​​What do doctors say about Herbalife?

While doctors or registered dietitians may not mention Herbalife products by name, many healthcare professionals recommend the use of dietary supplements to help individuals meet their nutritional needs, address deficiencies, and support a balanced diet. Healthcare providers may not always be familiar with or may not be allowed to promote specific brands of dietary supplements, and because dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases, opinions can vary depending on a provider’s dietary supplement knowledge, brand familiarity or personal preferences.

Herbalife employs scientists’ staff, including Ph.Ds., and experts in nutrition, science and health around the world, to curate and develop high-quality products such as meal replacements, protein supplements, vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and other dietary supplements—many of which align with common nutritional recommendations. As part of our commitment to quality, safety and scientific research, the company also collaborates with third-party organizations to vet and test our products.

As with any dietary change or supplement use, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Do Doctors Recommend Herbalife Products for Weight Loss?
 

Herbalife’s flagship product is the Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix, a plant-based meal replacement shake containing approximately up to 24 grams of protein and fortified with 21 vitamins and minerals. While most healthcare professionals may not mention Formula 1 by name, most providers do support the use of high-protein meal replacements or supplements as part of a calorie-restricted diet to help with weight management.

Clinical guidelines from organizations such as Obesity Canada and the European Association for the Study of Obesity recognize meal replacements as a safe, effective, and accessible tool to support sustained weight loss, manage obesity, and help individuals stay on track with long-term lifestyle changes.

Some doctors may recommend Herbalife products for weight loss as part of a structured nutrition and lifestyle plan, particularly when used under supervision and combined with healthy habits. However, recommendations can vary depending on the individual's health status, goals, and dietary needs.

Has Herbalife Been Reviewed by Third Parties?
 

Yes, in a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, independent researchers reviewed the safety and efficacy of Herbalife® high-protein meal replacements for weight management. While the study was funded by the company, Herbalife had no involvement in the study’s execution, data analysis or manuscript preparation.

The meta-analysis reviewed randomized controlled trials of Herbalife® high-protein products published in peer-reviewed journals up until July 2019. The researchers combined data from nine studies involving 934 participants – 463 in treatment groups and 471 in control groups.

The results showed that participants using Herbalife® high-protein products saw significantly greater reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat mass compared to those on control diets.

The third-party scientists concluded that “Herbalife HP MR (high protein meal replacement) products appear effective and do not evidence significant risk in reducing body weight.”

Herbalife is committed to supporting doctors and registered dietitians with science-backed information about our products. We encourage providers to review the totality of scientific evidence available, including independent research, company-supported studies, and peer-reviewed publications that explore the safety and efficacy of meal replacements and dietary supplements.

How Does Herbalife Ensure Its Products Are Safe and Backed by Science?
 

Herbalife’s commitment to science-backed nutrition and product safety is supported by independent certifications and rigorous third-party testing. Many Herbalife products, including the Herbalife24® line, are NSF Certified for Sport® to verify quality and safety standards. We also follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and undergo audits to maintain certifications from organizations such as NSF International.

Our formulations are developed and reviewed by a global team of over 200 medical doctors, registered dietitians, and PhDs, including expert advisory boards in health, obesity management, nutrition, sports performance, and skincare.

Every product undergoes a rigorous claim substantiation process to ensure that statements regarding health, nutritional, or functional benefits are validated by science and comply with regulatory standards.

This process includes:
 

• A thorough review of peer-reviewed studies, clinical data, and ingredient-specific evidence
• An evaluation of each claim for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with applicable FDA and FTC guidelines
• Only after meeting these stringent criteria are claims approved for use in marketing materials and product labels.

This process reflects our commitment to providing consumers with truthful, reliable, evidence-based product information.

Herbalife also has a dedicated Global Post-Market Safety Affairs team available to support customers and healthcare providers. This team is committed to promoting open communication and can address common questions about our products, including use by individuals with specific dietary needs or medical conditions.

If you or your healthcare provider have questions or concerns, our health and safety staff can be reached directly at GCS@Herbalife.com.

Resources for Healthcare Providers
 

To support transparency and build trust, we provide detailed ingredient information through our Herbalife Support Center. For healthcare providers who may be unfamiliar with our products, the Support Center offers easy access to ingredient descriptions, sourcing practices, and the role these ingredients play in nutrition and wellness. These resources are designed to help providers make informed recommendations based on science and quality.
 

• What’s in our Formula 1 shakes?
• What’s in our protein powders and boosters?
• What’s in our teas?
• What’s in our snacks?

Additionally, to help healthcare professionals stay informed and provide the best support to their patients, we recommend the following trusted resources:
 

• American Heart Association – Protein and Heart Health: Guidelines on protein intake and its impact on cardiovascular health.
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Health Professional Resources: Comprehensive fact sheets and evidence-based information on various dietary supplements.
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets: Detailed information on vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements.
• CDC – Nutrition Guidelines and Recommendations: Public health guidelines for nutrition, including dietary recommendations.
• Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - The latest evidence and clinical guidelines for the use of meal replacements in very-low-calorie or low-calorie diets for obesity treatment

At Herbalife, our commitment to science-backed nutrition, quality, and safety is at the core of everything we do. We are proud to support healthcare professionals with evidence-based resources, product transparency, and a dedicated team ready to assist with any questions. Whether through our ongoing clinical research, rigorous quality control, or direct access to our Global Post-Market Safety Affairs team, Herbalife strives to foster trust and open dialogue with the medical community. We are here to help healthcare providers make informed decisions and better support their patients’ wellness journeys.