GNC, the vitamin and dietary supplement chain, has been struggling for years. The brand hopes a new strategy tailored to people taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss will help draw customers into stores and grow its business.
GNC announced Monday that it was adding a dedicated section in its 2,300 US stores with vitamins, protein shakes and supplements tailored to people managing GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. GNC is also training store employees on common side effects of GLP-1s and products the company is stocking for these issues.
The full impact of GLP-1s – or glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists – on peoples’ health remains unclear, but some people have reported side effects such as muscle loss and gastrointestinal problems. GNC is positioning its brand as a retailer that can support people managing these issues. Gyms, food manufacturers and retailers are adjusting their strategies to respond to the rise of GLP-1s.
“You’re dealing with GLP-1 side effects. Now what? We can help,” advertises an overhead banner in GNC’s new GLP-1 “support section.”