Nestle launches website for individuals on weight loss drugs

(Reuters) - Nestle's health unit on Tuesday launched a web platform to provide nutritional support for individuals on weight loss programs, including those using GLP-1 medications.

Nestle Health Science said the website will address specific needs such as preserving lean muscle mass, supporting gut health, and offering personalized diet assistance.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

As more people use GLP-1 drugs for weight control, several telehealth companies have started offering services to support these individuals.

In June, Kroger Health, the division of the grocery chain Kroger that operates pharmacies and clinics across the U.S., revamped its weight management program to offer patients access to medical treatments such as Wegovy, Zepbound and others.

Health and wellness platform Hims & Hers Health in May also added compounded versions of GLP-1 injections to its comprehensive weight loss portfolio

CONTEXT

GLP-1 medications have recently become popular and are in strong demand in the U.S. These drugs, including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but also help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and promoting fullness.

However, there have been intermittent shortages over the past year, with makers such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro racing to ramp up supply.

The growing use of these drugs has led experts to project annual global sales of about $150 billion by the early 2030s.

(Reporting by Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)