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 NovoNordisk and EliLilly have raised investor concerns about falling demand for packaged foods, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer StefanPalzer 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 collagenprotein to its Vital Proteins range to support skin, hair and nail health and haspatented ingredient combinationsaimed at curbing rebound hunger once patients stop GLP-1 treatment
Palzer said the company has also developed a micronutrientcombination 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 NutritionShake 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 usinginternal 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
AmandaAvery, associate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Nottingham, noted that conventional proteinective and less costly, per Reuters — though she acknowledged marketing influence means GLP-1-targeted products will likely still find buyers
