Global leader in health and wellness redesigns store to assist semaglutide users on their journey to better health with a dedicated companion product section and specialized employee training
PITTSBURGH, April 29, 2024 – GNC, the global leader in health and wellness, today announced its unprecedented initiative to support individuals using semaglutides (GLP-1 agonists). GNC has officially become the world’s first major retailer to establish an entire section dedicated to assisting semaglutide users in managing the common side effects and challenges associated with treatment. The new support section will be featured in all 2,300-plus GNC locations across the United States.
It is estimated that 130 million Americans currently live with a condition eligible to be treated with a GLP-1 agonist, and that up to 70 million Americans may use a semaglutide by 2028. GNC’s new semaglutide support program provides a holistic supportive experience meeting the needs of semaglutide medication users for weight management, diabetes control, and heart disease.
“It has been GNC’s mission for over 85 years to help our communities achieve better health and live well,” said Michael Costello, CEO, GNC. “No matter where you are in life, no matter your age, gender or goals, GNC has always been a trusted source for support. Today, we’re staying on the forefront by supporting the millions of people around the world who are on a medical weight loss journey. The results of GLP-1 agonists are truly life-changing, but we also know that lifestyle and nutrition support are necessary companions to achieving long-term success. GNC is here to be the helping hand with our knowledgeable coaches in our stores, our science-backed products, and expert education and resources on GNC.com.”
For decades, GNC has been known as the launchpad for innovation in health and wellness. GNC continuously brings in new, innovative products designed with GLP-1 users in mind.
“The market is constantly evolving and at GNC, we are leading the way in product strategy and development to help our customers achieve their wellness goals especially for GLP-1 users,” said Rachel Jones, SVP, Chief Product Innovation and Science Officer, GNC. “We’re not only responding to immediate needs but also continuously collaborating with medical experts to refine and expand our offerings to best serve our customers.”
Key initial focus areas of the semaglutide support section include:
GI Health
The most noticeable, and often the most severe, side effects felt by semaglutide users are related to digestive health. Often, it is a GI issue like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation that causes a patient to stop treatment early and risk losing the successes they’ve achieved. GNC offers premium probiotics, fiber, digestive enzymes and ginger. Supergut, the only clinically validated gut health superfood that improves digestive health and curbs cravings by boosting GLP-1 naturally, is one of the first innovative support products to be included.
Retaining Lean Muscle Mass
The loss of lean muscle mass can have serious impacts on a GLP-1 user’s ability to keep weight off post-treatment. This side effect can be mitigated by increasing protein intake and incorporating resistance training. High-protein powders, drinks and bars add extra protein to the diet to help maintain the more metabolically active lean muscle that is important to weight loss and maintenance. HMB, a metabolite of the amino acid leucine with many human clinical studies to support its use, helps users maintain muscle and creatine can improve the effectiveness of strength training for lean muscle building and maintenance.
Bone Health
With rapid weight loss comes the concerning loss of bone density, which could severely affect a user’s ability to live an active and healthy life. This side effect is not outwardly seen or felt but can have dramatic effects many years after the fact. Older adults and women who are post-menopausal are most at risk. Experts across multiple fields recommend supplementing essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin K into your diet.
Nutritional Support
As appetite is decreased, the opportunity to miss out on sufficient nutrient intake increases. GNC will continue to provide a vast selection of multivitamins and Vitapak® Programs suitable for all demographics that can help fill in the gaps missed by GLP-1 users.
Coaching for Evolving Health Needs
Semaglutides have made transformative impacts on the lives of millions of people, and GNC aims to address the critical need for support before, during and after treatment. Studies indicate that over 50% of semaglutide users discontinue treatment within the first year, with many citing side effects or the financial burden of coverage as the main drivers. More than a third of users report regaining most or all the weight lost when ending treatment, underscoring the essential need for sustained support and resources.
GNC Coaches in stores across the country have received training related to the common side effects experienced by GLP-1 agonist users and will continue to receive additional training from GNC’s team of in-house Registered Dietitians (R.D.) and science experts. As science and data improve around semaglutides, GNC will remain a reliable center for customers thanks to better understanding of treatment and an evolving selection of products.
Ongoing Consultation and Expert Resources
The semaglutide support program at GNC will continue to extend beyond shelves to include expert advice on GNC.com centered around fitness and resistance training, healthy recipes, meal plans, and more.
GNC has also engaged researchers and practicing clinicians steeped in this consumer need in order to structure support and offer the most benefits to semaglutide users. Regular consultation with medical experts at Revive Health, which powers GNC Health, is taking place in order to remain ahead of the curve and reach GLP-1 users with the information they need.
“The rapid adoption of GLP-1 agonists is no surprise given the impressive weight loss results they demonstrate,” said John Olsen, President, Revive Pharmacy Solutions. “Not only can they decrease the user’s BMI but they also carry metabolic and cardiovascular benefits as well. As access to these innovative medications increases, so will the prevalence of their potential adverse events. It’s important, as clinicians, to understand these risks and position the users to best manage them. When combined with GNC’s support program, we can expect the successful outcomes of GLP-1 therapy to grow as quickly as the program will.”
To learn more about the products featured in GNC’s curated semaglutide support program, visit gnc.com/glp-1.
About GNC
GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides customers with a wide variety of science-based products and solution services to live well. The brand touches consumers worldwide by providing its products and services through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce, and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC’s diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities, and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio. www.gnc.com.
Media Contact:
Nick Sero
Director of Public Relations
media@gnc-hq.com
412-246-9901
