Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) drugs are available over the counter for treating some forms of female infertility and other medical problems. However, there are many companies selling HCG drugs claiming to help in weight loss. Now, the Food and drug administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have initiated Warning Letters to companies asking them to discard HCG medicines sold as homeopathic drugs for shedding weight.
This decision came after many online portals appeared to promote seemingly unhealthy and unsafe medicines making false claims. Such products were sold in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays. This kind of drug referred as homeopathic informed users to consume it along with a diet low in calories.
However, there are no studies suggesting that this medication elevated the rate of weight loss other than the one attained through diet control. Therefore, users who exposed themselves to very low calories apparently faced side-effects such as gallstone formation, irregularity in heart rhythms and gallstone formation.
“These HCG products marketed over-the-counter are unproven to help with weight loss and are potentially dangerous even if taken as directed. And a very low calorie diet should only be used under proper medical supervision,†commented Ilisa Bernstein, acting director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Deceptive advertising of weight loss products is one of the principal fraudulent practices prevalent in society. Any product can be advertised only with federal law support which will help consumers make the right choice after they are presented with evidences for the same.
As per the Warning Letters, the violations have to be rectified in a span of 15 days. Not conforming to the guidelines will lead to legal action by means of seizure, criminal prosecution and injunction.