The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission said over-the-counter weight loss products containing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) are fraudulent and illegal, and the agencies have told seven manufacturers to stop selling them. The seven companies receiving the warning letters, in addition to HCG Diet Direct, included Nutri Fusion Systems, Natural Medical Supply (doing business as HCG Complete Diet), HCG Platinum, Theoriginalhcgdrops.com, and HCG-miracleweightloss.com.
The FDA and FTC emphasized that the letters were a "first step in halting sale" of HCG weight-loss remedies. Other companies that market such products "should also read these letters carefully and take appropriate action," Cleland said.
"There is no substantial evidence HCG increases weight loss beyond that resulting from the recommended caloric restriction," said Elizabeth Miller, acting director of the FDA's fraud unit for OTC products, during a conference call with reporters.
HCG weight-loss products are typically sold over the Internet, often promoted with unsolicited "spam" emails, with such claims as "Lose 26 pounds in 26 days" and "Resets your metabolism."
According to one of the letters, sent to HCG Diet Direct LLC of Tucson, Ariz., "The claims made on your product labeling and website ... clearly demonstrate that this product is a drug as defined" by federal law.
The companies have 15 days to inform the FDA of the steps they have taken to correct the violations. Theoretically, the firms could seek FDA approval for the weight-loss claims, but the agencies expect that they will simply stop selling the products.
If the companies do not do so voluntarily, the FDA and FTC threatened to forcibly halt their operations.
Many of these products are labeled as homeopathic remedies, but they are illegal whether the word "homeopathic" is used or not, said Richard Cleland, assistant director of the FTC's advertising practices division.
If the product is marketed or meets federal standards to qualify as a drug, but is not FDA-approved, it cannot be sold legally, Cleland said.
Officials from both agencies were unable to estimate how many people have bought HCG weight-loss products, but Cleland said they were the current hot item in the lose-weight-fast category.
Dr. Oz HCG Diet Weight Loss Miracle Or Hype
Dr. Oz did a show on the HCG Diet - Dr. Oz: HCG Diet | Does Dr. Oz Approve Of The HCG Diet, people who swear by the diet and having lost a pound a day up to 40 pounds in 40 days.The HCG Diet dates back to the 1950′s – HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. One of it’s functions is to ensure the growing fetus receives enough nutrients to grow and develop normally. It does this by making the abnormal fat stored in the mother’s body available for use. Dr. ATW Simeons discovered in the 1950′s that small doses of HCG given to overweight individuals (men and women) decreased their appetite, and made them lose inches specifically around their hips, thighs, buttocks and stomachs. Today millions of people have used Hcg for weight loss.
The HCG Diet limits you to 500 calories a day, far below the 1200 calories nutritionists and doctors including Dr. Oz as safe. It is easy to buy weight loss products that contain HCG over the counter and online that have little or no trace of the hormone in it. The most concentrated dose of the hormone must be prescribed by your doctor. Dr. Oz asks ” Is HCG the ultimate recipe for weight loss”?
Guests share the negative side effects they experienced while on the HCG diet. Plus, homeopathic HCG supplement drops – do they work? Dr. Oz reveals the results of his research
