Nestlé is positioning itself to capitalise on the rapid growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, using artificial intelligence and nutritional science to develop products for the millions of consumers taking medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy, Reuters has reported.
While the appetite-suppressing drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have raised investor concerns about falling demand for packaged foods, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer told Reuters the trend represents a significant opportunity for the company given its existing product portfolio.
The company is reportedly using AI tools to analyse clinical research and identify nutrient combinations that could help address side effects linked to rapid weight loss, including loss of muscle mass and facial fat, sometimes referred to as "Ozempic face."
According to Reuters, Nestlé has already begun adding collagen protein to its Vital Proteins range to support skin, hair and nail health and has patented ingredient combinations aimed at curbing rebound hunger once patients stop GLP-1 treatment.
Palzer said the company has also developed a micronutrient combination designed to help stimulate regrowth of muscle tissue alongside protein intake.
Nestlé has already launched several products targeting this consumer group, including a high-protein Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake in the US and a higher-protein version of its Milo malt drink, Milo PRO High Protein, in Asia and Australia.
Beyond product development, Nestlé is reportedly using internal AI platforms — including one called Food Genie — to model recipe performance, simulate consumer behaviour and track emerging trends across its recipe database, drawing on a scale of data smaller manufacturers may struggle to replicate.
Not all nutrition experts are convinced specialised products offer clear advantages over whole foods.
Amanda Avery, associate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Nottingham, noted that conventional protein sources such as meat, eggs, dairy and pulses remain comparably effective and less costly, per Reuters — though she acknowledged marketing influence means GLP-1-targeted products will likely still find buyers.
Source: Reuters
