Herbalife is a global nutritional supplement manufacture company which produces dietary supplement for general health, wellness, and weight management. Started in 1980, now it operates in more than 90 countries and sells its products through independent associate/distributors only.
One of its products for weight loss has recently caught the attention and needs a detailed review of whether you should choose it or not.
Its weight loss products consist of meal replacement protein shake and dietary supplements to provide the right balance of healthy nutrition to support weight loss.
The ingredients used are a combination of selected herbs and essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What are the Herbalife Weight Loss Products?
1. Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix
It is a low-calorie meal replacement shake and each serving of 25 g provides
- Soy Protein: 9 g
- Energy: 94 kcal
- Total Fat: 2 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
When mixed with 300 ml skimmed milk, it provides
- Total Protein: 19.2 g
- Energy: 211 kcal
- Total Fat: 3.50 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
Besides, in a controlled study, it was found that following a soy-based meal replacement product for 12 months showed a significant reduction in weight.
Meal replacement product helps to curb hunger during a low-calorie diet and aids in weight loss. [1]
But the effectiveness of the meal replacement program for weight loss in the long term (more than 1 year) is not clear. [2]
However, in a study of 5 years, the meal replacement program showed beneficial to lose weight.
Flavor Types – French Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Mango, Orange Cream, Strawberry, Kulfi
Recommended Uses: Add 2 flat spoons with water or skimmed milk and blend it for a maximum of 5 sec. Add 4 – 5 ice cubes, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
2. Protein Powder
Formula 3 Personalized Protein Powder
A powder that contains soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and starch. It helps to curb hunger, maintain energy levels between meals, and build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Recommended Uses: Take 1 flat spoon three times per day with any beverage or cold/hot water.
3. Energy Drink
Afresh Energy Drink Mix
A powder that contains a blend of orange pekoe and green tea extract to provide antioxidants support and caffeine to boost instant energy and metabolic activity.
Flavor Types: Ginger, Elaichi, Lemon, Peach, Cinnamon, and Tulsi.
Recommended Uses: Mix 1 flat spoon of afresh energy drink mix with 160 ml of hot or cold water and drink 2 or 3 servings per day.
4. Tablet Supplements
Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex
Packed with 17 essential vitamins and minerals.
It includes B vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C & E to boost immunity, and minerals like copper, zinc, iron, and calcium for healthy bones, skin, hair, and nails.
Besides, in studies, it was found that multivitamin supplements helped in reducing weight while following a calorie-restricted diet. However, it was also recommended to check the Food and Drug Administration website for updates and warnings for safety concerns. [3, 4]
Recommended Uses: Take 1 tablet three times per day with meals.
Cell Activator
It contains alpha-lipoic acid, aloe vera, shiitake mushroom, pomegranate rind extract, rhodiola root extract, pine bark extract, and resveratrol to support mitochondrial function and absorption of micronutrients.
Recommended Uses: Take 1 tablet three times per day with meals or shake.
Herbal Control
A supplement that contains caffeine, ginger root extract, green tea leaf extract, oolong tea leaf extract, black tea leaf extract, and pomegranate rind powder extract. These blends are claimed to stimulate metabolism, provide an energetic sensation, and increase alertness.
Recommended Uses: Take 1 tablet with plain water three times per day.
Cell-U-Loss
This supplement contains corn silk extract, parsley herb extract, dandelion leaf extract, and asparagus root extract to support healthy water elimination. It also contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride to maintain electrolyte balance and normal pH level in the body.
Recommended Uses: Take 1 tablet three times per day with meals.
Activated Fiber
A tablet that consists of both soluble and insoluble fiber from oat and herbs. The combinations help to curb appetite, control sugar level, maintain a healthy weight, and eliminate constipation.
Recommended Uses: Take 1 tablet two times per day. It can also be taken at night.
Note: The ingredients of all the products above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Besides, the products are also not advised to use to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Herbalife Weight Loss Products Price
Below are the prices of various weight loss products as mentioned on the Herbalife official website. [5]
| Products | Amount | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix | 500 g | INR 1,844 |
| Formula 3 Personalized Protein Powder | 200 g | INR 1,094 |
| Afresh Energy Drink Mix | 50 g | INR 686 |
| Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex | 90 tablets | INR 1,688 |
| Cell Activator | 60 tablets | INR 1,866 |
| Herbal Control | 90 tablets | INR 2,899 |
| Cell-U-Loss | 90 tablets | INR 1,436 |
| Activated Fiber | 90 tablets | INR 1,379 |
How to Use Herbalife for Maximum Weight Loss?
Step 1 – Choose Herbalife Weight Loss Program
There are mainly 5 types of weight loss programs to choose from.
1. Startup Program
This program is designed to discover how you can start losing weight with a Herbalife startup program. It has protein flexibility to personalize protein support inside the body while following an active healthy lifestyle.
Herbalife Weight Loss Startup Program contains:
- Formula 1 – Nutritional Shake Mix – 500 g – 1 Unit
- Formula 3 – Personalized Protein Powder – 200 g – 1 Unit
- Afresh Energy Drink Mix – 50 g – 1 Unit
Total Cost of the Program: INR 3, 624
2. First Month Program
This program is designed to lose maximum weight quickly. This program consists of the most effective Herbalife products for weight loss.
Herbalife Weight Loss First Month Program contains:
- Formula 1 – Nutritional Shake Mix – 500 g – 2 Units
- Formula 3 – Personalized Protein Powder – 200 g – 1 Unit
- Afresh Energy Drink Mix – 50 g – 1 Unit
- Cell-U-Loss – 90 Tablets – 1 Unit
Total Cost of the Program: INR 6,904
3. Second Month Program
This month consists of a combination of the most core products of Herbalife. It helps to achieve essential nutrients to manage weight and lose weight fast.
Herbalife Weight Loss Second Month Program contains:
- Formula 1 – Nutritional Shake Mix – 500 g – 2 Units
- Activated Fiber – 90 Tablets – 1 Unit
- Cell Activator – 60 Tablets – 1 Unit
- Cell-U-Loss Advanced – 90 Tablets – 1 Unit
Total Cost of the Program: INR 8,369
4. Third Month Program
The third-month program is very simple to follow and continuity of your weight loss process. From the third month and onwards you have to follow these combinations of products.
Herbalife Weight Loss Third Month Program contains:
- Formula 1 – Nutritional Shake Mix – 500 g – 2 Units
- Formula 3 – Personalized Protein Powder – 200 g – 1 Unit
- Afresh Energy Drink Mix – 50 g – 1 Unit
Total Cost of the Program: INR 5,468
5. Ultimate Program
This is an advanced program designed to provide the essential nutrients required by the body. It helps to provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants crucial for healthy weight loss.
Herbalife Weight Loss Ultimate Program contains:
- Formula 1 – Nutritional Shake Mix – 500 g – 2 Units
- Formula 2 – Multivitamin Complex – 90 Tablets – 1 Unit
- Activated Fiber – 90 Tablets – 1 Unit
- Cell Activator – 60 Tablets – 1 Unit
Total Cost of the Program: INR 8,614
Step 2 – Follow the Herbalife Weight Loss Program Instructions
After selecting the weight loss program, now it’s time to follow some ground rules.
- In the morning drink 2 -3 glasses of plain water empty stomach.
- Replace two meals by the Herbalife weight loss program you purchased.
- Take 1 colorful meal having fruits and vegetables and low calorie and oil.
- Replace tea/coffee by afresh energy drink.
- Eat small frequent meals to avoid unhealthy snacks craving and sudden energy drop.
- Take nutritious snacks consisting of fruits, vegetables, and a small portion of protein during mid-morning and mid-afternoon to avoid overeating at lunch or dinner.
- Consume plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Drink no water or just a little bit of water after 8 p.m. to prevent water retention in the body.
- Avoid unhealthy foods such as white rice, white bread, cold drinks, packed juices, fried junk foods, etc.
Step 3 – Maintain a Healthy Physical Activity
Physical activity and exercise are one of the major contributors to weight loss. Regular exercise can help increase self-confidence and decreases stress and anxiety.
Physical activity may be aerobic or resistance exercise, it depends on your preference. But incorporating both types of exercises will provide the most effective result.
No, you don’t need to lift heavy, simply doing running, swimming or cycling, playing sports, walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator will do the job.
It is recommended to practice at least 30 minutes of activity each day five times each week to keep yourself physically active. You can split 30 minutes into three 10-minute sessions if you can’t take out 30 minutes at a time. Start with what you can do on the first day and gradually build up as you proceed.
What are the Pros and Cons?
Every weight loss supplements have its pros and cons, so Herbalife too.
Pros
Works on Cellular Level
Herbalife has built its products to work on the cellular level. It is very foundation where it nourishes the body’s cells for proper metabolism, growth, repair, and detoxification.
Herbalife has scientifically formulated the combination of herbs and other ingredients to provide the right amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, and fat essential for weight loss.
Provide Soy Based Protein
The main ingredient of meal replacement shake is soy protein. Every 25 g serving of meal replacement shake provides 9 g of soy protein.
Soy protein is considered as the best alternative for vegetarians/vegans to obtain high quality of protein.
Despite beneficial in losing weight, diets high in soy protein also offers various health benefits. [6]
- lowers the risks of prostate and breast cancers
- reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides
- maintain bone density and lower fractures in postmenopausal women and
- improve menopausal hot flashes
Easy to Incorporate
Herbalife products are built in a way that it can be easily incorporated into your diet or where ever you are. They are very simple to follow and comes with various flavors to provide great taste according to the individual’s choice.
Great Alternative for Vegetarians
If you are a vegetarian and struggle a lot to get plant-based protein and other essential supplements for weight loss. Then, these products can be a great alternative to add, as Herbalife products consist of herbs and other plant-based ingredients.
Cons
Products are Available through Independent Distributors Only
One of the biggest downsides of this company is that their products are available through independent distributors only. There is a chance you would not get your ordered products on the stipulated time. Besides, if you will have any complaints about the product, you will find difficulty in contacting the right person.
Additionally, according to the reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com about the products many people find it difficult to contact the concerned person and to get money back after returning the products.
Expensive
Herbalife weight loss products are more expensive as compare to other weight loss products available in the market.
A 500g of Formula 1 nutritional shake will cost you Rs 1,844 or choosing only a startup program will cost you Rs 3, 624.
High in Sugar
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a maximum of 5% or roughly 25 g of your daily calories should come from added sugars. [7]
The meal replacement shake is very high in sugar (mainly fructose) and exceeds what the WHO has recommended.
May be Dangerous for Your Liver
Even though Herbalife is claiming to be beneficial in weight loss, some serious side effects have been reported on using Herbalife products.
A case study at the World Journal of Hepatology (WJH) has reported two cases of acute liver damage on consuming Herbalife weight loss supplements which result in liver transplant in one case and death in another.
Although another report claimed that the WJH case report was not included the patient’s history, use or withdrawal of concomitant medications, dechallenge results, product specification, and dosage & frequency of Herbalife supplements.
Besides, many more cases have been reported on consuming Herbalife products result in liver injury. [8, 9, 10]
What do Dietitians Say about Herbalife?
Dietitians recommend following natural way with customized natural foods and exercises to lose weight. In general, they don’t recommend to use any short cut way, and advice to take supplements on experts’ advice. Each supplement has side effects, eat healthy and natural foods for long term weight loss instead. [11]
Conclusion
Although Herbalife weight loss products contain plant-based ingredients and have various programs option to suit your requirement. But it has some noticeable disadvantages as well which cannot be ignored.
Effect of long term consumption is also confusing, and need more long term results to conclude.
