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? Is there any research on these meal shakes? That will be the focus of this Formula 1 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 for weight loss except maybe the vague words “support metabolism.”
Who makes Formula 1 Shakes?
Formula 1 shakes are made by Herbalife. Unlike several supplement companies I’ve reviewed in previously, Herbalife is a real company that has a physical brick-and- motor building. The address of Herbalife is 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 an A+ rating as of 1/24/13. 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 includes 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 non fat milk) |
| Calories from fat | 5 | 5 (8 oz non fat 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% |
| Pantiothanic acid | 30% | 30% |
| Phosphorous | 15% | 40% |
| Magnesium | 15% | 20% |
| Zinc | 30% | 35% |
| Selinium | 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. See the inulin Wikipedia page for more info.
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)
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. 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. That said, let’s take a look briefly at each study.
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.
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 gram 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.
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, its important to note that this study didn’t just use Formula 1 but Formula 1 that had additional protein added to it.
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.
The results showed that:
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 that, 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 principle author (Marion Flechtner-Mors) is also the principle author of study #1. She is also on the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board.
Study 4. In 2010 a study was published in the journal, Diabetes Metabolism Research Reviews. In this study, 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 that higher protein intake was associated with more weight loss.
One possible issue with this study was that body fat was measured with bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) which is seen as less accurate than other methods.
Formula 1 weight loss research summary
Looking at only the 3 studies on HerbalifeSciences.com 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 HerbalifeSciences 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.
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. Its possible that the soy in Formula 1 may be a problem for people so they need to consider this.
Soy might also reduce thyroid hormone levels. This can be a problem for people with hypothyroidism. Just for peace of mind, those who have hypothyrodism 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.
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. I have seen 30 day supplies of Formula 1 on Amazon for $36.99. Various Herbalife distributors also sell on Ebay. As such it might be smart to shop around for the best price.
Contact Herbalife
The addressed for Herbalife International is 800 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 406, Los Angeles, CA 90015. This address is buried at the bottom of the Herbalife Privacy page. On the Herbalife website, they list this contact number: 866-617-4273.
If you call this number , good luck, because you are only given 2 options:
1. Are you calling about a recently magazine radio or TV promotion (press 1)
2. Are you a customer calling about an existing order (press 2)
If you don’t chose 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.
Formula 1 is just a low calorie meal replacement. 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 meal replacement weight loss research.
What do you think?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
In my professional experience, SOY is now assumed to be GMO affected. EVEN those brads that claim their’s is “organic” and therefore should not be GMO, can be contaminated by GMO soy.
I have had 2 clients who have suffered serious consequences, from feeding “O Organics” from Safeway, to babes, believing they were safe, but were not.
The same clients experienced NO health problems from truly organic grains from clean sources they ground up themselves and used as food. Inflammatory foods are NOT helpful to developing ood health, nor healing health problems.
Foods that have been GMO’d, hurt people’s health, the same way they have been harming or pets’ health since they started putting them into petfoods years ago.
SOME of the earliest GMO’d foods include: corn, soy, peanuts, wheat…and others.
As for FRUCTOSE:
Unfortunately, natural sources like Agave syrup, has more fructose than High Fructose Corn syrup.
The only thing agave has going for it, so far, is that agave is not GMO’d, yet.
However, frustose is pernicious: it causes calories to be stored as fat. About 15 years ago, the medical field thought Fructose was a safe alternative for diabetics–we were terribly mistaken!! Unfortunately, the food industry has failed to catch up to that yet.
Fructose does not get used as “energy units” the way glucose does. It almost entirely stores as fat. AND, to do that, it encourages insulin resistance.
Fructose is NOT friendly to diabetics nor dieters.
When trying to replace meals using protein shakes, PLEASE be careful to read ingredients!
FURTHER, when nutritional listings are expressed as “percentages” instead of milligrams or other actual measurements, you can bet that the actual nutritional content is likely NOT significant enough to be meaningful.
The Formula 1 is actually only 90 calories, which INCLUDES the calories that you get from mixing it with low-fat milk. You would not be consuming 170 calroies by adding milk to it!
JB, sorry you are incorrect. I copied the calories etc from the label. Here is a link to the PDF of the label I used
http://az31823.vo.msecnd.net/content/en-us/pdf/catalog/120424_sku3106_us_label.pdf It clearly states 170 calories if mixed with 8 oz of non fat milk.
I really enjoyed your article. I consume a formula 1 shake everyday. On your comment that you wished Herbalife could increase their protein in the product…Yes Formula 1 has 9g of protein BUT the Instant Formula 1 shake has more, 20g. I consume these to increase my protein intake, and like you stated the point is to increase muscle, because the more muscle you have the more fat you burn. Plus a low calorie diet, “clean” eating and an active lifestyle.
Lizzy thanks for letting me know. I did not know there was a formula 1 and “instant formula 1″ shakes.
I enjoyed your article as well. I drink Formula 1 daily and i agree with you on needing more protein, that is why i add Protein Drink Mix also produced by herbalife, which contains 15 grams of protein itself. We use it as a milk substitute which gives you 24 grams of protein per shake. that is a much more beneficial amount, because it takes protein to help you build muscle. The muscle helps you burn more fat which is why i think in your studies those who increased that lost more body fat. You may not see the weight loss you want but it could be because you are gaining muscle as well as losing weight when doing it this way. When that occurs you should see a bigger lose in inches then weight.
Ryan, yes that’s another option to beef up the protein in Formula 1
Loved your article. I used herbalife formula 1 shakes for 3 months last year and lost 24 pounds. This was without exercise. If you have a devoted wellness coach that you buy herbalife from, then they will also teach you how to eat healthier, how to add exercise in and what the right amount of protein to consume is for your muscle mass.
Buying the shakes from a distributor costs about 40 for 30 meals. You can make them with water to reduce the calorie content. Herbalife also recommends adding more protein not necessarily to the shake but replacing sugar snacks with high protein snacks such as eggs or chicken. It is not just a quick diet plan but a lifestyle change.
Finding a great wellness coach that sells herbalife will give you great advice and keep you on track.
Bethany, that sounds fine but I wish you would have worked out when you lost the 24 lbs because that would have minimized the muscle that was lost. We lose a LOT less muscle when we workout while losing weight. This is important because muscle cells lost, don’t come back.
About the herbalife coaches, use your gut instinct about the nutrition and exercise advice -does it sound different from other things you have heard in the past? If it sounds really different, that’s usually not good. herbalife coaches don’t need to have a college degree in exercise or nutrition to give good advice but I just wanted to point that out. Also, don’t assume that because they look good that their information is good. Again, use your instincts.
I drink their morning protein shake, the one people at one of their brick and mortar stores do, for the shakes they sell at herbal life stores. You would use two scoops of Formula 1 and then two scoops of Protein Drink Mix which is meant to compliment Formula 1 this is what the Meal Replacement shake is,
Formula 1 alone isn’t used by distributors when selling the shakes from their stores, they always compliment it with something but that something is mainly the 120 calorie, 20g of protein, Protein Drink Mix product that is $44 not counting shipping. A little steep in my mind, but the brink and mortar sells their deal for more, $6 one “shake” of your choice 30+ different flavors.
If you pay like a buck or two more you can have them do two scoops of both Formula 1, and Protein Drink mix, but for the flat rate of $6 you get one scoop of each, and depending on your choice of flavor it will also contain some colored flavored syrup and or Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter if you arent allergic is a must for added calories and protein.
Since do you really want all your protein from one shake to come from Isolates? Peanut butter is awesome for mixing with supplements to truly make one shake and a piece of naan (250 calories, 7g protein) as a meal, but hey I am trying to gain weight.
Basically the Meal Replacement at home shake is meant to be both the Formula 1 and the Protein Drink Mix combined together. You are not suggested to ingest Formula 1 alone for it has minimal nutritional quality, and it just doesn’t taste as good or sit as well as the mix of both Formula 1 and Protein Drink Mix. Basically moving up the price to something like $80 a month or at my house every 22 days. But being a distributor we get a 25% discount.
thanks, i enjoyed your article
i have just started herballife shake + protein formula 1 for weight gain.
as i m vegetarian and i don’t want to go for hazardous supplements as it contains steroids (in some amount) so i have choose herbalife for high protein.
but still i m not sure it is harmful or not for long term intake,
your article really helped me for future planning.
thanks
and sorry not much good English
Rahul, thanks glad it helped. For what its worth I dont think Herbalife formula 1 shake is harmful in anyway for healthy people.