HCG Injections
(Human Chorionic 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-evaluations and approval from your medical provider.  HCG is used in a much higher dose (~140 times more than 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.

Some of the benefits of HCG include the following:

1) Positive effect on mood
2) Increased energy levels
3) Relief of back pain
4) Relief of migraine pain
5) More rapid loss of inches

In the past, some patients have not qualified for our regular weight loss 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.