Nutrition Startup Nourish Secures $70M in Series B Funding, Expands GLP-1 Support Programs

Virtual nutrition counseling startup Nourish has raised $70 million in a series B funding round, led by J.P. Morgan Private Capital's Growth Equity Partners. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its AI capabilities, grow its provider network, and pursue strategic partnerships in the rapidly evolving food-as-medicine landscape.

Nourish's Expansion and AI Integration

Nourish connects patients with registered dietitians virtually to manage nutrition-related conditions. The platform currently serves hundreds of thousands of patients across all 50 states and employs over 3,000 registered dietitians. With 150 million lives covered through partnerships with commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid payers, Nourish claims that 94% of its patients incur no out-of-pocket costs.

The company's app features AI-driven tools, including meal logging, macro tracking, and an AI scribe for clinicians that automates note-taking with patient consent. Aidan Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Nourish, emphasized the importance of their in-house technology: "It's great to see that a lot of people are realizing that the healthcare crisis, when you double click, is basically a nutrition crisis in many ways."

GLP-1 Support Programs and Clinical Outcomes

Recognizing the growing prevalence of weight loss drugs, Nourish has launched several programs designed to increase the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications. A recent survey conducted by the company revealed that 20% of respondents were current GLP-1 users, while 9% had used them in the past.

Nourish's GLP-1 program offers evidence-based counseling to help manage side effects, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and support long-term eating habits. The company also provides a pathway for patients discontinuing medication to support metabolic transition and maintain weight loss.

A 2024 peer-reviewed analysis found that Nourish patients on GLP-1s experienced 33% greater weight loss compared to non-Nourish patients. Additionally, 63% of Nourish GLP-1 patients reported improved side effects since working with their registered dietitian, and the program was associated with higher medication adherence.

Food as Medicine Movement Gains Traction

The food as medicine concept has gained significant attention in recent years, with the current administration's Make America Healthy Again Commission explicitly highlighting the importance of healthy food. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced a plan to phase out artificial food dyes, though it falls short of an outright ban and relies on voluntary compliance from the food industry.

While food as medicine proponents express cautious optimism about the government's interest, concerns remain about potential Medicaid cuts and their impact on vulnerable populations. Dewar commented on the evolving landscape: "We're obviously gratified that the food as medicine concept is being talked about at the highest levels of government. I think it's too early to know what that will translate into."

As Nourish continues to expand its services and integrate AI technology, the company aims to address what Dewar calls "one of our country's most urgent challenges" through its "outcomes-driven and AI-native approach." The recent funding round positions Nourish to play a significant role in shaping the future of nutrition-based healthcare interventions.