"There they go again"--hCG and weight loss

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Medical History

Background:

• Dr. Albrink's 1969 review found no physiologic basis or proven benefit for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy.
• Subsequent clinical studies and discoveries have continued to support the lack of evidence for hCG's effectiveness.
• Despite this, hCG therapy for weight loss has seen a resurgence in popularity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the continued use and resurgence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy for weight loss.
• To highlight the potential risks and lack of evidence supporting this popular, yet unproven, treatment.
• To address the public health implications of ineffective medical practices.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical medical literature and clinical studies regarding human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy.
• Analysis of current trends in the accessibility and use of hCG through online sources.
• Consideration of potential risks, including prion transmission from contaminated sources.

Main Results:

• No physiologic basis or proven short-term or long-term benefit for hCG therapy has been established.
• The internet has facilitated easier access to hCG, bypassing traditional healthcare provider prescriptions.
• Concerns exist regarding potential transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease via contaminated hCG products, though no cases via urine are reported.

Conclusions:

• The persistence of hCG therapy for weight loss, despite a lack of scientific evidence, is concerning.
• The accessibility of medications online presents potential adverse health ramifications.
• Continued use of demonstrably ineffective practices, like hCG therapy for weight loss, is unacceptable in public health policy.