I dunnoh, all the risks listed in that article and others, including pulmonary emboli, leg cramps, hair thining, depression, male breast enlargement, is more than enough for me. And the FDA has not approved it for use in weight loss.

As one article said, "Not every substance that keeps hunger under control is a good thing. Cigarettes for example – a known cause of lung cancer and other diseases, yet many claim that it helps keep their hunger in check."

http://health.howstuffworks.com/well.../hcg-diet3.htm

HCG can also cause a potentially life-threatening condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in which ovaries over-stimulated by hormones can swell and leak fluid into the abdomen. This can cause abdominal pain and weight gain but can lead to blood clots, kidney failure, fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest, and electrolyte imbalances.

The injectable form apparently is even higher risk yet my co-worker is using them -- all for a few pounds of Christmas cookies. We're not talking a jump start for someone with severe obesity.