According to the latest statistics, the obesity epidemic continues to grow worldwide and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. An astonishing 59.6 percent of Australian and New Zealand adults are overweight or obese, while 30 percent of Australian and New Zealand children are clinically overweight. Those who have adequate amounts of protein in their diet, however, may find they've escaped being part of this alarming trend.

That's because the latest nutritional research by David Heber, member of the Scientific Advisory Board of International, indicates that protein has numerous dietary benefits that give a boost to weight-loss efforts. Let's look at some of the ways you are already benefiting from enhanced protein intake.

One of the principal advantages of protein is that it creates a feeling of fullness and satisfaction in the body that makes overeating much less likely. Besides being filling, protein is a smart addition to any weight-loss or weight management program because of the effect it has on carbohydrate cravings.

As nutritional research has documented, carbohydrates trigger the brain to crave more carbohydrates, leading to a cycle of carbohydrate eating that becomes hard to control, Protein can block that triggering effect in the brain. If you eat protein with a carbohydrate it will reduce the cravings caused by eating the carbohydrate.

Not all proteins are created equal. As you incorporate protein into your diet, remember that not all protein is equal when it comes to calories. For example, a serving of prime rib has 1,500 calories! Animal protein is only abosrbed 50% by the body and the other 50% must be processed out by the liver. Vegetable protein is abosrbed 75% by the body. Soy protein has the highest absorption with about 97%.

That's why created a variety of healthy protein products to help you get adequate protein in your diet and lose weight. Our meal-replacement shakes offer a combination of heart-healthy soy protein, vitamins and minerals in great-tasting flavours that satisfy your taste buds as well as your appetite.

Herbalife's new ShapeWorks programs have changed significantly from the previous supplement heavy programs such as the QuickStart, Advanced and Ultimate. Instead the new programs consist of 3 canisters of Formula 1 shake mix and 2 canisters of protein powder. This is a major change in the main contents of the program. This occurred asa result of research by Dr David Heber, who has now become a member of the Herbalife Scientific Advisory Board. The theory and practice of protein in the diet is outlined in Dr david Heber's book, "The LA Shape Diet".