What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a chemical created by trophoblast tissue, which is found in early embryos and which will eventually be part of the placenta, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Diet products that contain HCG are sold online and in retail stores nationwide in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays. Most HCG weight-loss products are intended to be used together with a severely restrictive diet, typically around 500 calories per day.
What’s the Problem?
Allegations of wrongdoing by companies who manufacture and market HCG weight-loss drugs have recently come to light in the filing of a lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Arizona federal court. FTC’s lawsuit names the following defendants: HCG Platinum LLC, Right Way Nutrition LLC, and Kevin Wright, the manager of these entities.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants use advertising to falsely convey the impression that HCG drugs are capable of rapid weight-loss. In fact, HCG Platinum products are marketed to consumers guaranteeing they will lose the same amounts of weight as endorsers of the products allegedly lost. These endorsers are featured in the marketer’s advertisements, which the FTC describes as false and without proper substantiation.
“These products are marketed with incredible claims, and people think that if they’re losing weight, HCG must be working,” said Carolyn Becker, director of the Office of Unapproved Drugs and Labeling Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “But the data simply do not support this; any loss is from severe calorie restriction. Not from the HCG.”
HCG Side Effects
- Gallstone formation
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Growth of male breasts (gynecomastia)
- Death
- And more
Human Placenta Hormone Falsely Alleged to be Weight-Loss Solution: FTC
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that “for decades has been falsely promoted by various marketers for weight loss,” according to the FTC. In November 2011, the FTC and FDA jointly sent warning letters to 7 marketers of HCG-containing products. The letter stated that the products were actually mislabeled drugs, in accordance with the FDA Act, and also illegal, based on the FTC Act, which has made weight loss claims not supported by reliable scientific evidence illegal.
The concern is focused on HCG Platinum’s claims that:
- Consumers will lose 1 or 2 pounds per day for weeks, for a total of up to 127 pounds
- The products are safe and have been clinically proven to burn fat and reduce weight
- The products can also lower cholesterol
Do I Have an HCG Drug Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in HCG Drug Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a defective supplement, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.