Claimed effect · HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Does HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) help with weight loss?

A
Grade A — established in humansMeta-analysis of 8 controlled trials · effect size: not measurable
Short answerEstablished in humans. Meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials point the same way: no measurable effect, or none yet shown. Repeatedly tested against placebo alongside the same very-low-calorie diet. The diet produces the weight loss; HCG adds nothing measurable to weight, hunger, fat distribution or wellbeing.

What the studies show

Repeatedly tested against placebo alongside the same very-low-calorie diet. The diet produces the weight loss; HCG adds nothing measurable to weight, hunger, fat distribution or wellbeing.

“We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.”

Verbatim, from the abstractLijesen GKS, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1995;40:237–243

Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.

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In context

HCG is a hormone of pregnancy, approved to trigger ovulation in fertility treatment and to treat certain forms of low testosterone and undescended testicles. It is also the basis of the HCG diet, which pairs injections with a 500-calorie regime. A meta-analysis of the controlled trials found no evidence that HCG does anything at all for weight, hunger or fat distribution — any weight lost is caused by the starvation diet accompanying it.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is approved (rx) for fertility and hypogonadism; not for weight loss. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) proven to help with weight loss?
Yes, as far as human trials can show it: Meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. LYO grades this outcome A.
What studies are behind the grade?
Repeatedly tested against placebo alongside the same very-low-calorie diet. The diet produces the weight loss; HCG adds nothing measurable to weight, hunger, fat distribution or wellbeing.
Is HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) approved for this?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is an approved medicine (Approved (Rx) for fertility and hypogonadism; not for weight loss); whether this particular outcome is a licensed indication is stated on the compound page's regulation section.

Other outcomes for HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 3 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →