Nestlé is seeking to turn the rapid growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs into a business opportunity by developing nutrition products tailored to users of medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The company is using artificial intelligence and nutritional science to study clinical research, identify nutrient combinations and develop products aimed at addressing challenges associated with rapid weight loss, including muscle loss, dehydration and reduced nutritional intake. Nestlé has already introduced products such as Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake in the US, containing 35 grams of protein, while a higher-protein version of Milo has been launched in Asia and Australia. Its Vital Proteins brand has also added collagen protein to products targeting skin, hair and nail health. Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer said the company sees the growing GLP-1 market as a major opportunity and is using AI across research, product development and consumer analysis. Nestlé’s internal Food Genie platform can analyse a large database of recipes and help developers predict how products may perform. However, some nutrition experts question whether specialised products offer significant benefits over conventional protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, meat, beans and nuts. Despite such concerns, Nestlé expects demand for products specifically designed for GLP-1 users to grow as adoption of the medicines expands.
