Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on weight loss, hunger, and feeling of well-being.

Since Simeons (1, 2) introduced his method of treating obesity using human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), there has been continuing controversy concerning the effect of HCG on the program. Simeons and his followers have generally not claimed that patients eating 500 kcal daily will lose more weight when receiving HCG. They (2-4) have claimed that patients are less hungry and feel better because of the HCG and are thus more apt to remain in treatment. There have been a number of literature reports of double-blind studies (5-9) concerning the effect of HCG on weight loss. Only one (8) indicated HCG may be of more value than a placebo. However, as pointed out by Gusman (4), most investigators significantly altered Simeons’ basic program. Both Simeons and his followers have vociferously maintained that strict adherence to the basics of Simeons’ program is essential if HCG is to be useful. Because of the increasing popularity of Simeons’ program, it was felt further attempts should be made to assess, in a doubleblind manner, not only weight loss but the degree of hunger and the feeling of well-being of patients receiving HCG or an identically appearing placebo.