McDonald’s to invest $8.5 billion in menu overhaul amid weight-loss drug boom

McDonald’s has announced a new corporate strategy to adapt to changing dietary trends in the United States, specifically the rise in the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic. The company plans to invest approximately $8.5 billion through 2036, with $5 billion allocated by 2030, to attract more customers to its restaurants.

In response to the popularity of these medications, which suppress appetite and increase satiety, McDonald’s will introduce menu options that feature higher protein content and fewer calories. Planned items include bowls, grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, and egg bites. The company also intends to adjust portion sizes to meet the evolving preferences of consumers who are consuming less food due to the effects of the drugs.

CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that the goal is not to find a new customer base, but to adapt to the changing eating habits of existing customers, noting that those using GLP-1 medications still desire McDonald’s products.