Ingredient supplier ADM has unveiled a solutions platform for users of GLP-1 drugs and other anti-obesity medications (AOMs).
 
ADM’s platform and will leverage proprietary consumer insights and the company’s full ingredient portfolio and full-formula development capabilities, to create tailored nutrition support for consumers currently engaging with AOMs, or for discontinuing the medications.
 
According to ADM’s research, 83% of consumers taking AOMs find food products to be appealing when specifically marketed toward people on GLP-1 medications.
 
“The use of GLP-1 treatments continues to rapidly increase, creating an incredibly dynamic market with a new segment of consumers with unique needs,” said Ian Pinner, senior vice president of nutrition and chief sales marketing officer at ADM. “Food, beverage, and dietary supplement manufacturers can support consumers with tailored solutions that address their needs at every stage of their weight management journey.”
 
ADM survey participants, all of whom were adults in the U.S. taking AOMs, reported that factors like nutrition (64%), taste (64%), and portion size (60%) have become more important when purchasing new foods or beverages. Additionally, 74% are more open to trying new foods and 83% are cooking more at home. Since starting GLP-1 treatments, many of these consumers have intentionally increased their intake of plant-based protein (41%), fiber (49%), and probiotics or prebiotics (39%).
 
ADM’s new platform features 25 market-ready GLP-1 complementary food and supplement concepts targeting the specific needs of AOM users. The concepts are formulated with clean-tasting plant-based ingredients, fiber, probiotics, postbiotics, botanicals, sweeteners, resistant tapioca starch, a digestive-support flour blend, and a keto-friendly/carb conscious flour replacer, along with naturally-derived flavors and colors.
 
“Our tested and ready-to-market concepts tap into our unparalleled pantry and our full-formulation expertise to accelerate food and beverage manufacturers’ speed to market and help them differentiate with elevated format, flavor, texture and functionality,” said Pinner. “Through our platform, we’re addressing the changing taste preferences that may come with engaging with GLP-1 medications, such as the altered perception of sweetness. We are also delivering highly sought-after nutrient density in smaller servings and providing alternative solutions to support reducing persistent thoughts about food, commonly known as ‘food noise,’ if medication use is reduced.”
 
ADM’s platform narrows on five health needs spotlighted in the company’s research.
 
During the use of AOMs, consumers had issues with maintaining muscle mass, with 20-40% of typical weight loss coming from lost muscle. ADM’s plant-based proteins and wholesome ingredients may help solve this issue.
 
During AOM use, GI symptoms are common, with 40% of consumers reporting GI discomfort. ADM’s concepts include prebiotic dietary fiber and probiotics with clinically-evidenced roles in supporting gut and digestive health.
 
A full 44% of consumers taking GLP-1 medications reported feeling less hydrated. ADM’s coconut water powder, coupled with sweeteners and flavor modulation technology, can help to make beverages more appealing and provide manufacturers with tools to address this need.
 
When discontinuing or reducing the use of AOMs, consumers had issues with satiety. AOMs reduce ‘food noise,’ which can return when discontinuing treatment. ADM’s prebiotic fiber can increase perceived satiety, along with resistant tapioca starch and plant-based ingredients.
 
Consumers discontinuing AOMs also want to avoid gaining back the weight lost while on medication. ADM will feature biotics concepts which target aspects of metabolic health, sweetening solutions, carb-conscious ingredients, and high-protein options.