"Weight-loss miracle drug" transforms the food industry: Yogurt sells better, food giants are actively expanding into health foods

Ever since Lilly and Novo Nordisk launched "miracle weight-loss drugs," even yogurts on supermarket shelves have become more popular.

French company Danone recently stated that the demand for its high-protein, low-calorie yogurts in the United States is increasing, partly due to the popularity of weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound produced by Novo Nordisk and Lilly, sparking a "healthy eating trend."

Juergen Esser, Deputy CEO of Danone, said, "We have a wide range of yogurt products that are very popular, appealing to consumers undergoing GLP-1 therapy or those looking to control weight and maintain health."

Behind the booming sales of supermarket yogurts is the change in dietary habits of weight-loss drug users.

The healthy eating trend sparked by "miracle weight-loss drugs," food giants are making moves

Weight-loss drugs produced by Lilly and Novo Nordisk can suppress appetite, eliminate fat, and improve heart health. About 30 million Americans are taking such GLP-1 metabolic control drugs, leading to changes in their dietary habits and causing a chain reaction in the retail, tourism, and other industries.

Weight-loss drug users are prone to nutrient deficiencies due to eating too little. They find that while their fat decreases, their muscles also decrease, and they even have to deal with side effects such as nausea and hair loss.

Therefore, supplementing nutrients from healthier foods has become a necessity for them.

Major food giants have seized this business opportunity and are increasing their investments in the healthy food arena.

For example, food giant Nestlé plans to start selling the "Vital Pursuits" series of foods this year, including 12 portion-controlled frozen meals rich in protein and fiber, and will launch supplements that promote hair growth with the theme "supporting your weight-loss journey."

It is even launching a new website specifically tailored to provide healthy and balanced dietary services for weight-loss individuals, offering everything from protein-rich diets to vitamins for preventing hair loss. For example, electrolyte tablets in strawberry lemon water flavor suitable for enhancing exercise; collagen peptides to enhance skin elasticity and avoid facial hollowing during the weight-loss process; as well as various vitamin and fiber supplements.

Not only Nestlé and Danone, but other food companies are also hoping to capitalize on the weight-loss trend.

For instance, Daily Harvest has introduced broccoli white bean soup and dragon fruit lychee smoothie to attract users of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.

Conagra Brands, a producer of canned pasta, stated at a meeting in February that it is selling more products catering to the needs of weight-loss drug users. Sales of its "better-for-you frozen meals" products among weight-loss drug users have increased by 8% due to their high protein, low-calorie snacks meeting users' needs well.

Healthcare company Abbott has also launched nutritional shakes primarily targeting consumers using medication for weight loss