​​Understanding Rapid Weight-Loss Programs and How Herbalife Fills the Nutritional Gap​

Rapid weight-loss programs have received significant attention as weight-loss solutions, igniting both optimism and questions about their efficacy and long-term impact on patients’ health. A rapid weight-loss diet is defined as a type of diet in which you lose more than 1 kilogram or kg (2 pounds) a week over several weeks. These can include very low-calorie diets (VLCD), low-calorie diets (LCD), time-restricted eating, intermittent fasting,  and fad diets.

Focused on restricted eating and the possible elimination of food groups, these programs have become a primary choice for consumers seeking fast weight-loss results. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for all and it doesn’t change the fact that our bodies still need a consistent daily intake of important macronutrients and micronutrients.

While rapid weight-loss programs are likely here to stay and have the potential to improve lives and open doors for people who have not been able to achieve a healthy weight through traditional methods, it’s important to remember that good health goes beyond weight loss.

Understanding Rapid Weight-Loss Diets

Rapid weight-loss diets are most often chosen by people with obesity who want to lose weight quickly sometimes to address obesity-related issues like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These diets are less commonly recommended by health care providers. People on these diets should be followed closely by a provider as rapid weight loss may not be safe for some people to do on their own.

Balancing Expectations and Caution

While effective for weight loss, rapid weight-loss programs come with both short-term and long-term considerations. Among them, the drastic calorie restrictions can affect the intake of vital nutrients. When the body is deprived of these nutrients, it can lead to decreased energy, a reduction in muscle density, disruption of normal bowel movements, and overall malnutrition.

Additionally, people who follow rapid weight-loss programs and lose weight very quickly are much more likely to regain the weight over time than people who lose weight slowly through healthy nutrition and physical activity.

As a company that has been providing science-backed, nutrient-dense nutrition products around the world since 1980, we stand by our position that foundational lifestyle changes and behaviours are crucial for sustained weight management and overall health. This is what our Herbalife Independent Distributors instill in their customers every day. They take a personalized approach to individual wellness needs and with their guidance, motivation and commitment, they help build a foundation of healthy habits for lasting change.

Lifestyle intervention, exemplified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program, proves to be more long-lasting than relying solely on medication for obesity management. Published studies underscore a common thread of weight regain after stopping rapid weight-loss programs highlighting the need for complementary nutritional products and lasting healthy, active lifestyle habits necessary for patients to retain their results over time. No rapid weight-loss program can be effective in supporting one’s long-term health without these fundamental shifts in habits.

As Herbalife Independent Distributors continue serving customers who may now be following rapid weight-loss programs, we know that Herbalife is uniquely positioned to offer complementary solutions that acknowledge the nutrition gaps associated with these diets.

Filling the Nutrition Gaps

Introducing the Herbalife®^-MD Nutrition Companion: a new combination of products to support the nutritional needs of customers who may be following rapid weight-loss programs. Herbalife’s new Classic and Select combos are now available in Canada.

The Herbalife®^-MD Nutrition Companion includes:
 

• Classic Product Combo
  
  
  • Formula 1 Meal Replacement (the World's #1 Protein Shake^*)
  • Protein Drink Mix
  • Active Fibre Complex

• Select Product Combo
  
  
  • Formula 1 Select
  • Protein Drink Mix Select
  • Active Fibre Complex Select

Key Nutrients Offered: Protein and Fibre

For nearly 43 years, Herbalife has had one of the best-, if not the best-, tasting high-protein meal replacement, when prepared as directed, with 18–22 grams of quality protein that supports lean muscle mass and contains a broad spectrum for essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of products offered in our Classic combo is time-tested and used by millions of people around the world.
 

• Protein: Each product combo provides vital protein to combat muscle and energy loss, reduce occasional digestive issues with fibre, and support overall health with essential vitamins and minerals
• Fibre: Herbalife®^-MD Active Fibre Complex is an excellent fibre supplement, addressing the lack of fibre in diets of individuals following rapid weight-loss programs and is easy to add to one’s favourite protein shake

Beyond Nutrition: Our Distributor Difference

Beyond our nutrition offerings, Herbalife Independent Distributors are committed Wellness Coaches and accountability partners. For customers who may be following rapid weight-loss programs, the one-on-one attention they provide is one of the most effective ways to sustain a healthy and active lifestyle routine that will help keep customers from regaining weight after they stop or relax their rapid weight-loss program.

While rapid weight-loss programs continue to be one approach to weight management, our ultimate goal at Herbalife is sustained heath and well-being. Through our Independent Distributors, we provide access to highly tested nutrition products, expert guidance and supportive communities.

Recognizing the potential impact of rapid weight-loss programs on protein loss and muscle density, we continue to offer complementary products to fill critical nutrition gaps for patients experiencing these common side effects.

Empowering Informed Choices

In navigating the landscape of rapid weight-loss programs, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, weighing the benefits against potential risks. The Herbalife®^-MD Nutrition Companion stands as both a complementary and sustainable tool for individuals following rapid weight-loss programs, addressing their nutritional needs and fostering lasting health habits.

To learn more about how the Herbalife®^-MD Nutrition Companion can support you, watch this video featuring Dr. David Heber.


^*Source Euromonitor; CH2024ed, protein shake as sports protein powder, sports protein RTDs, meal replacement, supplement nutrition drinks & protein supplements, combined % RSP share GBO for 2023.