DistantNews
Support us
Food Industry Adapts to Rise of Weight-Loss Drugs
🇪🇸 Spain /Economy & Trade

Food Industry Adapts to Rise of Weight-Loss Drugs

From La Vanguardia · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The food industry is adapting to the widespread use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.
  • Companies like Nestlé are developing new products, including those with added protein and collagen, to address side effects such as muscle loss and to reduce appetite.
  • The trend is also influencing portion sizes and menu offerings in the restaurant industry, with some establishments creating

The global rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, is prompting a significant shift in the food industry. In the U.S., an estimated 12% of adults use these medications, with Europe seeing 3-5% adoption. This widespread use has led major companies, such as Nestlé, to explore new product development. The company is using AI to analyze nutrient combinations aimed at users of these drugs, seeking to counteract adverse effects like muscle and facial fat loss. Nestlé is also fortifying existing products with protein and collagen, targeting consumers concerned with skin, hair, and nail health, which can be affected by rapid weight loss. Furthermore, they are investigating ingredients that can suppress appetite for individuals who stop taking the medication.

The food industry has long seen that it must learn to coexist with them.

The article explains the food industry's reaction to the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs.

Other food companies are also entering this "companion food" market, focusing on supplementing foods with fiber and protein. This includes adding protein to snacks like Doritos. This strategy benefits not only GLP-1 users but also those on muscle-building diets or seeking weight loss post-menopause.

The demand for government assistance was greater than the available resources.

The article discusses the need for a sustainable approach to supporting MSMEs.

The effectiveness of these drugs in reducing appetite and increasing satiety translates to lower food consumption, particularly for snacks and carbohydrates. Studies suggest users may consume 700-1,000 fewer calories daily. A Cornell University study indicated a 5.3% reduction in household food spending for GLP-1 users after six months, with a more significant drop of 8% in higher-income families. Spending on fast food, coffee, and sweets also decreased by 8%, along with dining out expenses.

We needed to not only focus on providing grants, but rather building a proper ecosystem based on accurate data and a deeper collaboration with private sector and development partners.

— Manoa KamikamicaThe Minister for Business Development explains the ministry's new strategy for MSMEs.

The food and restaurant industries are proactively responding to these trends. Beyond specialized products, they are re-evaluating offerings, portion sizes, and menu content. Some restaurants are introducing "GLP-1 friendly" menus, like Burger King's mini-hamburgers, catering to dieters.

I call on this government to match its training initiatives with tax relief that allows small businesses to keep what it earns, review the vet burden on essential goods and small trader turnover, work with local authorities and landlords so that a young entrepreneur is not priced out before they open the doors

— Rinesh SharmaAn Opposition MP criticizes the government's approach and calls for tax relief and reduced cost pressures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Vanguardia in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog