaches that I’ve ever had in my life. The right side of my face started sagging”
“I started feeling anxiety and burning all over my body”
Some people did end up losing weight, however, once they stopped eating only 500 calories a day they regained all the weight lost. Also, people often mentioned that they felt awful while using HCG Drops, though it’s unknown if this is because of the calorie reduction or the drops themselves.
Many users also mentioned side effects that are common in people who several reduce calories. This includes migraines, irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, feeling cold, fatigue, and many other problems.
People often mentioned they were concerned because they lost muscle mass instead of fat. This is likely causes by starvation and a loss of important vitamins and minerals. At 500 calories a day, it’s impossible to get the full daily nutritional support.
Conclusion - Does HCG Drops Work?
Before making a final decision on HCG Drops it’s important to look over the research. Not only has the hormone version been declined by the FDA as a way to lose weight, but they also mention a 500 calorie a day diet can be extremely dangerous. This is likely why so many people have mentioned they experienced side effects. Brands now sell a hormone free version with amino acids, but the problem is that eating only 500 calories can be extremely unhealthy, and often once off of it, all the lost weight is regained. Starving oneself is not a safe or long lasting approach to weight loss.
The 18Shake Diet was rated as the best weight loss solution due to its customer reviews, quality of ingredients, and overall weight loss benefits. It combines a fat burning diet pill made with natural ingredients, and a nutritionally balanced meal replacement that suppresses appetite for hours. There are no added stimulants, colors, artificial ingredients preservatives, or any other unwanted fillers.
The 18Shake Diet is backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. All returns are offered with no questions asked. To learn more about the 18Shake Diet, click here.
User Feedback
(Page 2 of 2, 21 total comments)VentureForth
+Great stuff. Don't let the multiple negative reviews on HCG sway you. I'm on day 19, lost 24.4 lbs, and not starving, moody or stark raving mad. Energetic is how I feel!
posted Jan 19th, 2011 1:05 pm