What is your opinion on HCG drops?

Dear Ask The Doctor: What are your thoughts on HCG drops?

Dear JC: HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women. The way that the hormone is supposed to work is that it suppresses hunger and triggers the body to burn more fat. The oral HCG drops may actually contain very little amount of HCG and the weight loss is primarily due the restricted calorie intake that is advised along with HCG drops or injections. Although several studies have been conducted on HCG, none of these study find HCG helpful in weight-loss. Infact the restricted calorie intake may actually cause more harm to the body. So I would be cautious in using the drug.