Semaglutides, GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are continuing to make their mark on health, wellness, and the food industry. These drugs are extremely popular and have significant effect by reducing appetite and causing substantial weight loss in people who are overweight and obese. This can have a dramatic effect on disease prevention and management.

What does this mean for the food industry?

This may cause a lasting behavioral shift in the population, compared to other food-related transitory fads that came and went quickly. However, food companies are experienced with adapting their products to a changing landscape and new consumer demands. They are successfully adapting to these new circumstances, using many varied strategies, such as:

•Modifying existing products to be more healthful and appeal to consumers who are focused on weight loss

•Focusing on ways to increase the nutritional value of their offerings, since getting adequate nutrition will now be a priority for people using semaglutides and eating less

•Using new packaging to create smaller serving sizes, as people using GLP-1 receptor agonists gravitate towards smaller portions

•Looking at ways for their products to support weight loss and appetite suppression, complementing the medications they are taking

•Creating more satiating foods that mimic the effects of semaglutides (albeit more mildly), as a natural alternative.

With widespread use of semaglutides, there are many opportunities for companies to differentiate their products as well-suited to this growing subset of consumers.