​​Understanding GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs and How Herbalife Fills the Nutritional Gap​

Weight-loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 agonists, have received significant attention as rapid weight-loss solutions, igniting both optimism and questions about their efficacy and long-term impact on patients’ health.

Originally designed to manage Type 2 diabetes, these medications have evolved into a primary choice for consumers seeking fast weight-loss results. These GLP-1 drugs do not change the fact that our bodies still need a consistent daily intake of important macronutrients and micronutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

While weight-loss drugs 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.

GLP-1 drugs mimic the satiety hormone, GLP-1, inducing a constant sense of fullness. This is accomplished because there are receptors for this hormone at the stomach, which delays gastric emptying, and in parts of the brain, which triggers a decrease in the desire to eat. Our body normally produces the GLP-1 hormone, and this natural hormone is degraded by the body fairly quickly, within minutes. However, the GLP-1 analog mimics the natural hormone in our body but does not degrade for days in the injection form – creating a constant decreased desire to eat.

While effective for weight loss, GLP-1 agonists are a medically prescribed solution that comes with both short-term and long-term considerations. Among them, the constant feeling of fullness reduces appetite and potential 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 inadequate nutrition.

Published studies underscore a common thread of weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications, highlighting the need for nutritional products and lasting healthy, active lifestyle habits necessary for patients to retain their results over time. No drug, including GLP-1 medications, can be effective in supporting one’s long-term health without these fundamental shifts in habits.

As a company that has been providing science-backed, nutrient-dense products around the world since 1980, we stand by our position that foundational lifestyle changes and behaviors are crucial for sustained weight management and overall health.

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

• Introducing the Herbalife® GLP-1 Nutrition Companion:^* a new combo of products to support the nutritional needs of customers who may be using GLP-1 drugs. Herbalife’s new Classic and Vegan options in a variety of flavors are now available in the United States and Puerto Rico.

• The Herbalife® GLP-1 Nutrition Companion^* includes:
  
  
  • Classic Product Combo
  • Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix (the world's #1 protein shake†)
  • Protein Drink Mix
  • Active Fiber Complex
     
• Vegan Product Combo
  
  
  • HERBALIFE V Plant-Based Protein Shake, Classic and Chocolate
  • HERBALIFE V Plant-Based Digestive Support‡
  • HERBALIFE V Plant-Based Greens Booster

• Protein: Each product combo provides vital protein to help build muscle tissue and maintain lean muscle mass while providing energy
• Fiber: Recognizing the microbiome’s pivotal role in weight loss and GLP-1 signaling, each combo provides an excellent source of fiber to promote regularity and a healthy digestive system, addressing the lack of fiber in diets of weight-loss drug patients
• Added Benefits: The Classic combo also delivers essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, while the Vegan combo also delivers three organic blends of 20 fruits and vegetables that consumers may not be getting in their diet every day

Beyond our nutrition offerings, Herbalife Independent Distributors are committed coaches and accountability partners. For customers who may be using GLP-1s, the one-on-one attention that coaches provide can be an effective way to sustain a healthy and active lifestyle routine while using and after they stop using GLP-1s.

Recognizing the potential impact of GLP-1 drugs on reduced protein intake and muscle density, we continue to offer products to fill critical nutrient gaps for patients.

The Herbalife GLP-1® Nutrition Companion^* stands as a tool for patients on weight-loss drugs, including those on GLP-1s, addressing their nutritional needs and fostering lasting habits that can be the basis for long-term good health.

^*The Herbalife® GLP-1 Nutrition Companion is not a drug and has not been clinically evaluated in GLP-1 patients. Consult your physician before you make changes to your diet during medically supervised weight loss.

^†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.

^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.