With 6 tricks (and clever marketing), the food industry is profiting from the Ozempic hype

Medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are popular weight-loss drugs. ‘Big Food’ sees users as a new outlet and is pushing cheesy factory pizzas, among other things, as a suitable complement to such a drug.

Users of these weight-loss drugs consume 20 to 30 per cent fewer calories, are less prone to binge eating and actually eat more fruit and vegetables. Bad news for ultra-processed food producers. At least, you would think so. Big manufacturers like Nestlé, Unilever and Danone have come up with a clever way to hit on the popular diet hype. They are introducing ‘GLP-1-friendly’ products: protein yoghurts, supplements against all kinds of side effects and ready-made meals that, according to the packaging, contain just enough calories and nutrients.

An analysis of annual reports, shareholder meetings and new investments shows that food products continue to sell their standard range, but now also offer products that would help with ‘your weight-loss journey’.

Read the whole article at Follow the Money (in Dutch). In the Follow the Money podcast Frederique vraagt door, Mathilde de Jeu and Irene van den Berg talk about the investigation. 

This publication is supported by Journalismfund Europe. Wednesday, the French Reporterre published an article about food fabricants and their investments in medical products.