Updated 8/27/20. Have you heard of Formula 1? If not, you've likely heard of the company that sells it―Herbalife. Can Formula 1 meal replacement shakes help people lose weight? Are there any side effects? Is there any research on these meal shakes? Actually, yes, there is research on Formula 1 and that will be the main focus of this review.
What Is Formula 1 Used For?
On the Herbalife website, it's stated that “Formula 1 shakes include protein, fiber and essential nutrients that can help support metabolism, cellular growth repair, and production.” I take this to mean Formula 1 is a meal replacement shake. Meal replacement shakes are meant to be used when people don't have time to eat real food. They are often used as after-workout shakes also. I don't see any specific mention in the above statement that Formula 1 meal shakes are to be used 
Who Makes Formula 1 Shakes?
Formula 1 shakes are made by Herbalife. Unlike several supplement companies I've reviewed previously, Herbalife is a real company that has a physical brick-and- motor building. The address of Herbalife is 800 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 406, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The building says “Herbalife” on the side, so I know this is their official place of business.
If you search the Better Business Bureau for “Herbalife”, you will see a LOT of small businesses. This goes to the fact that the bulk of the selling of Herbalife products comes from people who are Herbalife distributors. Herbalife at its core has a strong multi-level marketing component. You have to search for Herbalife International of America to find the BBB report on the business.
The BBB gives Herbalife a B+ rating when this review was updated. It notes that Herbalife was started in 1980 and has been a BBB accredited business since 1990. It lists 400 employees, however, I'm sure that doesn't include the many thousands of Herbalife distributors around the world.
Formula 1 Nutrition Information
According to the Herbalife.com website, each container of Formula 1 has 30 servings. A serving size of Formula 1 is two scoops and has the following nutrition information:
| Calories | 90 | 170 (8 oz nonfat milk) |
| Calories from fat | 5 | 5 (8 oz nonfat milk) |
| % DV | %DV | |
| Total fat 1 gram | 1% | 1% |
| Sat fat 0 grams | 0% | 0% |
| Trans fat 0 grams | – | – |
| Cholesterol 0 grams | 0% | 2% |
| Sodium 95 mg | 4% | 8% |
| Potassium 190 mg | 5% | 16% |
| Total carbs 13 grams | 4% | 8% |
| Dietary fiber 3 grams | 11% | 11% |
| Sugars 9 grams | – | – |
| Protein 9 grams | 18% | 35% |
|
Vitamins & Minerals |
||
| Vitamin A | 25% | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 25% | 25% |
| Calcium | 8% | 40% |
| Iron | 15% | 15% |
| Vitamin D | 25% | 25% |
| Vitamin E | 25% | 25% |
| Thiamin | 25% | 30% |
| Riboflavin | 20% | 50% |
| Niacin | 25% | 25% |
| Vitamin B6 | 25% | 30% |
| Folate | 20% | 25% |
| Vitamin B12 | 25% | 45% |
| Biotin | 20% | 20% |
| Pantothenic acid | 30% | 30% |
| Phosphorous | 15% | 40% |
| Magnesium | 15% | 20% |
| Zinc | 30% | 35% |
| Selenium | 20% | 30% |
| Copper | 30% | 30% |
| Chromium | 10% | 10% |
| Molybdenum | 20% | 20% |
It's important to know that the Herbalife website also says to “remember to add fresh fruit and ice” to Formula 1. This means that the nutrition information (and calories) listed above will be different, depending on the type of fruit and amount of fruit that is added.
This idea of adding fruit to Formula 1, reminds me of Shakeology where I wondered “why would you need the extra fruit if it was already so healthy?”
Formula 1 is certified gluten-free. For those who are interested, formula 1 also contains soy protein isolate and fructose. The nutrition label does indicate that the product contains “Milk and Soy” however, soy is the first ingredient listed while casein (which comes from milk) is the ninth ingredient. I take this to mean that most of the protein in Formula 1 is derived from soy. The label does not indicate if the soy is genetically modified or Non-GMO soy.
Formula 1 also contains a fiber called inulin. The Formula 1 label calls inulin “a prebiotic that helps promote the growth of flora.”
Prebiotics are basically the food of probiotic bacteria.
While that may be true, inulin is a soluble fiber found in many foods. For example, inulin is also found in “Fiber One” cereal. According to a Nutrition Action Newsletter in 2008, (click to read the pdf file), “it's not clear if inulin is as good as a foods naturally occurring fibre.” Formula 1 doesn't have a lot of inulin since it's the 17th ingredient listed on the label.
Inulin is also in the IdealShape weight-loss shake so see that for more information.
The nutrition label also mentions that Formula 1 contains “Aminogen” This is a trademarked name for a protein-digesting enzyme complex that I've seen in a few other supplements such as Syntheriod and the Body By Vi Shakes. Aminogen is a product of another company called Triacaro Industries. I don't think there is anything special about Aminogens, especially for people who can digest protein.
Formula 1 And Weight Loss
Even though Herbalife doesn't specifically mention this, there is a lot of talk on the web about how Formula 1 can help people lose weight. So what might cause this? Looking at the ingredients, I think this is because a serving of Formula 1 only has 90 calories (170 calories, if milk was used, and more calories if additional fruit is added). So, if a person were to drink two Formula 1 shakes and then eat dinner, I'm pretty sure they would lose weight.
If I am right and Formula 1 helps people lose weight because it acts as a substitute for higher-calorie foods, then this is the same premise behind other weight loss shakes I've looked at including :
- Right Size Smoothies (100 calories)
- Body By Vi Shakes (90 calories)
- Shakeology (140 calories)
- Isagenix Shake (240 calories)
There is nothing wrong with this, as long as it does not lead to nutritional deficiencies. If a person were taking a multivitamin and eating at least halfway decent, I don't think this would be a problem. That said, I'd personally like to see more protein to Formula 1 if it is used for weight loss. Keep reading for my reasons why.
Formula 1 Weight Loss Research
On the website herbalifescience.com there is a page that discusses 3 clinical studies that used Formula 1 Healthy Meal. These studies are used to support the notion of how the formula 1 meal shake can be a healthy addition to the diet.
It appears that all 3 studies were conducted by members of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board. That's not necessarily bad. Companies that invest time, money and effort into their products is a rare thing. I actually like to see this. That said, let's take a look briefly at each study.
Herbalife Formula 1 Study #1
In a study that does not seem to be published yet titled ” Increased Protein Intake Using Protein—Enriched Meal Replacements Compared to Conventional Protein Intake and Meal Replacements in Overweight Subjects” Researchers gave 110 overweight people different amounts of protein for a year.
Formula 1 shakes ―as well as another protein supplement― were given to the high protein group. Others were just told to eat less and try to get a normal amount of protein.
The researchers noted that drinking 2 Formula 1 shakes (that were enhanced with additional protein) “lead more effective weight-management than limiting calories alone”.
While this is interesting, notice they didn't say people lost more weight. For me, saying “more effective weight management” is very fuzzy language. They might have lost more weight but I'd like to see them actually say it.
I must also note that this study does not prove that Formula 1 itself leads to weight loss because researchers gave people Formula 1 PLUS extra protein (the supplement was called “European Personalized Protein Powder.”) To me, this is a weakness of this study.
Herbalife Formula 1 Study #2
In a study published in 2008 in Nutrition Journal, titled A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass, researchers gave 100 obese men and women (85 people completed the study) the same number of calories for 12 weeks. The difference: One group received more protein.
The high protein group received 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day) while the regular protein group received 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Translation:
- High protein group: 2.2 grams per kilogram = 1 gram of protein per pound.
- Low protein group: 1.1 grams per kilogram = 0.5 grams of protein per pound.
Both groups were given Herbalife Formula 1 but the high protein group had their Formula 1 shakes enhanced with another Herbalife supplement called Performance Protein Powder. Those in the standard protein group (1.1 grams per day) had a carbohydrate powder added to their Formula 1 shakes.
Study Results:
- Both groups lost similar amounts of weight.
- There were no changes between the groups in blood fats (triglycerides) or fasting glucose levels.
- There were no changes in waist circumference between groups.
- The high protein group lost more body fat.
- The high protein group had significantly lower LDL and total cholesterol.
As I see it, the major finding of this study ―as far as weight loss is concerned― is that those who received more protein lost more body fat.
A possible problem with this study was that body fat was determined with bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). This method is often seen as less reliable than other ways such as Bod Pod or underwater weighing.
This study used a BIA device called 310e Bioimpedance analyzer which works by placing electrodes at the ankle and wrist. This is different than the hand-held devices found in health clubs around the world. Theoretically, this device might be more accurate, but I'd still expect that it could be influenced by many factors.
Also, it's important to note that this study didn't just use Formula 1 but Formula 1 that had additional protein added to it.
Herbalife Formula 1 Study #3
In 2009 a study called Efficacy of low-calorie, partial meal replacement diet plans on weight and abdominal fat in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of two diet plans – one high in protein and one nutritionally balanced was published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
In this 12 week, double-blind study,75 obese people were randomly assigned to either these 2 groups:
- Low calorie / high protein group (Formula 1 + Personalized Protein Powder).
- Low calorie / normal protein group (Formula 1 + milk).
The women ate 1200 per day and the men consumed 1500 calories per day.
Study Results
1. Both groups lost weight and fat in the belly.
2. Researchers noted that in those who “followed the diet most strictly, people in the high protein group lost more body fat (and less lean body mass) than the people consuming the standard amount of protein.”
In other words, people who stuck to the diet – AND ate more protein ―lost more body fat.
It's worth noting again, Formula 1 was modified with additional protein.
I also found this next investigation (“Study 4″) which is not listed on the herbalifesciences website. I'm including it because the principal author (Marion Flechtner-Mors) is also the principal author of study #1. She is also on the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board.
Herbalife Formula 1 Study # 4
In 2010 a study was published in the journal, Diabetes Metabolism Research Reviews. In this investigation, titled Enhanced weight loss with protein-enriched meal replacements in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, 110 overweight people followed for a year and were told to eat 500 less calories per day and randomly assigned to:
- A high protein group (1.34 grams per kilogram of body weight)
- A low protein group (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight)
Translation: the high protein group received 0.61 grams per pound and the low protein group received 0.36 grams per pound ―the normal RDA for protein.
This study makes no mention of Formula 1, so I assume it was not used.
Results:
1. Those in the high protein group lost more weight and fat than those in the lower protein group.
2. Measurements of diabetes progression (CRP, A1c, HDL, insulin levels, etc.) improved in both groups although it was deemed slightly better in the high protein group.
3. Similar losses in fat-free mass were seen in both groups.
So again, we see higher protein intake was associated with more weight loss.
Study Problem: In this investigation body fat was measured with bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) which is seen as less accurate than other methods.
Summary: Formula 1 Weight Loss Research
Looking at only the 3 studies used to support the use of Formula 1 meal shakes, I come to these conclusions:
1. None of the studies only used Formula 1.
3. All 3 studies increased the protein content in Formula 1.
4. Since protein was increased in all 3 studies, Formula 1 ―alone― cannot be guaranteed to produce the same results.
5. Using Bioelectric impedance analysis to determine body fat changes may not be as reliable as other methods.
If I look only at the research on the Herbalife website, it appears that even the researchers on the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board increase protein intake when studying Formula 1 meal replacement shakes for weight loss. If that's true, why doesn't Herbalife change the formula?
The idea of increased protein intake for weight loss is not new. Several studies have noted more weight loss in those who consumed a higher protein diet.
Let me be clear. I have no doubt that if people consumed two Formula 1 shakes per day and ate 1 “real” meal, that they would lose weight. I believe however, that weight loss would occur because overall calorie intake was reduced, rather than any special properties or ingredients in Formula 1. The protein in Formula 1 might help but I see no proof that it would work as well as the enhanced-Formula 1 studies shown on the Herbalifesciences website.
Herbalife Formula 1 Side Effects
At this time I'm not aware of any side effects from Formula 1. I believe that in healthy people, Formula 1 is safe. If anyone has experienced side effects please comment below. It's possible that the soy in Formula 1 may be a problem for some people so they need to consider this.
Those who this might be an issue include those with some types of cancer like breast cancer or endometrial cancer, which may -in theory-be activated by soy. This is a common warning with soy although direct human evidence is lacking. Still, for those with cancer, its something to talk to your oncologist about.
Soy might also reduce thyroid hormone levels. This is because soy contains compounds called goitrogens. This can be a problem for people with hypothyroidism. For those with hypothyroid problems, just don't drink the shake within 1-2 hours of taking your thyroid medicine (levothyroxine). If you do this, I don't think the Herbalife Formula 1 shake will have any effect on your thyroid hormone levels.
Soy is often blamed for causing hypothyroidism but this is not true. But, just for peace of mind, those who have hypothyroidism should get their TSH levels checked after a month or so of using Formula 1 to see if their thyroid meds need to be adjusted. I doubt if they would need to.
Formula 1 Price
I did not see a way to order Formula 1 directly at the Herbalife website so I'm not sure of the price. The majority of business Herbalife generates is through Herbalife associates.
As such, it's possible that different associates may sell Formula 1 for different prices. Here is a 30 day supply on Amazon to compare prices. Various Herbalife distributors also sell on eBay. As such it might be smart to shop around for the best price.
Contact Herbalife
The address for Herbalife International is 800 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 406, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The contact number is: 866-617-4273.
If you call this number, good luck, because you are only given 2 options:
1. Are you calling about a recent magazine radio or TV promotion (press 1)
2. Are you a customer calling about an existing order (press 2)
If you don't choose an option you are disconnected! Pressing zero for an operator doesn't work either. For a company that claims to have several hundred people in the organization (BBB statistics), I wasn't happy with their lack of easy customer support.
How To Return Formula 1
If you are not happy with Formula 1, I suggest either calling Herbalife directly at 866-617-4273 or by contacting the Herbalife distributor you bought the product from. I am not aware of any problems associated with returning Herbalife products. If you have had any problems returning products please comment below.
Does Formula 1 Work?
Let me first say that I don't think Formula 1 is bad. Looking at its ingredients, I don't see anything that I would call “extreme.” So, I have no problem with people who want to use Formula 1 as a meal replacement, if they can afford the cost. Do remember that there is nothing unique in Formula 1 that I'd expect to promote better health or superior weight loss over other shakes―such as the shake recipe I make.
Remember, if Formula 1 shakes are going to help people lose weight, they should be used in place of higher-calorie meals ―not in addition to them. For people eating 3-4 meals per day, I would not recommend more than 2 shakes per day since more than this might displace other valuable foods and nutrients from the diet. I do wish Herbalife would increase the protein content of Formula 1 because that is in keeping with their own weight loss research.
Here are all the flavors on Amazon
Hi Joe,
I have read a few reviews saying that people lost a lot of hair on this product and one other review said that after the 3 day trial of the shake and tea, she was very moody.
I am om the 3 day trial now, second day, and i have to decide whether I should continue or not. But I don’t want to use anything that might harm my health. Your thoughts please?
Hi Sonja, I cant think of anything in the Herbalife shake that would cause hair loss or make people moody. Hair loss may happen if people may not be getting enough protein so I wonder (cant confirm or deny) if people who say this may be really cutting back on food they were eating?
As for being moody, we should all remember that our brain needs sugar (glucose) to work. When we dont eat enough calories, blood sugar can drop and sometimes we get cranky and irritable. Could this be what was happening in those who say this?
Keep me updated on how you do with the shake if you continue taking it.
Just to note, soy protein contains phytic acid, which blocks mineral absorption. Lack of minerals very well causes hair loss.
Hi John, a lot of things have phytic acid, such as nuts and whole grain foods. I doubt the soy in Herbalife is responsible.
That was a great review. Is there caffeine in the Formula 1 shake? They also gave me 3 pills in a package that had high caffeine and I decided not to take them, I tried the 3 day shake trial and did loose 3 lbs, but I am guessing I could have done that just eating high protein and no snacks and exercising more. This stuff is expensive!
Hi Karen, thanks so much! To answer your question, I dont believe there is any caffeine in the Formula 1 shake. I didnt see any listed when I looked today either so I doubt there is any in. I’m not sure what pills came with your shake. Any herbalife people want to weigh on what those pills were ?
The pills are called Total control and they have various tea extracts and caffeine. You’re supposed to take 2-3 a day.
Marissa, I took a look at their label. Herbalife Total Control has 82 mg of caffeine per tablet. So if someone took 3 per day that would be 3 X 82 =246 mg of caffeine. Total Control has other ingredients as well like green tea and black tea. I’ll add it to my list of things to look at.
The pills were called total control. They are basically the metabolism boosting tea in a tablet form. You can you tube them for some more info. Personally I love them, but I love caffeine.
hai Joe
such a wonderfull review. thanks
Thanks Jordan!
I can tell you that I’ve tried Herbalife in the past and DO NOT recommend it. First of all, soy is NOT a health food, genetically modified or not (and by the way, over 90% is). Do your research on soy. Kaayla Daniels is an excellent source. Security bc of all, from personal experience, I suffered so many excruciating painful digestive issues as a result of Herbalife, that I had to go to a doctor to get tested for allergies. I was in a lot of pain.
As soon as I took the Herbalife shakes out, within two days, my symptoms went away. Do NOT consume this product! And again, please do your own research on soy. Besides condiments, it should not be consumed.
Hi there, I was wondering is herbalife formula 1 safe to consume while breastfeeding? Do you also have any input on their other products, like the tea and aloe??
Thanks 🙂
Hi Jessica, While I dont feel weight loss products during breastfeeding are appropriate (because I wonder if some of the ingredients might be passed to the nursing baby), I’m going to ask you speak to your doctor / pharmacist about this. Show them the ingredients in the product so they can see them.
Aloe is often used in wt loss products because it can be a laxative. Generally laxatives dont cause any long term wt loss.
Tea. There are many different kinds of tea. I like drinking tea but as for supplements containing tea extracts, I’m not sure about them and breastfeeding. Again, Ill defer to your doctor/pharmacist on that.
Hi Joe,
I’ve been using the Herbalife pdts since 5 months and lost 15kgs wt and also feeling very energetic and healthy.
I recently heard from somebody that the pdts contain steroids which are harmful to the body over a long time.
Is it true?
Hi Manalu, what do you mean by “pdts?” I’m not familiar with that acronym. Can you elaborate?
Joe, I recently read an article on the dangers of carrageenan, which the Formula 1 shake contains. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks!
Hi Mo, from what I understand most of the studies are on lab animals and in test tubes. That doesn’t exactly make me feel good since carrageenan is in so many products. I prefer to limit it as much as I can until more human studies are done. Here is a good review on carrageenan that you might find helpful: https://chriskresser.com/harmful-or-harmless-carrageenan/
Joe, I appreciate your review on the Herbalife F1, it was honest and clear. I take the meal replacement shake with 2 scoops of protein from Herbalife and have lost approx 20lbs. It would be nice if that extra protein was in the shake already, but I love it!?
Hi Josie, that is whats most important. I’m really glad it has worked for you 🙂
Joe,
So am I correct in reading the Nutritional facts on the Formula 1, that there is basically no protein in the powder itself? It looks like the protein listed comes from the nonfat milk that they recommend you mix it with.
Hi Tina, it does have protein – 9 grams per scoop. There are 28 grams in an ounce if that helps put things in perspective. Adding milk will provide more protein too.
Hi Joe, great to see you actually respond to people, so here goes. I normally have a Formula 1 shake in the AM, but I use almond milk (slightly lactose intolerant) and add 1/2 cup of oats then blend it. My snacks consist of fruit and nuts in small portions.
For lunch, I usually have a jerk chicken breast (done on a grill) and have vegetables or salad (sans dressing). I very rarely eat dinner, but at times I may have a very small piece of chicken, etc.
I go daily (well, mon-thur) to a boxing gym for exercise. I would estimate 400-600 calories burned (though they advertise up to 1000). I have started to see results, and I am getting “leaner”. I’m sure it can be attributed to a combination of meal and exercise.
I guess I really don’t have a question, but would like to hear your feedback on my routine.
Thanks.
Hi Peter, it sounds like you eat pretty well. I’m pretty sure your weight loss is a combination of what you said – eating fewer calories and exercise.
Yep, I always answer questions and toss in my “2 cents” too every so often 🙂
Hi joe,
I only drink the formula1 meal replacement every dinner and I take my regular lunch a day .. (Not including the tea or aloe)
Is that good in weight loss?
Hi Joanna, Are you drinking it with dinner or in place of dinner? As long as you are not hungry at night I dont see a problem with drinking it in place of dinner, providing you are eating breakfast and a good lunch. The shake is a low calorie shake and by helping you reduce calories, that is how it helps people lose weight (same as most of the other wt loss shakes out there too).
Hello
I have hypothyroidism and I’m looking to lose weight I have tried everything. I’m healthy except for the thyroid. I constantly work out and have tried every eating style out there but nothing works. I was seriously considering trying this thanks for the review. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Hi lly, here is a list of things that I feel have some evidence http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/ Notice how many of these are fiber.
I like the Formula 1 shakes. Shortly after starting to drink them I no longer needed coffee to keep my headaches a bay… Granted,I was not a heavy coffee drinker. I don’t feel like I need the complete Herbalife system to continue on losing weight or maintaining my health. It like it as an easy breakfast or a second meal replacement when I am just tired. I appreciate your independent study.
I did a trial of the Formula1 shake last year and lost a few pounds. Once I was able to find a distributor willing to sell only the products I wanted, I jumped on it because I’ve tried many other Meal replacement shakes and the Cookies and Cream was one of the best tasting (as tasty shake replacements go).
As soon as I drank it again, I remembered how it causes a slight headache/light headedness. The same happened with the one week trial the first few days. In reading your older comments I saw several of the Herbalife coaches indicate this is normal. But why? It doesn’t make sense to me that this should be a normal reaction unless there’s something in the shake my body has to adjust to. But what?
I’m a fit person who has always had exercise in my life, albeit sometimes with breaks. I’m not a big eater. One of the reasons the shakes appeal is because I’m more likely to either skip breakfast or simply grab only a bagel thin and coffee and a light lunch. So I doubt the headache is from the reduction in calories.
I read your review and it doesn’t seem like there’s any particular ingredient that should cause this symptom. Any thoughts on why this seems to be a “regular” part of starting the Formula 1 shakes?
Hi Paula, my first thought was that it was the reduction in calories that might be the cause of the light headedness and headache. You are correct in that there doesn’t appear to be anything in the shake that would cause those symptoms. The shake only has 90 calories. is it possible that you were – even without knowing it – eating fewer calories than normal? Other than that I am not sure.
You said you had trouble finding a distributor who would sell you only what you wanted. What else were they trying to get you to purchase?
Thanks Joe. After the first day the lightheadedness/dizziness disappeared. My body is likely just sensitive to something in the F1. What will remain a mystery.
I ended up finding a distributor who sold things “a la carte.” But at first it was hard to do. The reps I spoke to kept saying they only sold it via the packages and I wasn’t interested in the entire package. I take my own multi-vitamin and am not a fan, at all, of the caffeine pills and some of the other extras they include. The shake and protein beverage is all I need.
I realized, right away, that of course the rep and Herbalife in general benefits from selling the big $200 package. But some of us have been around for awhile and know what we want and need for our lifestyle.
Hi Paula, thanks for the feedback. Glad you found an herbalife distributor who worked with you.
My sister has been using f1&protein shakes since 4months and drastically her thyroid TSH levels increased to 9.34 . Now she is in dilemma whether to use these products or not. Pl suggest.
k.neelima, While I’m not sure if there is a connection, why not get off the shakes and see if your sisters TSH levels go down? I’d imagine that if your sister stooped taking them for a 3-4 weeks and had her TSH levels measured again, that should be enough time to see if any decrease in TSH levels has occurred.
Hi Joe. Herbalife has another shake called F1 Sport. This one contains whey protein. Maybe you can also review it. They also has a complete range of sports nutrition called Herbalife24. As a distributor I can help you with more information if you want. Thank you for a great review as an independent source, keep up the good work.
PS: will be sharing this on my community page: Facebook.com/healthandwealthdevelopment
Bonga, thanks much for the information. Ive not heard of Herbalife24. I’ve added it to my list of things to look at (yes I do have a list 🙂 )
I’ve been taking herbalife almost two years and let me tell you it has helped me a lot. I only do the shake in the morning since im a person who doesn’t eat breakfast. I also drink the concentrate tea. I used to weight 150lbs, Now my current weight is 130lbs. I have a healthy 6 month baby. I did it while I was pregnant and didn’t have any problems at all. Not like my previous pregnancy which I had gestational diabetes.
I only gained 10 pounds in my whole pregnancy. I’ll I can say is that herbalife changed my life. In the sense that I don’t drink sodas, sweet juice. Oh and I go power walk, jog and Ive been going to the gym. I was that type of person that couldn’t exercise because I would run out of breath right away. And now im totally the opposite. I love Herbalife!!!
Hi Joe, is it safe to use Formula 1 while breastfeeding?
Hi Prynce, While I personally wouldn’t recommend it, show the ingredients to your pediatrician to get the best advice. While the formula one shake doesn’t have anything out of the ordinary in it, I feel its a bit low in some vitamins and minerals for someone breastfeeding. Remember what you put in your body goes into your baby’s body.
Herbalife is absolutely safe for pregnant and nursing moms. As moms and pregnant moms we always take additional vitamins so the vitamins levels in the shake should not sway you either way.
Hi Nicole, I still feel its best for nursing and pregnant women to show their supplements to their OBGYN.
Some of their products (especially the herbs and tea concentrate products) are not safe for pregnant, nursing moms, and ppl with diabetic problems. Though I don’t see such warnings in the F1 shakes.
True Joe. All the ingredients are natural. Users need to consult their doctors though.
I am looking for weight loss. so which is better formula 1 or 3? Also i am bit fat so any side effect i could face?
Omkar, I’ve never seen any comparison between formula 1 and formula 3 so I cant say which might be better for weight loss.
Formula 1 with protein drink mix added. I’ve been on for two years and lost 30 pounds. I love the products more and more. I feel so good and healthy with more energy.
100% agree with Paula
Do some research for proper use of these products. The first few days I get headaches, and (maybe) some pain in kidney area (i look up through the mayoclinic site about basic kidney pain symptoms) i had one sided flack pain. I was totally freaking out, but that was because I ignored some warnings written on the package, like drink 8 glass or 2 liters of water through out the day, even though the shake is a replacement to our regular meal but you are suggested to have healthy meals with right amount of calories.
I ignored because they didn’t write why we should drink lots of water, silly me, but I found out it helps your kidney to process all the protein, minerals, vitamins, etc. But beware with meals with salt or high sodium, or you’ll gain water which will gain you some more weigh.
The key is do some research before committing to this diet, and once you do, do it properly. I have seen results on others like my mom and my sister. you can say they were overweight, but they lost weight up to 7kg with their (there’s a herbalife community here, lol) 20 days diet program. Now they have to change their whole wardrobe. Btw, My brother and i have been doing this diet for a week now, i am not fat but i have chubby cheeks and fat belly and I can see some changes in both areas. Gluck!
Formula 1 is themeal replacement shake, and Formula 3 is Personalised Protein Powder. As the research shows, to lose weight you need to replace high calorie meals with a low calorie shake, and supplement with additional protein. Protein builds lean muscle mass, and lean muscle burn more calories at rest. Fat burns zero calories
Bonga, fat burns a few calories at rest (about 2 or so per pound if I remember) and thats based on “white fat.” Muscle does use more calories but its not as much as many think. If I remember, it was estimated to be about 10 calories per pound of muscle or something like that.
If I remember, the personalized protein powder lets people finely control protein intake, down to the gram. For what its worth I dont think most people need that level of control unless they have a health issue. I’ve been meaning to circle back and look at the personalized protein powder sometime so stay tuned for that review.
Thanks for such thorough and truly unbiased analysis.
I don’t see any ranting or raving the other way, which always sticks out to me. Just a clear evaluation of facts. Don’t worry you will always get people who skim an article then flip out because you didn’t agree with them.
Do you know who has done any more recent comparisons of these products? Particularly this and shakeology? And maybe rate them with each other? a few of these have tried to change their formula to something for favorable and/or expanded their line.
Crystal, thanks. Most of the shakeology reviews I see are from beach body coaches so other than mine -which you may have seen – Im not aware of any. I really should circle back and do another shakeology review. Ill see if I can buy some and write another review on it. Thanks for the idea 🙂
I m 22 yrs old, if i took nutrishake for reducing my weight, it will make any side effects in future?
EA, If you are healthy, I dont think there is anything bad in the shake that would cause long term problems. Herbalife has many different products. I’m only speaking about the formula 1 shake here. Hope that helps.
Joe, are you a certified medical doctor? I only ask this because we have taken Herbalife Formula 1 and the Protein Mix to actual doctors and they have said that it will definitely not cause either short or long term problems in people that do not have any type of underlying medical condition.
I recommend that anyone who has commented on this page or is viewing these comments to take either the container or at least the label to their doctor so that their doctor can assure them whether or not they should use these products.
Wibb, I have a MS degree in exercise science and a BS in chemistry and biology. I’ve been studying/investigating dietary supplements since the 1990s. I am not a medical doctor and I make this clear on my About Page.
I did not say the formula 1 shake would do anything bad in my review or in the comments. I thought I made that clear? Herbalife has many products so what I said here in these comments pertains only to the formula 1 shake.
That is very clear if one reads.. lol
I find it funny how ppl r fighting even when review is so unbiased!
I liked ur review. Thanks for writing.
Thank you Shirish 🙂