The Herbalife Scam? Or the Herbalife Success?

The 21st century seems to be defined by a never-ending cycle of fads. If it’s not Angry Birds then it’s Flappy Bird, if it isn’t Insanity then it’s Herbalife. They come and go, and within 6 months you find yourself having that conversation with a mate saying, ‘Hey, remember that flappy bird game?’. 

Herbalife is another company that has jumped into the limelight of the health and nutrition industry. Almost everyday I hear of a ‘Herbalife party’ happening somewhere near me – a group of people all getting together to try out all the weird and wonderful products Herbalife has to offer.

What does Herbalife have to offer then? 

Their products target 3 main areas:

• Nutrition
• Skin-care
• Weight management

Herbalife targets these areas with a wide array of products ranging from protein bars and shakes, to fitness supplements and ‘personal care products’. The weight management aspect of the company is by far the most documented. Herbalife’s weight-loss shakes are increasingly difficult to avoid.

As with any product/company review it’s important to look at both sides of the argument. Where Herbalife products differ from others though is that many of the benefits that the company claim the products provide are the same as the cons that disputers say are gained by using these products.

• Weight management

Herbalife as a company firmly believe their products not only help maintain a healthy weight, but can drastically improve your attempts to lose weight. They claim their products make losing weight a much easier task for their consumers.

On the other hand, certain scientific studies, such as the one conducted by the German Dietary Council, show that Herbalife products cannot be used on their own to help solve issues with weight. So what are we supposed to think when it’s strongly disputed both ways? Well what do consumers say? The people who have actually used the product. Unfortunately, their opinions are equally as divided. Some people swear by Herbalife, saying their products have turned their lives around and helped them like no other product can. Others say all Herbalife has done is put a dent in their bank balance, while having no real noticeable health benefits.

• Cost

A huge criticism of Herbalife products are that they are expensive, and not just a little pricey, ridiculously expensive. A pack of 10 one-a-day effervescent tablets can cost up to £20. Herbalife simply justifies this by stressing the effectiveness of their products. These aren’t the kind of products you can just sample, if you choose Herbalife, be prepared for a hefty financial commitment.

There are other criticisms of Herbalife to do with their business model and marketing strategy, but this is a product review, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission are looking into that, so we don’t have to.

What about the target market for these products? The market is actually quite varied, with all sorts of people giving it a go. A lot like Shaun T and the guys at Insanity though, Herbalife sells most of its products to women. They’re another company offering this ‘quick-fix’ to its customers. We all would love to achieve our goals as quickly as possible, and people are taken in by the advertising and think Herbalife is the way forward.

There are success stories out there – people who have proven that Herbalife has helped them to lose weight. Unfortunately for you Herbalife lovers out there though, it just can’t be justified. The financial commitment needed to use these products is immense. Why wouldn’t use that money to just buy healthy food? Or better yet, get yourself a personal trainer who knows the industry.

Getting and staying in shape is essentially down to 2 things – exercise and nutrition. If you are doing the right exercise and eating correctly then you’ll maintain a healthy weight. You don’t need, what is essentially a gimmick, to be healthy.

The team at Ollie Lawrence Personal Trainer can give you everything you need to get in shape, and stay in shape. Essentially focusing on those key aspects, exercise and nutrition, not cutting corners with quick-fix gimmicks.