Nestle will launch a line of high-protein, high-fiber foods aimed at those using Ozempic or Wegovy for weight management, the company announced Tuesday.
The line, called Vital Pursuit, is “well suited to supporting a balanced diet for anyone on the path to weight management,” and is “portionally tailored” to those taking weight loss medications, the Swiss nutrition company said. in a press release.
The food line will offer 12 products at a suggested retail price of $4.99 or less, including whole wheat bowls, protein pasta bowls, sandwiches, melts and pizzas, Nestle said. The products will contain “essential nutrients” including protein, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin A or iron.
The line will be available at select retailers in the fourth quarter of this year.
The company pointed to the growing number of Americans taking GLP-1 drugs, also called semaglutides, and said these drugs are “undeniably shaping” people's approach to weight management.
“We know that every consumer has individualized health needs and considerations, and having options to meet those needs will continue to play an important role,” said Tom Moe, president of Nestlé's U.S. meals division.
Ozempic and Wegovy were initially intended and prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients to regulate their blood sugar levels, but the drugs' off-label use for weight loss has led to increased use among Americans.
According to a poll released earlier this month by the health policy nonprofit KFF, 1 in 8 adults say they have taken a GLP-1 agonist. About 62 percent of these individuals said they were taking the drugs to treat a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease, while about 38 percent said they were just taking the drugs to lose weight.
