As use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy continues to rise (the most recent reports show that approximately one in every eight American adults was taking one at the end of 2025), industries ranging from aviation to fast food find themselves having to adapt to a population that eats less than it used to.

At a Feb. 11 earnings call in which the iconic burger chain beat analyst expectations with $3.12 reported earnings per share, chief executive Chris Kempczinski addressed the use of GLP-1 receptors for the first time.

In response to an analyst’s question on the call, Kempczinski said that the chain has “yet [to] see evidence of it really having a material impact on our business,” but that McDonald’s is still looking at new items that may appeal to those taking drugs that regulate appetite.

“That’s an area of strength for us”: McDonald’s CEO on potential protein menu

As those who take GLP-1 receptors are advised to eat adequate protein (rapid weight drops also result in muscle loss that needs to be compensated), McDonald’s confirmed that it will work on a menu that focuses on and promotes protein.

“As adoption grows, we know that consumers’ behavior changes,” Kempczinski said. “We know that in general, they eat fewer calories in the day but also what they eat, the mix of that changes. 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. So I think that’s an area of strength for us.”

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Kempczinski, however, offered scant information on what such a menu would look like.

Meanwhile, a number of fast-food and casual dining competitors have launched explicit “protein menus” and amped up marketing around the macronutrient beloved by fitness fans and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This is despite the fact that protein needs may vary from person to person.

Chipotle beat McDonald’s with a high-protein menu that it also marketed to those who take weight-loss drugs.

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“Top diet pattern in U.S. for three consecutive years”: Chipotle on new protein menu

At the end of December 2025, Chipotle launched a High Protein Menu of bowls, burritos and one taco dish with elevated protein content. The Double High Protein Bowl is the standout with 81 grams that comes largely from doubled Adobo chicken.

Other major chains to recently launch protein-specific menus include Papa John’s Pizza with its new Protein Crust Pizza, Dunkin’ with Protein Milk, and Shake Shack with its Good Fit menu, which offers several low-calorie, high-protein options.

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“A high protein diet has held the title as the top diet pattern in the U.S. for three consecutive years,” Chipotle wrote when announcing the new menu last year.

“[…] With the rise of GLP-1s and a broader focus on macronutrients, Chipotle’s new High Protein Menu offers more ways for guests to get the protein they want in the portions that work for them, whether that is a lighter bite or a more substantial build.”

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