Today Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly denounced the controversial HCG diet as “irresponsible, appalling and dangerous” during a segment featuring Dr. Marc Siegel of the Fox News Medical A-Team. Siegel was in total agreement with her.

Dr. Siegel explained how the naturally occurring HCG hormone works in a pregnant woman, whereby it directs energy through the placenta to the unborn child. Siegel said no studies have been done on the effects HCG has on women that are not pregnant.

He also said that the HCG diet works by forcing the body into overdrive, since the diet is limited to only 500 calories per day. He said when a body cannot find the energy it needs, it will get it from not only fat stores but also by breaking down proteins found in muscle. Since the heart is the largest muscle in the body, he said the diet may lead to heart disease. He also said the HCG diet could cause kidney disease and strokes as well.
Dr. Siegel also pointed out the monetary cost of injecting oneself with HCG hormone shots. He said the HCG treatment can cost $1000 per month, and although HCG was also available in over-the-counter forms, studies have not been done on their effects either.

He did say that there is no evidence that HCG lessens hunger. A study was done by placing patients on a 500 calorie per day diet, with half receiving the HCG hormone and the other half being given a placebo. Dr. Siegel said the results of the study showed no difference in hunger levels between the two groups.
This appears to be the same study Dr. Mehmet Oz referred to in a recent segment concerning HCG on The Doctor Oz Show, in which Dr. Oz also reported that there was no difference in hunger levels between subjects given a placebo and the HCG hormone.

Although Dr. Oz did not denounce the HCG Diet, he did conclude that it should only be undertaken while under the care of a medical professional. Dr. Oz also said he could not recommend that  a person take in less than 1000 – 1200 calories daily.