PITTSBURGH,None — Some women are using the hormone HCG to assist with weight loss and not fertility.
HCG is a hormone produced by pregnant woman that some doctors said allows people to lose weight without feeling hungry.
"HCG allows the body to access the fat. It allows the body to actually use this fat as a primary source," said cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Tang.
Tang said the hormone can be injected and costs about $900 for six weeks worth.
People who use the hormone also must restrict their diet to 500 calories per day. A suggested menu for the diet, according to Tang, is a cup of black coffee for breakfast and four ounces of chicken breast plus two cups of fruit and veggies for lunch and dinner.
Skeptics said just the diet alone will help people lose weight without the hormone and the cost.
"Anyone who goes on a 500 calorie diet is going to lose weight," said registered dietitian and trainer Lisa Richardson. "They don't make the program any more effective than just the diet alone."
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