6. The HCG Diet
The HCG Diet combines a daily injection or supplement of human chorionic gonadotropin (a pregnancy hormone) with a severely restricted calorie intake — often as low as 500 calories per day. This approach can cause extreme fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and gallstones. It’s not supported by credible science, and the FDA warns against its use for weight loss. The risks far outweigh any temporary results.