Wellness Report on Obesity: Losing Weight May Add Years to Your Life

Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs & Education

The first step to achieving good health is getting your weight under control.

New studies confirm that obesity is on the rise, bringing with it a greater risk of diabetes and
a lower life expectancy.

Overweight linked with premature death
In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study that
found that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The
researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between
premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5’10” weighing
288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a
result of obesity. While this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions
of overweight Americans with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their
healthy-weight counterparts.

Herbalife for long-term health
Herbalife has helped millions of Americans take control of their eating. Our products can
help just about anyone who is overweight lower their calorie intake and improve their
nutrition. In addition, Herbalife’s Distributor force provides the day-to-day support people
need to change their eating habits, incorporate Thermojetics® Formula 1 Protein Drink
Shake or Thermojetics® HPLC Shake into their daily routine and develop the confidence
they need to lose weight and enjoy total wellness. We have the programs people need to
reverse the overweight trend–and to help them gain control in the “battle of the bulge.”
Without it, we are losing years off our lives.