I ended my last post by questioning the systemic benefits of HCG on weight loss. There is really only one way to settle this, a randomized controlled study comparing an HCG plus diet vs. a diet alone protocol. Fortunately over the years, 14 of these trials have been completed. Of these only 1 study showed a benefit for HCG users compared to the control group (diet plus placebo). 1 study actually showed the control group lost 10 pounds more. The other 12 studies showed no significant difference. A few of these study’s used a diet only control with no placebo, some of which did show a slight placebo effect, though not significant.
So unfortunately, we have another diet myth busted, and is demonstrated once again that there is no magic pill. Though it was demonstrated rather well that a 500 calorie/day diet is very effective for weight loss. This is of course, unreasonable for any extended period of time, and based on other research, I would suggest that quite a bit of muscle was lost, but effective none the less.
Until a magic pill is actually discovered, my advice is to keep your diet relatively strict (reasonably so) and try to get at least 20 minutes of daily exercise. Eat lots of vegetables and most importantly, listen to your body and try to feed it what it responds to, as everyone’s body is different.
Live Strong
Tags: diet alone, HCG diet, Human Chrorionic Gonadotropin, weight loss