Graduate students in the food science and technology program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout are using artificial intelligence tools to design functional food concepts for people who use GLP-1 medications, according to an April 30 announcement. The project addresses the needs of consumers taking drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, which can cause reduced appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The initiative is important because the number of people using GLP-1 medications is rising quickly, prompting food manufacturers to consider new products tailored for this group. Professor Eun Joo Lee said she noticed this trend at a professional conference last summer. “In several sessions, I saw how quickly the number of consumers using products such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro was growing, and I also noticed that food companies were beginning to explore this as a new market by developing products intended specifically for these users,” Lee said.
Students worked in groups using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to define target consumer groups, identify nutrition needs, analyze current markets, organize research ideas and improve communication strategies. They also used Google Gemini for imagery while ensuring all scientific information was verified with peer-reviewed literature. “At the same time, students were required to verify all scientific and market information using peer-reviewed literature, actual product information and other credible sources. Final scientific judgment and strategy decisions remained the students’ responsibility,” Lee said.
One group led by Navya Sree Bathula focused on gut health issues common among GLP-1 users by proposing “Gut Balance PHGG Calm Bites,” chewable fiber bites made with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), ginger extract, fennel extract, peppermint oil and probiotics. “We found the most valuable part of this project was the teamwork… Each member of the group did their best to dive deep into the research project to make it a success,” Bathula said.
Another team researched a leucine-rich vegan potato protein hydrogel called Mama Bear aimed at women ages 35–55 seeking muscle maintenance during weight loss or diabetes management through GLP-1 therapy. Sakshi Amreliya explained: “We found that some studies suggest lean body mass can account for up to about 40% of total weight lost during GLP-1 therapy… That helped us focus on a protein-rich product concept that could support muscle maintenance.”
A third group studied an ingestible synbiotic nutrient shot containing PHGG, pea protein and probiotics designed as an alternative method for early-stage GLP-1 users. Dathu Ramvath said: “A nutrient shot would help GLP-1 users feel more full during a meal… Compared to other products currently on the market, a synbiotic nutrient shot would be more affordable.” Students noted AI’s usefulness but stressed its limitations: “We used AI tools more to help organize and refine our jumbled thoughts… The process was interesting but we don’t rely 100% on it,” Amreliya said.
The student projects will be presented at UW-Stout’s annual Research Day event on May 5 alongside work from over 300 undergraduate and graduate participants representing more than 30 degree fields.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs and industry-linked spaces designed for practical learning according to its official website. It has been recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University due to its approach blending theory with application according to its official website. As part of the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website, UW-Stout prepares students through hands-on learning experiences in partnership with businesses according to its official website. All full-time undergraduates receive laptops via UW-Stout’s eStout program according to its official website.
