hCG is a peptide hormone produced in pregnant women by the embryo soon after conception and later by the placenta. Its role is to maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy. Early pregnancy testing generally is based on the measurement of hCG. It is also used to induce ovulation in fertility treatment and to restore/maintain testosterone production in the world of performance enhancement. Recent breakthroughs in obesity management have included hCG injections as part of a rigorous regimen under the care of a physician, where it appears to suppress appetite and release fat reserves.