Health · Pharma & Biotech · 4 hrs ago
Food companies target nutrition needs of weight-loss drug users
Food companies are adapting products for people taking weight-loss drugs such as GLP-1 medicines, which can reduce appetite.
In South Korea, hy’s fat-reduction probiotic ingredient brought in 18.4 billion won in sales from January to September, about 70% more than in all of last year.
The ingredient has official recognition for helping reduce body fat and is sold to other companies for use in their products.
Overseas, companies including Nestlé and Danone have introduced foods or drinks with more protein or fibre and smaller portions for people who eat less.
Cosmax and Mass General Brigham are researching new ingredients that could act like the GLP-1 hormone, with their joint work planned through 2029.
A study of US households found grocery spending fell by an average of 5.3% in the first six months after someone in the household started GLP-1 drugs.
That drop is pushing food makers to rethink portions and nutrition, while some also see demand for weight management after people stop taking the drugs.
Food companies are developing products for people whose appetite and food intake fall while using weight-loss drugs.
The products aim to provide protein and other nutrients in smaller portions and support weight management after drug use.
South Korea’s hy reported sales of 18.4 billion won for its fat-reduction probiotic ingredient in the first nine months of 2026.
Companies including Nestlé, Danone and Conagra have introduced or adapted products for consumers using GLP-1 weight-loss medicines.
A study cited in the report found that households with GLP-1 drug users cut grocery spending by an average of 5.3% in the first six months after treatment began.
- Who
- Food companies, including hy, Cosmax, Nestlé, Danone and Conagra, are targeting people who use weight-loss drugs.
- What
- They are developing or marketing foods and ingredients suited to reduced appetite and nutritional needs. Some products also aim to support weight management.
- When
- The article was published on October 23, 2026. Product launches and sales figures span 2024 to 2026.
- Where
- The activity described includes South Korea and the United States.
- Why
- Reduced food intake can affect nutrition and has been linked to lower grocery spending. Companies also see demand for diet management during and after treatment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Two companies were buying hy’s HY7601+KY1032 probiotic ingredient.
Nestlé launched Vital Pursuit in the United States, a frozen-food line designed for weight-loss drug users.
Danone introduced Oikos Fusion, a fermented dairy drink aimed at weight-loss drug users and others.
Conagra began adding “GLP-1 Friendly” labels to 26 Healthy Choice frozen-food products.
Cornell researchers published a study on spending by households with GLP-1 drug users.
Sales of hy’s HY7601+KY1032 ingredient reached 18.4 billion won.
- hy ingredient sales
- 18.4 billion won in January–September 2026
- hy ingredient buyers
- 19 companies as of August 2026, up from 2 in 2020
- Vital Pursuit
- Nestlé frozen-food line launched in the United States in 2024
- Oikos Fusion
- About 207 mL per bottle, with 23 g of protein and 5 g of prebiotic fibre
- Healthy Choice
- 26 products received “GLP-1 Friendly” labels
- Household grocery spending
- Average 5.3% decline in the first six months after a household member began GLP-1 treatment
What people are saying
We expect demand for dietary management to continue both during drug use and while maintaining weight lost.