The Goal for Weight Loss - Essay Example

Evaluation of a Weight Loss Program Obesity or overweight has assumed a menacing proportion across the US in last couple of years.A variety of health issues crop up due to over bodyweight in ones life. Diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases and cancers are some of the diseases that are found to have association with obesity. For these reasons most people are always on a lookout for a reliable program that can not only reduce their weight but also does not develop and side effects. Keeping this perspective in mind, a weight reduction program namely ‘Herbalife’s weight loss program’ has been chosen for evaluation. The weight-reduction program from Herbalife proposes various products of which Formula 1 Shakes and Protein Powder are worthy of discussion and analysis. Herbalife’s Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix Formula 1 shakes contains soy protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy carbohydrates to meet the needs of body. As per the numerous researches soy protein is found to be healthy for functioning of the heart. The product is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant because protein used in the product is essentially derived from Soy. The product is a delicious healthy meal full of high quality proteins from soy and milk supplemented with essential micronutrients and herbs. The product is a calorie-restricted diet suitable for weight reduction with a recommendation to do a moderate level of exercise. Two tablespoons of powder consists of 26 grams protein taken with skimmed milk replaces full one meal in a day. Depending upon weight reduction requirements, the product is recommended either one time or twice in a day (Herbalife, 2014). Protein Powder Herbalife product brochure also mentions about personalized protein powder that provides following benefits (Herbalife, 2008). 1. Protein powder acts as a protein supplement to keep one free from hunger 2. Protein powder contains soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate to meet needs of essential amino acids. 3. Protein Powder helps develop lean muscle mass and maintain it. Dosages recommended are 1 to 4 servings per day. This protein supplement increases body metabolism and that is how it helps to achieve weight-reduction objectives. Mechanism of Weight Reduction Explored It has been established by many researchers that high-protein diets can lead to more weight loss than the diets consist of high carbohydrate and low-fat content (Pinel, 2011). Johnstone et al. (2008) argue that high-protein and low-carbohydrate diets lower food intake and hunger feeling significantly. High-protein diet gives a feeling of fullness and increase satiation reducing calorie intake, especially of carbohydrates and fat laden snacks. Ciceti, (2013) argues that high-protein diet can help in weight reduction when taken for 3-4 months. It is necessary to ensure that high-protein diet is taken along with enough fiber so that constipation and intestinal inflammation issues do not arise. High-protein diet must not add up with the lot of fat content that are harmful for the health. Mineral and vitamin supplement is must with high-protein diet. Denke (2001) emphasizes that when carbohydrate diet is restricted, weight loss occurs due to diuresis. Restricted carbohydrate diet tends to mobilize glycogen stored in muscles and liver. Each gram of glycogen takes away 2 grams of water with it causing weight loss at the rate of 200-300 grams daily at least for couple of days. The researcher also states that long-term weight loss will follow the laws of energy balance. That means calorie intake should not be more than calorie spent on daily basis so as to continue maintaining reduced weight. Nevertheless, it is an established fact that carbohydrate restricted diet coupled with high-protein diet leads to weight loss. Evaluation Based on the given research, it appears that program for weight reduction as proposed by Herbalife has scientific basis. Formula 1 shake, twice in a day, provide almost 36 grams of protein that still appears short of daily protein requirement. Boyd (2008) proposes that a healthy and normal adult will need average 0.66grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Accordingly, for an adult weighting 75 kilograms would need almost 50 grams of protein per day. Herbalifes Formula 1 shake provides 36 grams of protein from its two servings. That simply means that person needs to take remaining 14 grams of protein from one remaining meal to meet daily needs. Usually, non-vegetarian diet made of fish and chicken is full of proteins and those who are not averse to it on daily basis should not have any protein shortage in their diet. But surprisingly, program does not discriminate between vegetarians and non-vegetarians while recommending daily quota of Formula 1 shake for weight reduction. From the study of researchers, it can be said that while taking Formula 1 shake or protein powder one should completely stop taking animal proteins as it may come with a lot of fats. It also appears that program is more relevant for those who are strictly vegetarians because a vegetarian diet contains much lesser protein except if person is taking soy, milk products or pulses on daily basis in sufficient quantity. Boyd (2008) also proposes that protein intake is not age-dependent but it is weight-dependent; however, Formula 1 shake and protein powder brochure of Herbalife does not make its recommendation on the basis of weight of the persons. Nevertheless, the program claims to have received favorable feedback from its users as they have been able to reduce their body weights significantly. Recommendation and Conclusion Since the program has scientific basis and conforms to the findings of many researchers, it would be perfectly fine to try it for at least a few week and see the results. Moreover, I would also like to recommend the program to those who are overweight and desperately looking for some ways that can help them reduce their weight without causing any side effects. An effective weight-reduction program is a necessity across all sections of the society as that is how people can remain free of deadly diseases in their life not only reducing their own health expense but at the same time enhance their productivity levels and increase their earnings. However, various researches support that at least 15-20 percent daily calorie needs must come from fat-free protein sources to achieve satiation, feeling of fullness and weight maintenance after weight reduction has been achieved. This must be supplemented with minerals and vitamins for keeping body healthy. References Boyd, Robynne (2008). Weight Is Key to Protein Requirements: Study Shows Protein in Diet Should Be Based on Weight, Not Age. WebMd.com. Retrieved July 14, 2014 from www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20081107/weight-is-key-to-protein-requirements Ciceti, F. (2013). Can High-Protein Diets Help You Lose Weight. Retrieved July 14, 2014 from http://www.livescience.com/40882-can-high-protein-diets-help-you-lose-weight.html Denke, M (2001). Metabolic Effects of High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diets. Retrieved July 14, 2014 from http://general.utpb.edu/fac/eldridge_j/kine6362/ancillaryfiles/high%20protein.pdf Herbalife (2014). Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix. Retrieved July 14, 2014 from http://www.goherbalife.com/denysm/en-GB/Page/5219 Herbalife (2008). Herbalife Personalized Protein Powder. Retrieved July 14, 2014 from http://www.herbalmart.co.in/Herbalife-Personalized-Protein-Powder Johnstone, A.M., Horgan, G. W., Murison, S. D., Bremner, D. M. and Lobley, G. E. (2008). Effects of a high-protein ketogenic diet on hunger, appetite, and weight loss in obese men feeding ad libitum 1,2,3. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 87(1). 44-55 Pinel, J. (2011). Biopsychology. 8th ed. Pearson Education. Read More