Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Weight Loss controversy

Where is the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Weight Loss controversy come from.

A controversial usage of hCG is as an adjunct to the British endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons' ultra-low-calorie weight-loss diet Simeons, while studying pregnant women in India on a calorie-deficient diet, and “fat boys” with pituitary problems treated with low-dose hCG, discovered that both lost fat rather than lean (muscle) tissue. He reasoned that hCG must be programming the hypothalamus to do this in the former cases in order to protect the developing fetus by promoting mobilization and consumption of abnormal, excessive adipose deposits. Simeons, practicing at Salvator Mundi International Hospital in Rome, Italy, recommended low-dose daily hCG injections (125 mg) in combination with a customized ultra-low-calorie (500 cal/day, high-protein, low-carbohydrate/fat) diet loss of adipose tissue without loss of lean tissue. After Simeons’ mysterious death, the diet started to spread to specialized centers and via popularization by such as the controversial author Kevin Trudeau.

The controversy proceeds from warnings by the Journal of the American Medical Association[1] and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition[2] that hCG is neither safe,[1] nor effective as a weight-loss aid.[3]

1. Fraser L. "Ten Pounds in Ten Days: A Sampler of Diet Fads and Abuse". Health resources special report. Caremark, L.L.C.. https://www.caremark.com/wps/portal/HEALTH_RESOURCES?topic=dietscams. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
2. Stein MR, Julis RE, Peck CC, Hinshaw W, Sawicki JE, Deller JJ (September 1976). "Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 29 (9): 940–8. PMID 786001. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/29/9/940.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-03
3. Barrett S. "HCG Worthless as Weight-Loss Aid". Diet Scam Watch. dietscam.org. http://www.dietscam.org/reports/hcg.shtml. Retrieved 2009-02-03.