McDonald's CEO addresses potential menu change following rise in GLP-1 drugs
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski has commented on potential menu changes amid the rise of people using GLP-1 drugs.
A report published in August 2025 by the global policy think tank RAND Corporation found that nearly 12 percent of Americans have used GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Other restaurants and supermarkets have announced changes during what has been dubbed the 'Ozempic era'.
Meanwhile, McDonald's continues to rank as the most popular fast-food chain in the United States, making it likely that some of its customers overlap with those taking GLP-1 drugs to shed excess weight.
According to USA Today, the CEO said during an earnings call that McDonald's does not seem to have been adversely affected by the growing popularity of these medications, which are also prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
Advert
"We've looked pretty hard, and we don't yet see evidence of [weight loss drugs] really having a material impact on our business," Kempczinski said.
"Fortunately for us, protein is one of the areas that this consumer, the GLP-1 consumer, is still very much interested in, and we've got a great protein offering on our menu," he continued, referring to some of the restaurant's menu items such as Sausage Biscuit sandwiches and McCrispy Strips.
Kempczinski added that the chain is open to adapting the menu where needed, even if they already have a ‘great protein offering’.
Explaining that McDonald's anticipates shifts in consumer habits, with more customers gravitating toward higher-protein, lower-calorie options, he said: “All of those things are factoring into some of what we're out there experimenting with and testing with, and ultimately, as we learn more about that and get feedback from our customers, those things could make their way onto the menu.”
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally released in the gut (primarily from the small intestine) after eating. This hormone stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and increases feelings of fullness. By enhancing these effects, GLP-1 drugs help curb appetite, leading many people to eat less and, in turn, lose weight.
While an occasional meal at McDonald's can fit into a balanced lifestyle, experts recommend prioritising nutrient-dense foods when taking these medications. According to Cleveland Clinic, people using GLP-1 therapies should focus on options such as leafy greens and fruits like apples, lean protein sources including fish, chicken, tofu, and beans, and whole grains such as oats and quinoa to support overall health and minimise side effects.
Greg Harris