Memphis, Tn - A diet plan that has gotten rave reviews from some is now being banned in the state of Mississippi. Patients claimed to lose up to 20-pounds in a month.
"I was a candidate for surgery. I was 226 pounds. I'm 5 foot 1 and 1/2. I was big," says Sonceria Cole.
That was before the HCG diet. She lost 62 pounds last year.
HCG is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy.
"Theoretically, at least in pregnancy, it's supposed to help catabolize or break down fats in your own body," says pulmonary and critical care Dr. Bo Adams.
Cole did the 23-day diet plan twice a year ago. Now, she's starting it for the third time, "This is my 3rd day and I weighed in today at 8 1/2 pounds less."
Dr. Adams says, "Most people tend to lost 10-15 pounds in the first 2 weeks."
This diet plan is not without controversy. In December, the FDA banned over-the-counter sale of HCG "drops, pellets, and sprays." They warned that they are, "unproven to help with weight loss and are potentially dangerous."
Adams says the prescription only inject-able is different. It is FDA approved for female infertility, not for weight loss. But, patient's losing extreme weight with this diet plan caught his attention.
Adams was looking for a way to help obese patients lose weight, so they can breathe easier.
He says his research shows, "Something works. Whether it's HCG, whether it's the diet, whether it's the placebo, whether it's my award-winning personality...something works."
Lena Muhammad lost 40 pounds after two 23-day cycles of the HCG diet. She's kept it off for more than a year.
The diet plan includes daily self-injections of HCG for 23 days and a strict diet of 500 calories a day.
"People think, '500 calories I'm starving.' But, you are not. It curbs your appetite," says Cole.
For $300 you get a doctor's examination and a 23-day supply of pre-loaded shots. But, you have to change your eating habits.
"We've had some people unfortunately they did it, lost the weight, went back to their prior eating habits and weight came back on. You have to make some commitment to a change," says Adams.
It has been banned in the state of Mississippi, because the FDA has not approved it for weight loss.
But, if the injections and 500-calorie a day diet don't turn you off, check with your doctor before using.
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Diet Drug Banned in MIssissippi
