Matt Fitness Coach

24/09/2025

This is not a personal attack. I’ve watched people suffer because of this.

I’ve been pitched (many times) to “join the movement,” promised freedom if I sell shakes.

I blocked people. I’ll never give clients something that could put their health at risk just to
make money.

Beyond the sales tactics, my biggest concern is the health risk.

8 Hidden Dangers of Herbalife with sources

1) Liver Problems
Multiple medical case series from Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Iceland/US link Herbalife use
with acute hepatitis and liver failure. Examples: Israel’s hospital-led series reported biopsy-
proven hepatitis and severe outcomes; Switzerland reported severe cases; Spain kept logging new cases nationally.

2) “Re-challenge” Risk
The Israeli Ministry of Health investigation documented patients who improved after
stopping Herbalife but became ill again after restarting a classic signal in causality assessment.

3) ☠Toxic Contamination
Independent analyses have reported bacterial contamination and other issues in certain
Herbalife products. A peer-reviewed report found Bacillus subtilis contamination; the
bacterial supernatant showed dose-dependent hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells.
(Contamination can vary by batch.)

4) Kidney Stress (especially if you already have kidney disease)
Many shakes are high in protein, potassium, and phosphorus; some products add caffeine.
CKD patients are typically advised to limit protein, potassium, and phosphorus, and to watch stimulants/blood pressure. Good summary here on Herbalife & kidneys + CKD cautions.

5) Hormone & Metabolism Impact (nuanced)
Some botanicals (e.g., soy isoflavones) can act like weak phytoestrogens. Most modern
human data show little to no thyroid disruption in healthy, iodine-replete adults, but there
are caveats for those with thyroid disease/iodine deficiency or on thyroid meds. Bottom
line: effects are plausible in susceptible people and labels rarely help you personalize risk.
Also, guarana is a high-caffeine stimulant (often stronger than coffee by weight); excess can
raise blood pressure, jitteriness, dehydration not ideal for people prone to hypertension or
kidney issues. And when shakes replace real meals, clients often report fatigue, nutrient
gaps, and yo-yo dieting (behavioral/metabolic cost).

6) Not What’s on the Label
Some reports have found ingredients not listed and undisclosed compounds in certain
batches. This is exactly the kind of problem you see in a sector where products don’t require
pre-market proof of safety or efficacy issues are often caught after people get sick.

7) Mind & Money Trap
Beyond health, the MLM model can pressure people to sell and over-promise. The U.S. FTC
forced Herbalife to restructure and pay $200M in consumer redress over misleading
earnings claims illustrating how the business model itself can harm consumers.

8) Why this keeps happening: Supplements ≠ Medicines
In the U.S. and many markets, supplements are regulated more like foods. Under DSHEA,
the FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before marketing. That
means problems often show up after wide use.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Real results come from balanced nutrition,
training, sleep, and habits not a miracle powder. There are no shortcuts.

Sources & Links

Elinav E. et al. Association between consumption of Herbalife® nutritional
supplements and acute hepatotoxicity. J Hepatol. 2007.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2007.06.016

Schoepfer AM. et al. Herbal does not mean innocuous: Ten cases of severe
hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements from Herbalife® products. J
Hepatol. 2007.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2007.05.014

Manso G. et al. Continuous reporting of new cases in Spain supports the relationship
between Herbalife® products and liver injury. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2011.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.2169

Stickel F. et al. Severe hepatotoxicity following ingestion of Herbalife® nutritional
supplements contaminated with Bacillus subtilis. J Hepatol. 2009.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2008.09.023

Healthline. Can People with Kidney Disease Take Dietary Supplements Like
Herbalife? (summary of risks with protein, potassium, phosphorus, caffeine).
👉 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbalife-and-kidneys

Stickel F. & Shouval D. Hepatotoxicity of herbal and dietary supplements: an update.
Arch Toxicol. 2015.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-015-1458-1
 Sathyapalan T, et al. The effect of soy phytoestrogen supplementation on thyroid
status and cardiovascular risk markers in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. J
Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-2255

Bempong DK, Houghton PJ. Diterpenoid glycosides from Paullinia cupana
(guarana) and their pharmacological activity. Planta Med. 1992.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-961248

23/09/2025

This is the most misunderstood supplement

Creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s one of the most researched supplements in the world with over 1,000 studies backing it up.

Lets go over some truths.

It doesn’t damage your kidneys (unless you already have a serious kidney condition).

It doesn’t just make you “bloated” , it actually increases water inside your muscles, which is a good thing for performance.

It isn’t only for men. Women benefit just as much.

Creatine helps your muscles recycle energy during hard training. That means you can push a little harder, lift a little heavier, and recover a little faster. Over time, those small wins add up to real muscle and strength.

And the benefits don’t stop at the gym. Research shows creatine may improve memory, protect your joints, and even help regulate blood sugar.

The best part? It’s cheap, safe, and simple. 3–5 grams a day is all you need.

👉 So tell me… do you take creatine? Yes or no?

15/09/2025

Today’s Fitness Class Index
1. Photo
2. Warm-Up
3. Regret
4. Bad Words
5. Regret (again)
6. More Bad Words
7. Lying on the floor pretending to stretch 🤣🤣🤣

12/09/2025

Same food. Same calories. Different results.

Studies show that when you eat carbs matters.

👉 In the morning, your body handles them better — higher insulin sensitivity, more energy used, less stored as fat.

👉 In the evening, the same carbs can lead to higher blood sugar, lower fat burning overnight, and even more hunger the next day.

That’s why people who front-load carbs earlier in the day (breakfast & lunch) often lose more weight than those who push most of their carbs to dinner.

✅ Start your day with oats or rice + protein
✅ Keep lunch balanced with protein + smart carbs
✅ Make dinner lighter: protein + veggies, fewer carbs
✅ If you train late have just enough carbs for performance, then keep it lean

Remember: calories matter most but timing makes fat loss easier.

Save this post so you don’t forget.
Comment TIMING and I’ll DM you my Sample Day Carb Plan (based on the latest research).

06/09/2025

When I first tried HYROX Training I realised straight away it wasn’t just about competing it was about becoming a better athlete in every way.

The mix of running and functional strength work hits differently. It’s tough but in the best possible way. Every session leaves you with that “I pushed further than I thought I could” feeling.

Since starting HYROX Training, I’ve loved watching how it’s changed not just me but the people around me. The workouts are fun, intense, and the community vibe makes it something you actually look forward to.

👉 Swipe to see what HYROX Training is all about.

And if you’re curious to experience it for yourself, drop me a DM

04/09/2025

Our brain is wired to run on habits.

Every small action you repeat strengthens a “neural pathway” making the behaviour easier and more automatic over time.

That’s why progress doesn’t come from big changes overnight but from small actions repeated consistently.

Do something daily → your brain turns it into routine → the results compound

In fitness (and life) consistency > intensity.

03/09/2025

HYROX is the world’s fastest-growing fitness race

It combines running with 8 functional workout stations the same format everywhere. That’s what makes it so special... it’s for everyone.

This month I officially brought HYROX classes to Mġarr, Malta 💪

We’ve been pushing our limits and the energy has been unreal.

For me personally mixing HYROX with strength training has been a game-changer. I’ve always loved lifting but now I’m enjoying the balance of hybrid training which is building power while pushing endurance. It’s given me a new level of enjoyment in my own training.

The best part is the community. Every session feels better together. Watching everyone push through these workouts has made the vibe in my gym even better

👉 Swipe through to see what HYROX is all about.

If you want to jump in and try a session drop a HYROX comment below or DM me to book your spot.

02/09/2025

We all have that one habit that holds the rest together.

For me, it’s training. 🏋️‍♂️

When I stay consistent with training, everything else falls into place:

My nutrition is more disciplined because I don’t want to waste the effort.

I sleep deeper and recover better.

Even my walks become part of the process, not an afterthought.

Training is the anchor that keeps me grounded. Without it, the other pieces start to slip.

The thing is… it’s different for everyone. For some people it’s sleep, for others it’s better food choices, or even something as simple as a daily walk that clears the head.

👉 So here’s my question to you:
If you could improve just ONE of these over the next 30 days, which would you pick?
Tell me in the comments below 👇

30/05/2025

AI is changing our lives fast.

Some use it for convenience. Others misuse it for shortcuts. Like anything powerful it can help or harm depending on how we use it.

One thing I used it for?

To show you the deeper meaning behind a phrase we hear all the time:
“We are what we eat.”

I asked AI to generate two images of the same 45 year old man with the same genetics, same age, same body.

The only difference? His diet.
One eats mostly processed food.
The other eats mostly whole food.

What came out is more than just two faces, it’s a visual reminder of how our choices shape not only how we feel… but how we function and age.

Use tools. Stay curious. But never forget:
Your health still comes down to the basics.

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28/05/2025

Massive congratulations to Luke Galea on this incredible achievement. Making our village proud! 💪🏻

Luke Galea clinches Malta’s first gold medal of the day in the Kumite -84kg category at GSSE 2025, defeating Luxembourg’s Tiago Serra Rodrigues in the final. 🇲🇹

23/05/2025

HYROX vibes this evening.

Not about being the fastest.

Not about being the strongest.

Just showing up, moving well, and doing it together.

Solid start. 💪🏻

17/05/2025

If you think working out is only about weight loss or muscle gain… read this to the end.

A short workout can:
clear your mind, lift your mood, boost energy, improve sleep, sharpen focus, build discipline, strengthen your heart, support your joints, lower stress, and give you back control of your day.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done.

Today was one of those hard sessions but I feel 10x better for it.