Basically, individuals take daily injections of HCG, a hormone released from the placenta during pregnancy. It is actually the hormone that pregnancy tests detect in blood or urine. The theory is that it makes fat more available for fuel while decreasing hunger. On this diet, you are also instructed to eat no more than 500 calories and exercise for an hour.

Yes you read that correctly, no more than 500 calories and exercise for an hour. Is it any wonder that you would lose weight? And as for the claims that HCG some how aids in weight loss, they have not been proven, in fact many studies found no difference between administering HCG and a placebo.

This is not a new diet. It was done back in the 50s and 60s, and brought back by Kevin Trudeau, the author of “The Weight Loss Cure ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About”. He has all sorts of conspiracy theories and has been in trouble with the Federal Trade Commission many times.

Long story short, it is yet another fad. Weight loss will never be as easy as a pill, shot, elixir or potion. It all goes back to eating less and moving more and, hopefully, making healthy lifestyle changes that will last.

Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD