Nestle announced on Monday that it is developing new products designed for consumers using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The company is employing artificial intelligence and nutritional science to identify nutrient combinations that address side effects associated with rapid weight loss, including muscle mass reduction and skin health concerns.
The move follows investor concerns that the increasing use of appetite-suppressing drugs, produced by manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, could reduce long-term demand for traditional packaged foods and snacks. Nestle Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer stated that the company views the rise of these medications as a business opportunity rather than a threat to its existing portfolio.
According to presentation materials, Nestle is targeting specific physical changes linked to GLP-1 drugs, such as "Ozempic face"—a term for the loss of facial fat—and the loss of lean muscle. The company has already introduced products like the Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake in the U.S., which contains 35 grams of protein, and a high-protein version of its Milo drink in Asia and Australia. Additionally, Nestle is adding collagen protein to its Vital Proteins brand to support skin, hair, and nail health.
The scale of this transition is reflected in Nestle's use of an internal AI platform called Food Genie to navigate a database of 120,000 recipes. The company is using these tools to identify proprietary ingredient combinations that could cost consumers more than traditional whole foods. While Amanda Avery, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham, noted that fresh foods like eggs, beans, and nuts remain relatively inexpensive sources of the same nutrients, the marketing of specialized products suggests a move toward a new category of "companion" foods for the pharmaceutical industry.
The initiative sets a precedent for how large food conglomerates may adapt to permanent changes in consumer appetite. Other industry players, including ice cream makers, are already responding with smaller portions and simplified ingredients. As more consumers adopt these drugs, the knock-on effect could lead to a broad reformulation of the packaged goods market. Nestle has already patented nutrient combinations intended to reduce appetite for those who stop GLP-1 treatments, though specific release dates for these newer patented formulas were not reported.