Founded in 1980 by entrepreneur Mark R. Hughes, Herbalife is a global multilevel marketing company operating in over 90 countries. It sells dietary supplements, personal care products, and weight management programs through independent distributors using a direct-selling model. This article delves into the ingredients, nutritional aspects, benefits, and risks associated with Herbalife's healthy meal offerings.
Herbalife's Nutrition Philosophy
The company’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes balanced and personalized nutrition, achieved through a combination of healthy foods and supplements. Their weight management program integrates meal replacement shakes (consumed twice daily) and weight loss supplements with physical activity and behavior modification. Herbalife also caters to individuals on GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic.
The Role of Herbalife Distributors
While the weight loss program and training materials are developed by physicians, scientists, and registered dietitians, it's important to note that Herbalife distributors are not healthcare professionals and lack formal education in nutrition. Despite this, the program emphasizes a holistic approach involving higher protein diets, exercise, stress management, and hydration, as highlighted by Dr. Kent Bradley, Herbalife’s former chief health and nutrition officer.
The "distributor difference" is a key component of the program's success. Herbalife coaches foster community and support for members, creating challenges and celebrating the achievement of personal goals. This support system is a significant reason why many people turn to Herbalife after encountering difficulties with other programs.
Herbalife's Meal Replacement Shakes: Formula 1
Herbalife's Formula 1 shake is designed as a healthy, balanced meal replacement that can be consumed anytime, anywhere. It contains a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Protein is crucial for a healthy diet, serving as a building block for cells, satisfying hunger, building muscle tissue, maintaining lean muscle mass, and providing energy.
Read also: Is the Herbalife Diet Right for You?
Key Features of Formula 1 Shakes:
- Protein Content: One serving of Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix provides 20 grams of protein. Consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The shakes contain 21 vitamins and minerals, including calcium.
- Preparation: The shakes are easy to prepare - simply stir 2 scoops with 8 oz. of water.
Dietary Considerations and Options
Herbalife is adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences:
- Vegan: The diet can be followed by vegans, with meal replacement shakes available in soy, pea, quinoa, and rice protein options.
- Vegetarian: The diet can be adjusted for vegetarians. The program offers a vegetarian meal planner that substitutes meat with Greek yogurt, eggs, cheese, legumes, tofu, tempeh, or seitan as protein sources. A certified vegetarian seal identifies vegetarian products.
- Gluten-Free: It is possible to follow a gluten-free diet with Herbalife. The Formula 1 Select shakes are certified gluten-free.
- Halal: Some Herbalife products are halal certified.
- Kosher: The Formula 1 Select meal replacement shakes are certified kosher, making it possible to follow the diet while adhering to kosher guidelines.
Weight Management Plans
Members consult with an Herbalife distributor to determine their ideal meal plan based on factors like gender, height, weight, protein needs, and nutrition goals. Each meal plan offers three options:
- Weight maintenance
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
Weight loss plans offer four different calorie levels: 1,200, 1,400, 1,500, and 1,950 calories per day. These plans typically involve consuming two Herbalife meal replacement shakes for breakfast and lunch, along with two snacks and a self-prepared dinner (400-600 calories), with suggestions and recipes provided.
Scientific Evidence and Weight Loss
With two meal replacement shakes per day, calorie intake is significantly reduced, leading to short-term weight loss for most people. Herbalife suggests an expected weight loss of half a pound to 1 pound per week.
Studies support the use of meal replacements for weight loss. The Look AHEAD trial, a large weight loss study published in 2015, found that meal replacement shakes have been effective in helping people lose weight over the past two decades. Herbalife has also conducted studies demonstrating the success of its program. A 2020 meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that participants consuming Herbalife high-protein products experienced significantly larger decreases in body weight, body mass index, and fat mass compared to control groups.
Read also: A Detailed Look at Herbalife
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found that programs incorporating meal replacements with enhanced support led to greater weight loss at one year compared to alternative diets with regular support. Researchers suggest that meal replacements should be considered a valid option for managing overweight and obesity in community and healthcare settings.
Potential Health Benefits
The Herbalife diet may offer potential health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. It may also be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Health Risks and Considerations
Despite potential benefits, the Herbalife diet also presents health risks:
- Liver Damage: Some supplements recommended within the Herbalife program have been linked to liver damage.
- Ultraprocessed Ingredients: Herbalife shakes contain ultraprocessed ingredients, which may increase the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer. These shakes often contain added sugars, artificial ingredients and flavors, and powdered protein.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Meal plans with lower calorie levels may make it challenging to meet nutrient needs.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Herbalife has faced legal challenges and controversies. In 2020, the company was hit with a $123 million lawsuit by the Department of Justice to resolve criminal charges of foreign corrupt practices in China. These practices included bribing Chinese government officials and falsifying books and records to promote business operations for nearly a decade (2007-2016).
Moreover, Herbalife has faced numerous class-action lawsuits from disgruntled distributors. The company's business practices were scrutinized in the 2016 documentary, "Betting On Zero," which investigated allegations of it being a pyramid scheme.
Read also: Benefits of Herbalife
Ease of Use and Sustainability
The Herbalife plan is easy to follow, which appeals to many people. Meal replacement shakes eliminate the need for meal planning and are easy to prepare. However, while meal replacements can be a convenient way to reduce calories, they can also be difficult to sustain long-term.
Recommendations and Precautions
- Consult with a Distributor: It is recommended to consult with an Herbalife distributor to determine an ideal, personalized meal plan.
- Adhere to Guidelines: It is important to adhere to the rules and guidelines of the Herbalife program.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting the Herbalife diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.
- Be Mindful of Ingredients: Pay close attention to the ingredients in Herbalife products, particularly the presence of ultraprocessed ingredients, added sugars, and artificial additives.
- Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
- Ensure Nutritional Adequacy: Ensure that your meal plan meets your individual nutrient needs, especially if following a low-calorie plan.
- Consider Long-Term Sustainability: Evaluate whether the Herbalife diet is a sustainable approach to weight management for you, considering your lifestyle, preferences, and ability to adhere to the program long-term.
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