Photo Courtesy of: Diet by Tam
Fatima Rifai has made her mark in the Lebanese health and wellness industry, combining her expertise as a functional medicine dietitian and supplements formulator to address health challenges with precision. The CEO and founder of Diet by Tam, her supplements brand, Rifai has built a reputation for ingenuity and resilience in a country often defined by instability. Her journey reflects not only her personal drive but also the determination required to create a thriving business in Lebanon’s turbulent environment.
Rifai’s career spans over 15 years, beginning as a therapeutic dietitian before expanding into functional medicine. Her passion for supplements has been a constant theme throughout her professional life, particularly in a region where supplements were not widely recognized at the time. She notes, “I used to be one of the few people in Lebanon at times, where supplements were not booming, and no one’s talking about them on the Internet.” This early adoption allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the sector, which she has leveraged to create highly effective supplements plans.
A Foundation Built on Personal Branding and Originality
Fatima Rifai’s work stems from her philosophy of individuality. She believes every person’s health profile is unique, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This belief inspired her to launch Diet by Tam, a supplements company that prioritizes tailored solutions over one-size-fits-all products. Rifai emphasizes, “Each person has different facial features, different genetics, and health information in their body than the other person.” This philosophy underpins her method for creating personalized health solutions.
Rifai’s personal brand plays an integral role in her success. She highlights the importance of trust, noting that people are more likely to believe in products when they trust the person behind them. “People do trust you as a figure,” she says. This connection between personal branding and product credibility has helped her establish Diet by Tam as a trusted name in Lebanon’s supplements market. Her ability to thrive amidst Lebanon’s political and economic instability further highlights her resilience. “It’s not like Europe or the U.S.A.; Lebanon has been suffering from economical crashes, war & revolutions,” she reflects.
Despite challenges, Rifai expanded her product line rapidly within one year of launching Diet by Tam. Beginning with collagen, she developed five additional supplements targeting specific health needs. Her commitment to research guarantees each product meets rigorous quality and effectiveness standards. This swift expansion demonstrates her ability to innovate and respond to market demands while maintaining scientific integrity in her formulations.
Harnessing AI for Personalized Health
Fatima Rifai’s use of AI technology forms the foundation of her practice. She employs a machine that tests for vitamin and mineral levels, inflammation, and organ health, allowing her to prescribe supplements in a highly targeted manner. This technology enables her to identify specific deficiencies and tailor her supplements plans accordingly. Rifai explains, “Each person that I have tested on the AI machine with their vitamins, minerals, and these levels, no one of them showed the same result.” This personalized strategy ensures that each client receives a unique plan that addresses their specific health needs.
The AI machine has proven instrumental in Rifai’s supplement enterprise development. Her inaugural product—a comprehensive collagen supplement—was meticulously formulated to address approximately 90% of the body’s collagen requirements. This revolutionary formulation tackles diverse health challenges, including fertility issues, digestive disorders, and various skin conditions simultaneously. Despite launching without conventional marketing strategies, the product has repeatedly sold out, propelled entirely by customer testimonials and enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations. This organic success underscores both the supplement’s exceptional efficacy and the powerful verification of Rifai’s AI-driven approach to personalized nutrition. The overwhelming consumer response validates her scientific methodology and vision for tailored supplementation protocols.
Rifai’s use of AI also informs her ongoing research and development. She currently works on several new products, including a magnesium supplement that adapts to individual deficiencies without causing harm if taken in excess. This method reflects her goal of creating supplements that are both effective and safe for a wide range of consumers.
Redefining Wellness Through Collagen Innovation
Fatima Rifai’s work with collagen has been particularly groundbreaking. She developed a collagen supplement that has patented collagen molecules with advanced and versatile technology that has exceeded expectations in terms of its benefits. Rifai notes that collagen is often misunderstood & she states: “Collagen is the cement of the body.” And she clarified that collagen is more than just a beauty aid for hair, skin, and nails. “Your nervous system is composed of 30 to 50% collagen,” she explains, highlighting its role in overall health, including energy levels and stress management. This understanding has led her to create a product that addresses a wide range of health issues, from bone health to energy levels.
The success of Rifai’s collagen supplement shows in its rapid sell-out and the diverse benefits reported by clients. Some have experienced improved energy, while others have seen enhancements in their hair, nails, or bone health. One client even reported a substantial improvement in bone healing after a fracture, with a 70% improvement in just one month. These results underscore the versatility and effectiveness of Rifai’s collagen product.
Despite challenges in the region, including recent conflicts in Lebanon, Rifai’s supplements have remained in high demand. She reflects on how her products have provided people with much-needed health support during stressful times, saying, “People used to tell me we’re really under pressure. And we’re really nervous. And we need something to give us more energy and to increase our health.” This demand highlights the critical role that Rifai’s supplements play in supporting health and well-being amidst adversity.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Developments
Fatima Rifai’s journey has included numerous obstacles, particularly in a region facing political and economic instability. However, her dedication to originality and personalized health solutions has helped her navigate these difficulties. She continues to develop new products, including a hair vitamin that tackles hair loss from multiple angles, including inflammation and hormonal aging. This product includes four patented molecules, marking a first in the hair industry.
Rifai’s pioneering work on magnesium supplements showcases her unwavering commitment to safety and adaptability in product development. She is meticulously crafting an innovative magnesium formulation that addresses a common supplement dilemma: safe consumption regardless of deficiency level. This breakthrough product intelligently adapts to individual needs, effectively treating mild to severe deficiencies through personalized dosage adjustments. The sophisticated formulation prevents the potential adverse effects typically associated with magnesium overconsumption, embodying Rifai’s philosophy that supplements should be universally beneficial without risks. This approach represents another facet of her dedication to creating science-backed, user-friendly solutions that prioritize both effectiveness and consumer wellbeing.
Rifai’s focus remains on pushing the boundaries of health advancement. Her work with AI and personalized supplements has positioned her as a leader in the industry, and her dedication to developing new products will likely continue to transform lives. With her supplements company growing and her products gaining international recognition, Fatima Rifai is poised to leave a lasting impact on the global health sphere.
