Nestlé has just announced they are launching a line of food products for people taking Ozempic, and it’s been criticized by dieticians.
The food giant is capitalizing on the popularity of the weight loss drug semaglutide, which is being sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.
Nestlé’s new Ozempic foods
Nestlé’s new brand is called Vital Pursuit, a line of foods “intended to be a companion for GLP-1 weight loss medication users,” the brand said in a press release.
Every product is high in protein, fiber and essential nutrients like Vitamin A, potassium and calcium, while also being “portion-aligned” to a weight loss medication user’s appetite.
It will include a variety of frozen foods such as bowls with whole grains or protein pasta, sandwich melts, and pizzas, all for a suggested retail price of $4.99 and under.
Vital Pursuit will also have gluten-free options and air-fryer ready items for added convenience. It will hit shelves at select retailers across the US at the end of 2024.
Dieticians criticize Nestlé range
We spoke to registered dietician Michelle Routhenstein, who criticized Nestlé for encouraging people who are trying to lose weight to rely on packaged foods.
“Nestlé’s launch of a new line of foods tailored for Wegovy and Ozempic users is a strategic response to market trends, aimed at enticing specific consumers to purchase their products. While these offerings emphasize convenience, it’s important to approach them with an educated lens,” she told The Focus.
She explained that while packaged foods may offer convenience, we want to “discourage sole reliance on them” and strive for a balanced diet that primarily consists of whole, minimally processed foods instead.
“Emphasizing whole foods rich in protein and fiber is key to meeting the nutritional needs associated with these medications and promoting optimal cardiometabolic health,” Routhenstein continued.
She suggested incorporating lean proteins like chicken breast, beans, and lentils alongside fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide similar benefits to those promised by packaged options.
Another dietician, Kim Shapira, agreed that the main dietary recommendations for GLP-1 users are “not necessarily different than general healthy eating guidelines” – so it’s always better to eat whole, healthy foods where possible.
“Everyone should be focused on nutrient-rich, balanced foods that include whole grains, a diverse combination of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and non fat dairy products to ensure all of the nutrients our body needs each day,” she told The Focus.
People using weight loss medications have a reduced appetite, meaning they need to pack as many nutrients into their small meals as possible. This is what Nestlé’s is trying to do, but it’s far more beneficial to change your diet habits rather than rely on packaged products.
Getting enough protein and fiber is essential for people taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. Protein prevents losing muscle mass and aids metabolism, while fiber reduces constipation, one key side effect.
“I appreciate the addition of protein and fiber [in the Nestlé foods], but my hope is that anyone and everyone taking a GLP-1 will see the medication as an opportunity to make some lifestyle changes to enhance their results,” Shapira said.
Ultimately, the best way to lose body fat and maintain weight loss while taking semaglutide is by changing your habits, including cooking healthy meals and exercising – not grabbing a quick frozen meal from the grocery store.
Michelle Routhenstein (MS, RD, CDE, CDN), is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York, with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and nutrition dietetic training residency from New York University. She founded Entirely Nourished, which helps people improve their heart health through nutrition.
Kim Shapira (MS, RD) is a celebrity dietitian who has spent over 25 years helping people lose weight at her private practice in Los Angeles. She has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tulane University and a Master’s degree in Human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition from Boston University.
