Though it was long thought that morning sickness is caused by hCG, the recent breakthrough has shown that HG's main cause is actually the hormone GDF15, which is part of a normal stress response.

While the Food and Drug Administration has approved the hormone’s use for infertility treatment in women and hormone treatment in men, HCG has not been approved for weight loss.

Diets that feature it, the FDA says, get their efficacy from the severe restriction of caloric intake, as opposed to any effects HCG may have.

In fact, the FDA warns consumers against HCG weight loss products.

In September 2022, Georgia resident Maurice Bailey pleaded guilty to introducing a misbranded drug containing HCG into interstate commerce, which involved preparing the Releana in an unregistered facility before it was then sold by Arona.