In a recent interview with Harvard Business Review, CEO Chris Kempczinski said he’s observed more adults turning to smaller menu items in response to GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Ozempic, shrinking their appetites. As a result, more adults are increasingly turning to Happy Meals.
About 11% of U.S. adults in 2026 take GLP-1 drugs, according to a Gallup study, reported by USA Today. And health professionals and dietitians have noticed their patients eating the same foods they craved before, just in much smaller sizes — as they now require less calories.
“I have patients telling me they used to demolish two Big Macs and now genuinely can’t finish one cheeseburger,” Sean Arora, MD, cofounder and CEO of Arora Health & Aesthetics, told Inc.
Kylie King, a registered dietitian and behavioral counselor specializing in GLP-1 nutrition support and behavioral weight management, also told Inc. that ordering less helps users “keep the ritual without the leftovers or physical discomfort.”
Kempczinski has additionally said that as GLP-1 drugs increase in popularity, overall calorie intake should decline. GLP-1 drugs work by making users feel full on less food. Overeating can lead to physical discomfort.
Banging the protein drum
Kempczinski’s latest comments are similar to those he made in February this year. At the time, McDonald’s was already gearing up to feed a growing number of GLP-1 users.
He told Wall Street analysts on McDonald’s earnings call that he doesn’t believe GLP-1 drugs will have a material impact on its business. Still, the chain has been testing lighter menu options, less-sugary beverages and different portion sizes to meet demand.
“All of those things are factoring into some of what we’re out there experimenting with and testing with,” he said.
One advantage McDonald’s believes it has is protein. GLP-1 users are still very much interested in protein-rich menu items. On the aforementioned earnings call this year, executives highlighted foods like McDonald’s Snack Wraps, Sausage Biscuit sandwiches, and chicken McCrispy Strips.
“Fortunately, for us, protein is one of the areas that the GLP-1 consumer is still very much interested in, and we’ve got a great protein offering on our menu,” Kempczinski said. “So I think that’s an area of strength for us.”
