Ronaldo’s Herbalife Endorsement Sparks Controversy Over Health Risks and Ethical Advertising

The Hindustan Gazette/November 11, 2024

By Shifa

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent endorsement of Herbalife’s Formula 1 meal replacement shake has drawn sharp criticism from hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips, popularly known as “The Liver Doc.” Dr. Phillips highlighted potential liver health risks associated with Herbalife products, cautioning followers on X (formerly Twitter) against such endorsements. Ronaldo promoted the shake as a “healthy breakfast option,” touting it as a balanced source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, yet his post lacked disclosure as a paid advertisement, sparking concerns over transparency.

The post attracted a community fact-check and fueled debates on the ethics of celebrity endorsements, especially for health-related products. Dr. Phillips warned that Herbalife products have previously been linked to liver issues, urging influencers to prioritize ethical advertising when endorsing potentially harmful items.

The endorsement has also revived discussion about Ronaldo’s stance on health, given his past dismissal of sugary drinks like Coca-Cola during UEFA Euro 2020, a gesture that led to a dip in Coca-Cola’s market value. His Herbalife partnership has since raised questions about consistency in his health messaging.

Indian athletes such as Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, Mary Kom, and Lakshya Sen also faced criticism after promoting Herbalife in prominent Indian newspaper ads, further fueling the debate.

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