Ozempik-friendly foods hit the market as industry rushes to capitalize – but are they really necessary?

They don’t bite.

As Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs change the way America eats, food manufacturers are scrambling to get a big slice of the action — with heavyweights like Conagra Brands and Nestlé announcing new lines of diet-friendly products every month. the last one.

So far, though, nutrition experts seem unimpressed — with some saying processed foods and other products cashing in on the trend are little more than a “marketing gimmick” that could easily be left on the table.

“Because GLP-1 suppresses appetite, people taking these medications should be mindful of including nutrient-dense foods to ensure they meet their daily goals, including prioritizing foods that contain fiber and protein,” explained nutritionist Emily Lachtrupp, MS RD, in a latest article published by EatingWell.

“That said, I don’t think it’s necessary to look for foods with these claims if you’re taking a GLP-1 drug. Instead, just focus on eating foods high in fiber and protein,” she said.

Conagra announced in December that starting this month, some of its Healthy Choice meals will now be designated as GLP-1 friendly, the media reported.

Nestlé launched a new line, dubbed Vital Pursuit, last fall — with dishes like a Southwestern-style Chicken Fajita Melt Sandwich and a Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Broccoli Cavatappi Protein Pasta Bowl.

Nestlé has even taken things a step further, recently launching protein shake “shots” designed to help suppress appetite as do medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Called Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support and designed to be taken just before a meal, they’re packed with whey protein.

“You get an increase in natural GLP-1 that helps control hunger. So this dose has a significant effect on satiety,” Stefan Palzer, Nestle’s chief technology officer, told Reuters at the time of release.

And while these products may seem like they walk the walk, there’s a catch, especially when it comes to frozen food, warn the meal prep pros at EatingWell.

“It’s important to note that many prepared meals are also high in sodium. So while they’re portion-controlled, you could end up with more sodium than is healthy — and the sodium bloat will go along with it,” the writer noted.

“Food manufacturers do a good job of keeping up with the latest trends and marketing foods in a way that appeals to certain customers—in this case, people taking GLP-1,” they continued.

Ultimately though, calling certain products ‘GLP-1 friendly’ is a bit of a marketing ploy, as the foods are simply high in fiber and protein – something you can do for yourself.”

The food industry isn’t the only one reeling from the slimming trend — some gyms have seen a drop in attendance as weight-loss drug users stay away, for example.

An estimated 15.5 million people — roughly 6% of U.S. adults — have already turned to injections for help with weight management, The Post previously reported.