American Society of Bariatric Physicians rules Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) not an effective obesity treatment

Although commonly used by physicians and weight loss entities nationwide, Medi-Weightloss Clinics® has never supported HCG use for weight loss.

February 24, 2010 - TAMPA, Fla. – Contrary to popular belief, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) will not produce weight loss results, according to the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since HCG use for obesity treatment is on the rise in America, the ASBP recently made clear its official position that HCG should not be used for weight loss.

Many physicians and weight loss entities offer HCG injections and/or oral supplements as a treatment for obesity; however, Medi-Weightloss Clinics®, a physician-supervised weight loss program, is compliant with all of the ASBP standards and does not endorse HCG as a method of weight loss.

“Medi-Weightloss Clinics® has never used HCG as a form of obesity treatment because no evidence has ever been presented to prove HCG in fact produces weight loss,” said Dr. Sejal Shah, Associate Medical Director at Medi-Weightloss Clinics®. “Additionally, HCG is not FDA-approved as an effective weight loss treatment, and our organization prides itself on providing supplements that promote weight loss based on clinically sound research.”

HCG is a natural hormone that is secreted from a woman’s placenta during pregnancy. It was first prescribed as an obesity treatment in conjunction with a low-calorie diet by Dr. Simeons in 1954. Numerous clinical trials have shown HCG to be ineffectual in producing weight loss.

According to the ASBP, physicians employing either HCG or the diet recommended by Simeons may expose themselves to criticism from other physicians, from insurers, or from government bodies.

About Medi-Weightloss Clinics® Medi-Weightloss Clinics® is a physician-supervised weight loss program. The program is designed by experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, motivation, and education. Throughout the program, patients receive advice, encouragement, and motivation every step of the way. Patients will experience reduced hunger, a boost in energy, fewer cravings, and a faster fat burn. The weight loss program allows patients to shed unwanted and unhealthy pounds and make long-term weight loss goals a reality. When a patient reaches their goal weight, they begin the Wellness Phase, specifically designed to help keep the pounds off!

Medi-Weightloss Clinics® has more than 70 locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennslyvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.