(Human Chirionic Gonadotropin)

HCG is a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy (the same hormone detected in home pregnancy kits). It was first used to help weight loss because several physicians noted that overweight women actually lost weight when they were pregnant. More than a dozen medical studies have shown that combined with a low calorie diet and exercise, hCG increases fat loss and helps with loss of inches.

HCG has not been approved by the FDA for weight loss, although it has been approved for the treatment of other medical conditions. Federal laws allow medical providers to use approved drugs for alternative treatments. It is called “Off Label Usage” and occurs quite frequently in the medical profession.

HCG is used in extremely low doses for weight loss. Weekly injections of 35 units are recommended. More frequent injections may be given after re-evaluation and approval from your medical provider. HCG is used in a much higher dose (~140 times more in daily injections) to increase fertility. In the small dose of 35 units, hCG does NOT increase fertility. However, fertility is increased with every five (5) pounds of weight loss! HCG can cause a false positive pregnancy test in urine only.

HCG should be kept in the refrigerator. Allow it to become room temperature to avoid stinging during the injection. Maximum time at room temperature is 24 hours, but this is not recommended.

HG can be administered in our office or in the convenience of your home. The hCG injections are more effective (and make administration easier) if given at the waist or below. Self-injections should be given only after you have been trained by our staff on how to administer SQ (subcutaneous) injections. If at all possible, or if you have never administered self-injections, we strongly recommend you receive your injections at our office, by one of our trained staff. Some patients may have access to a medically trained person that would be willing to administer your weekly injections. If so, we will give your initial injections and send three (3) pre-filled syringes with you. REMEMBER TO KEEP THE SYRINGES IN THE REFIGERATOR UNTIL READY FOR USE.

HCG injections may be used with your prescribed appetite suppressant(s) or may be used alone. We recommend adding it to your current plan of treatment. After administering hCG to patients, hunger cravings are lessened and they begin to lose abnormal fat storage from the abdomen, hips, and thighs. It has been shown to decrease inches in the waist area in as few as three days.

More common results are inches lost within two (2) to four (4) weeks.  Faster results occur when combined with at least thirty (30) minutes of exercise three (3) days per week.

In the past, some patients have not qualified for our regular weight program. This has been due to them not being the recommended percentage over their ideal weight or their BMI being within the normal range. Since hCG affects only the abnormal fat, such as “belly fat” or the “spare tire”, a larger number of patients will qualify for this treatment.

Possible side effects include breast tenderness in both genders (1 in 200 patients) and menstrual irregularities in females (1 in 5 patients) – both temporary and short lived. Contraindications for use are for women with a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer since hCG is a type of hormone. HCG is not recommended for men with a history of testicular cancer. With other types of cancer, we do not recommend its use, although the small dosage should not have any affect.

HCG is not a substitute for exercise. If you do not exercise, fat cells can re-expand and lost inches ca return. Unlike exercise, hCG does not provide muscle and skin toning and conditioning.  It does not improve your cardiovascular health, nor does it prevent osteoporosis.

HCG has been proven to have a positive effect on mood swings, increased energy levels, relief of back pain and migraines, and more rapid loss of inches.

There is no time limit on using hCG. You may continue using it after reaching your weight and/or size goal. Many patients use this as part of a maintenance program where it once again has proved very successful.

We have been researching the administration of hCG injections for approximately one (1) year. Physicians in other states have been using hCG for years with excellent results for their patients trying to lose excess, abnormal fat, especially in and around the abdomen, hips, and thighs.

Treatment with hCG is recommended for patients between the age of 17 years and 75 years.

There may be additional concerns or questions not addressed in this literature. Our staff will be available to elaborate on any information or answer any questions you may have regarding hCG injections.

Current patients at Anderson Bariatric Physicians, P.A., can have hCG injections incorporated into their present treatment plan. If you are not a patient at Anderson Bariatric Physicians, P.A., it will be necessary for you to make an appointment as a new patient. As a new patient, initial (fasting) lab tests will need to be collected, as assessment will need to be completed by a nurse, as well as an evaluation and a review of medical history by the physician.

Cost of injection: $15.00 or contact our office for more details.