The answer is YES, if the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is obtained without a valid prescription from a physician (MD or DO). Not only is it a crime, it is a felony with punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment. hCG is listed as a Schedule III drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means it is in the same class as prescription narcotics and anabolic steroids. Why is this so? Because high doses of hCG are routinely used by physicians to increase testosterone production in hypogonadal men who suffer from low testosterone levels. Since hCG can--in high doses such as 2,500 U--stimulate testosterone production it is also used and abused by body builders when they cycle off their high doses of anabolic steroids. More recently, even professional ball players are using it to increase their own natural levels of testosterone. Last year Los Angeles Dodgers' player, Manny Ramirez, was caught using hCG and was punished with a 50-game suspension.

Hundreds of obese individuals buy hCG illegally every day off the internet--without a valid prescription from a physician--for use in Dr. Simeons' hCG weight-loss protocol. Most people do so to save a few hundred dollars, not realizing they are committing a felony and could go to jail. Furthermore, hCG delivered by rogue websites may be the wrong drug, adulterated or expired, the wrong dosage strength, or have no dosage directions or warnings.

The use of low doses of hCG (125 U) for weight loss is safe if supervised by a physician. hCG itself is very safe at low doses and does not pose a threat to an individual. The problem occurs when a person is taking prescription medication at the same time. For example, if a diabetic patient does not reduce or stop their medication during the weight loss program they can easily become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and pass out or worse go into a diabetic coma. Also, individuals with high blood pressure typically will need to reduce or stop their blood pressure medication as their blood pressure will usually drop during the weight loss program. This could cause them to pass out or become weak and dizzy. People on diuretics are at risk as well without close monitoring by a physician. These individuals will need to have their medication reduced or stopped to prevent possible over diuresis that ultimately could result in kidney failure. It is unlikely that anyone on these types of medications are being monitored by a physician when they obtain it illegally over the internet.

Obese individuals are strongly encouraged to find a physician in their local area who has experience using hCG for weight loss. That way they can not only obtain the remarkable benefits of using hCG for safe, rapid weight loss, but they can do so legally and safely. Is the risk of going to jail or harming your body really worth it? A persons health is far too precious to risk obtaining hCG illegally off the internet just to save a few bucks.

(Note: hCG as described in this article is the injectable form, the only form of hCG that a prescription is needed and that actually gets into the blood stream to cause a physiologic response).

References cited:

Colorado Revised Statues Title 18; Professions and Occupations Article 18: Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1992; Effective July 1, 2009 page 1 of 66.

US Department of Justice, DEA, Office of Diversion Control; Consumer Alert

(link: http://www.deadiversionusdoj.gov/consumer_alert.htm )

David Walters, DO, PhD

RejuveGenics

511 W. 29th Street, Ste. C

Pueblo, CO 81008