One 90-tablet bottle of the supplement costs around $30.00-40.00 depending on where you purchase it from. There are many different places you can purchase Herbalife, whether it be on their main website, from a distributor, or on Amazon.
Herbalife started up in 1980, and opened a Better Business Bureau file back in 2004. They currently have a B-minus rating. Company contact information: Herbalife International of America Inc., P.O. Box 80210, Los Angeles, CA 90080-0210. Phone: 866-866-4744 Fax: 310-258-7019. [1]
Also of note: Until last year (2016), Herbalife was a massive multi-level marketing scheme. And they got nailed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the tune of a $200 million fine, which the FTC then paid back to “distributors” who were promised quick and lucrative income—which turned out to be pretty much bogus. In addition to the fine, Herbalife was ordered to restructure their entire business, focusing more on actual product sales to end users instead of how many new “distributors” their salespeople can recruit. And they have to hire an Independent Compliance Auditor to watch them every step of the way. [2]
Herbalife Total Control Claims
Total Control® tablets contain a proprietary blend of tea extracts and caffeine which quickly stimulates metabolism and provides an energetic and alert feeling. Quickly stimulates metabolism. Increases alertness. Provides an energetic sensation. [3]
NOTICE: This product is not recommended for use by children, pregnant, or lactating women. Individuals with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disorders should consult a physician before using this product. This product contains 82 mg of caffeine, which is approximately the amount in a single cup of coffee. Caffeine-sensitive individuals may experience temporary symptoms. [4]
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with any Herbalife® product purchased directly from Herbalife or an Herbalife Independent Distributor, you may return it within 30 days from receipt for a full refund or product exchange. Refunds and exchanges may be obtained by calling Herbalife at 866-866-4744, or by contacting your Herbalife Independent Distributor. [5]
back to menu ↑Herbalife Total Control Ingredients [4]
Per tablet: (recommended dosage is one tablet three times per day)
Proprietary Blend, 353 mg: Ginger Root Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Oolong Tea Leaf Extract, Black Tea Leaf Extract, and Pomegranate Rind Powder Extract.
Caffeine (from natural caffeine powder and teas), 82 mg
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maize Dextrin, Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide, Coating (Sodium Carboxymetylcellulose, Dextrin, Dextrose, Lecithin), Stearic Acid and Calcium Stearate. CONTAINS SOY AND WHEAT.
back to menu ↑The Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Herbalife Total Control
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, only drugs. As such, supplement labels are prohibited from claiming any research-proven medical or health benefit—this is the function of a drug, in the FDA’s view. The entire issue is convoluted, and there’s no shortage of legal action brought against supplement manufacturers by the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on a regular basis.
On their main website Herbalife provides no research as to how they came up with their formula, or why it is said to help you boost your metabolism.
While there are many studies available about the effectiveness of caffeine to give you prolonged energy, there has been no specific clinical research done on Total Control or whether its “proprietary blend” does anything more than give you a caffeine buzz for your workout.
A number of studies have also been done on Green Tea and its various health benefits, a few of which do have to do with weight loss. Note where they say “shows” rather than “suggests”—this means enough consistent results are in to warrant more than a suggestion of benefit.
From the University of Maryland Medical Center:
Research shows that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. [6] (emphasis added)
Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar levels. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. … Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body. Research also suggests that regular consumption of green tea may help manage type 2 diabetes. [6] (emphasis added)
Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study found that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in people who were overweight and moderately obese. However, other studies show no benefit. [6] (emphasis added)
Adding oolong and black tea would seem to do little more than raise the caffeine level higher—they have the least amount of the antioxidants green tea has in abundance. [6]
Ginger does have health benefits and may add a slight thermogenic factor (making your internal temperature rise), but it’s not touted as even a minor weight-loss supplement. And pomegranate rind, as the result of a quick Google skim, seems to be have antioxidant properties, but no mention of weight-loss benefits. Overall, the science behind Total Control’s formula is still iffy.
back to menu ↑Word On The Street About Herbalife Total Control
There are a lot of Total Control reviews on Amazon by authentic customers, with an overall 4 out of 5 stars by 334 reviews skewing positive about 70/30.
While some people didn’t see a difference when taking Total Control, others felt like it gave them energy and curbed their appetite. Some side effects were noted, which I will highlight below.
Let’s look at reviews from high to low.
“Nathaniel Washup” (2017, 5-star) said, “Herbalife is changing my life and I’ll swear by my Total Control tabs. The stuff works. With the tabs and shakes, I’ve lost 30 solid pounds and still counting! Great deal to buy this item.” [7]
“b” (2014, 5-star) agreed: “I am a coffee drinker so most energy boost items do not really work, but this was great. I didn’t make me feel jittery and there was no crash” [8]
“Ana Webster” (2012, 4-star) added, “Good Energy Pill! Is a good product you may not lose weight, but for energy is great! every day I take one in the morning and that keeps me active all day!” [9]
“Gail Lamantia” wasn’t as impressed (2016, 3-star): “A little bit of energy, but didn’t see much of a difference in appetite” [10]
“Cynthia Martinez” (2015, 2-star) said, “These made my blood pressure shoot right up, do not recommend if you have any blood pressure issues.” [11]
“Amy Klein” (2014, 1-star) added, “Not the best product. This product did not really do anything for me. Maybe for the first 2 weeks it helped with my appetite after that….nothing. Just sleepless nights. It gave me problems sleeping.” [12]
And “Chrissy” (2016, 1-star) said, “Worked as an appetite suppressant, but made my face break out with deep acne (the kind that hurts under your skin, and you can’t get rid of!). Had to quit taking after a week.” [13]
Other side effects noted when taking this product were headaches, nausea, and anxiety from the caffeine present in the product. Those sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution until you know how your body reacts. One customer in particular noted that people with mood disorders should be very careful with Total Control, as it can exacerbate symptoms.
People were not reporting large amounts of weight loss when taking Total Control, and the tone was rather mediocre upon reviewing.
Every supplement affects every individual differently. Gender, age, sometimes race, pre-existing medical conditions, and individual body chemistry—as unique as a fingerprint—can affect how a supplement works on you. That’s why supplements always add that “individual results may vary” disclaimer, and it’s why reviews for a drug or supplement can be all over the spectrum. Only you and your doctor can figure out how it works for you, so always be forthcoming and transparent with your doctor about side effects you experience, as well as if the substance doesn’t seem to be doing anything for you.
back to menu ↑The Bottom Line: Is Herbalife Total Control Worth a Try?
Insufficient Data For Opinion. This product is overall middle of the road, with no hard evidence that it truly works for weight loss. There is not enough evidence to completely rule it out, though, as caffeine studies have shown that some amounts of caffeine can curb your appetite and cause small amounts of weight loss. But it may help you with cravings or that extra push you need in your workout. Really just not enough evidence either way for me to praise it or pan it.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS