The company's vice-president of global marketing Jeff Carl said that Ronald, McDonald's chief happiness officer, had to start moving to encourage children to exercise.
The animated and live action ad also features McDonald's spokesman and Chinese Houston Rockets basketball star Yao Ming together riding skateboards.
In the ad, he is seen in a closer-fitting jumpsuit rather than his usual baggy yellow outfit.
The only foods to feature in the spot are fruit and vegetables, with no place for the chain's traditional burgers and fries.
"We felt it more appropriate to expand the discussion to all foods at this point," Carl said.
In autumn, two videos featuring Ronald will be released in more than 50 countries. According to the company, they will "show kids how much fun they can have when they activate their bodies, their minds, and their imaginations".
McDonald's has entered its 50th year dealing with a new climate of public concern about obesity and fast food, and battling to change perceptions of its brand. Ronald, who was introduced in 1963, is the latest embodiment of its pursuit of healthy-eating messages.
The red-haired mascot has done duty in less visible health drives in the past such as a 'Fitness Fun' video made in 1993 as part of child education initiative in Singapore.
A new global strapline was brought in three months ago, "It's what I eat and what I do... I'm loving it'" alongside a revamp of Happy Meals that saw more fruit and vegetable options introduced, backed by a 拢3.6m ad campaign.
It has also signed sporting figures such as Yao Ming, tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and several US Olympic hopefuls.
Separately, McDonald's has named Denis Hennequin as its new Europe president, to take over from Russ Smyth, who is leaving McDonald's in July after 21 years.
Hennequin's prime task will be to reverse a sales decline in Europe. He is promoted from the role of executive vice-president and previously spent eight years as the head of McDonald's in France.
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