The Herbalife Story


In the 1970s in Los Angeles, California, a young man named Mark Hughes watched as his mother struggled with one diet after another in an effort to reach her "ideal weight," as so many people do. Tragically, however, Jo Ann Hughes died after following a number of unhealthy diets. She was only 36.
Mark decided that no one should have to suffer because they felt overweight. He set out to create a safe weight-loss method based on sound nutrition rather than medicine. Mark worked with nutrition experts and health professionals, and in 1980 introduced a revolutionary vitamin-rich, herbal-based protein shake mix (the "2000 model" has been updated with a scientifically advanced formula). Thus Herbalife was born, with Mark selling right from the trunk of his car.

Tell A Friend

People who used the products noticed two things: they lost weight, and their friends asked how they did it. It quickly became apparent that "word-of-mouth" advertising would work better than any other-people could see the results for themselves! In fact, the earliest "distributors" realized that if they could just get someone interested enough to ask, the products would sell themselves. So they promoted Herbalife wherever they went, with buttons and stickers saying, "Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How." Perhaps you have seen them-the familiar red-and-black message is now displayed in 58 countries.

A member of the Direct Selling Association, Herbalife has more than a million independent Distributors worldwide, who enjoy the freedom that comes from being their own boss. This highly effective distribution system is still the only one Herbalife uses, and has brought Herbalife from a one-man operation to a nearly $2 billion multinational corporation.

Diverse Product Lines

Today, Herbalife offers a wide range of scientifically advanced products, not only for weight loss, but also for enhancing nutrition and general health; skin and hair care; and a collection of products just for children. There are over 150 different products for all stages of life, with new ones on the way all the time. The emphasis on herbs and other natural ingredients and our exclusive formulations appeal to the growing consumer interest in herbal and natural products.

To ensure that Herbalife products are safe and effective and are on the cutting edge of science, Herbalife has appointed a Medical Advisory Board. This includes a group of respected medical experts, scientists, nutritionists and health-care professionals who oversee the research and development of Herbalife's products. Many of the board members also conduct trainings around the world so Distributors stay well-informed about Herbalife's product line.

Reaching Out

In addition to our business efforts, Herbalife gives back to the community. With the creation of the Herbalife Family Foundation, Herbalife has dedicated itself to improving the lives of young people everywhere. Since 1994, the Foundation has helped numerous "at-risk" children around the world overcome such devastating problems as substance abuse, the ravages of poverty, and physical and emotional neglect.

Mark Hughes' Legacy Lives On

Although Mark Hughes is no longer with us, his guiding principle-his loyalty to Herbalife's worldwide network of Distributors, customers and employess survives as we continue continue to observe that principle in everything we do. Mark's dream of taking good nutrition around the world is made a reality every day.