GNC Releases Its First Anti Trend Report
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Wellness trends now move faster than most operators can track, with berberine hacks, fiber waters and colostrum smoothies cycling through social feeds at a pace no research pipeline can match. GNC is stepping directly into that gap with its first Anti Trend Report, a science led review of the most viral health practices designed to help consumers, coaches and operators separate hard evidence from buzz.
The report is developed by GNC’s in house team of scientists, nutritionists and supplement experts. Each trend is analyzed for scientific validity, safety, long term feasibility and practical real world impact. The result reads more like a structured audit than a social round up, complete with letter grades and straight commentary.
Several high visibility trends earned clear verdicts. Raw dairy received a D grade with the summary “High risk, low reward,” citing safety concerns and limited evidence of distinct benefits. Greens powders received a B grade and the line “Great for gaps, but not a replacement for real food,” reinforcing that they can fill nutritional shortfalls but do not replace fruit and vegetable intake. Berberine earned a B plus and was described as “Promising, but misunderstood,” with the report noting nearly thirty clinical studies supporting blood sugar benefits while also pointing out that most results appear when paired with diet and lifestyle changes. Protein coffee topped the list with an A minus and the description “Smart synergy done right,” recognizing the practical combination of caffeine and protein for energy and satiety.
The Anti Trend Report also uses its platform to address the expanding category of GLP 1 adjacent products. Viral drinks such as Ricezempic and Oatzempic were evaluated for evidence of appetite or blood sugar effects. The report found no clinical studies supporting meaningful GLP 1 stimulation or significant weight loss, although it noted that oats contribute fiber that supports satiety. Commercial GLP 1 supplements attracted similar caution, with the report explaining that GLP 1 naturally degrades within minutes in the body while prescription medications are designed to remain active for days. The category received a C grade alongside the recommendation that “Healthy, sustainable weight loss is the real goal,” and encouragement to focus on proven supplements and behavioral strategies.
At the same time, the report was more favorable toward supplement use alongside GLP 1 medications. It pointed to evidence supporting the value of multivitamins for nutrient gaps, protein for muscle preservation and collagen for skin elasticity during weight loss. The authors wrote that “Natural GLP 1 boosters are not a replacement for prescription GLP 1 drugs. Research is still too new to determine their long term effectiveness. However, if you want to optimize weight loss while on GLP 1 medications, supplementation is an A+ strategy.”
The report arrives as GNC expands its research footprint. The company is launching a partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University to test supplement formulas through validated lab protocols and wearable data. The first study will track how a performance blend affects muscle strength, power and recovery in real world settings. It follows a peer reviewed review published by GNC’s scientific team outlining how supplements may help preserve lean mass, manage nutrient gaps and address side effects for individuals using GLP 1 medications.
As supplements continue to gain attention from consumers, employers and healthcare providers, the category faces growing expectations for clearer evidence, transparent ingredient standards and real world data. The move signals an environment where both retailers and manufacturers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that popular products can stand up to scientific scrutiny.
