Human chorionic gonadotripin, more widely known as HCG, has been being used as a hormone shot to help lose weight. HCG is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy and is created by the embryo after conception and later by part of the placenta. It has been since the latter half of the 20th century that HCG has been being touted as a means by which to lose weight. There have, however, been very few studies to showcase that using this hormone for weight loss purposes is effective or safe for the body.

HCG Hormone Shot is currently being used in a number of capacities such as for fertility, weight loss, or as a tumor marker. It is most often used as a dieting tool and is sometimes marketed as a miracle way in which to shed unwanted pounds.

Those who support this method of weight loss claim that the hormone partnered with a diet of 500-600 calories per day results in drastic weight loss. Those who do not support the program argue that it is simply the severely restricted caloric intake that is responsible for the weight loss. The hormone works to aid weight loss in a way in which many other substances can not.

HCG controls metabolism in pregnant women to ensure that the growing fetus remains healthy. Calories that are pure fat are discarded and the diet program maintains that a low fat diet be used to ensure that the decreased number of fat cells do not take in more calories. Therefore, the body has to be in starvation mode for the hormone to do its job, or promote weight loss. The HCG hormone shot has been shown to promote weight loss of 10-12 pounds in the very first week of use.

Daily injections of HCG are advised in order to get its full impact and promote the greatest weight loss. The hormone serves to target those areas that have the most fat to lose. Some individuals choose to partner the injections with other aids such as weight loss pills or anorectics. Lastly, because it is fat that is targeted by the injection, muscle is not typically lost by taking part in this diet plan.