Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss : a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Date
1990
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Low-dose human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) combined with a severe diet remains a popular treatment for obesity, despite equivocal evidence of its effectiveness. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effects of HCG on weight loss were compared with placebo injections. Forty obese women (body mass index > 30 kg/m2) were placed on the same diet supplying 5000 kJ per day and received daily intramuscular injections of saline or HCG, 6 days a week for 6 weeks. A psychological profile, hunger level, body circumferences, a fasting blood sample and food records were obtained at the start and end of the study, while body weight was measured weekly. Subjects receiving HCG injections showed no advantages over those on placebo in respect of any of the variables recorded. Furthermore, weight loss on our diet was similar to that on severely restricted intake. We conclude that there is no rationale for the use of HCG injections in the treatment of obesity.
Description
CITATION: Bosch, B. et al. 1990. Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss : a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. South African Medical Journal, 77:185-189.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Chorionic gonadotrophins, Weight loss