Nestle takes on weight-loss industry with hunger-curbing protein shots
Global News
Nestle is launching protein shots in the United States, which it says help suppress appetite for people looking to shed pounds, the latest effort by the world’s biggest packaged food maker to tap the booming market for weight-loss products. The manufacturer of Kit Kat chocolate bars and Nesquik shakes says its drink sparks a natural...
Nestle is launching protein shots in the United States, which it says help suppress appetite for people looking to shed pounds, the latest effort by the world’s biggest packaged food maker to tap the booming market for weight-loss products.
The manufacturer of Kit Kat chocolate bars and Nesquik shakes says its drink sparks a natural reaction in the body that is similar to, but far less powerful than, highly in-demand drugs for weight loss like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound.
The weekly weight-loss injections mimic an intestinal hormone called GLP-1 and curb people’s appetite, promoting a feeling of fullness.
The shake, called Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, is to be consumed up to 30 minutes before a meal and is aimed at people taking GLP-1 drugs or other weight-loss medications. The roll-out started last month.
“You get an increase in natural GLP-1 which helps in controlling the feeling of hunger. So this dose has a significant effect on satiety,” Stefan Palzer, chief technology officer at Nestle, told Reuters.
The shots, sold for $10.99 for a pack of four on Amazon.com and at some CVS stores, contain 10 grams of whey protein, 45 calories, one gram of sugar, and are fat-free. They are advertised as promoting a “NATURAL GLP-1 response to a meal.”
Palzer said they could also help people maintain their reduced weight.
Lora Heisler, chair in human nutrition and director of research at the Rowett Institute, said it was unclear if the shot could make a real long-term difference for people trying to lose weight.
