Elon Musk, known for his ambitious and sometimes whimsical tech innovations, recently dished out a fun fact about his health regimen on social media platform X. He made a surprising confession of using Mounjaro, a weight loss medication, to maintain his lean physique. Displaying a stark transformation, Musk’s photographic evidence of his substantial weight loss gained significant attention.
In an unexpected twist, this revelation surfaced subsequent to remarks by President-Elect Donald Trump downplaying Musk’s political influence, categorically stating that despite the Tesla tycoon’s significant clout, he was ‘never going to secure the Presidency.’
The tech titan indulged in a little holiday spirit, posting a light-hearted Christmas update on X where he was dressed as Santa Claus alongside a decked-out holiday tree. In this post, Musk also unveiled a closely guarded secret about his weight loss journey, revealing his preference for a weight loss medication similar to Ozempic.
He was candid about using Mounjaro, an approved medication designed to manage type-2 diabetes by optimizing blood sugar levels. Interestingly, Mounjaro, now known as Zepbound after a rebranding, secured FDA approval in November 2023. It has proven to be effective for weight management for those struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues.
Musk has not been shy about advocating for weight loss solutions and has strongly emphasized their potential to significantly improve public health. His endorsement for Mounjaro over Ozempic came coupled with a humorous anecdote about the latter’s side effects.
Comparing the repercussions of high doses of Ozempic to the uncontrollable physical gestures of a character from ‘The Simpsons,’ Musk light-heartedly claimed that excessive use left him ’emitting gas similar to Barney.’ He went on to express his belief that Mounjaro presented fewer side effects and appeared to show better efficacy.
Following Musk’s revealing post about his weight loss journey, the comment section of the post lit up with wide-ranging reactions from internet users. A few followers lauded Musk’s transformation, with one commenting, ‘Remarkable change, Elon! We hope you will continue to inspire us for years to come,’ while another astoundingly noted, ‘Wow, you’ve significantly trimmed down.’
Yet, there was a healthy dose of skepticism, with some requiring an explanation for Musk’s reliance on medication instead of selecting a more natural route such as dietary changes. Other followers drew attention to the potential hazards associated with Ozempic, labeling it as ‘troublesome.’
Among the chorus of comments, a follower raised concerns about the longevity of using such medications stating, ‘Utilizing Ozempic is fraught with risks; it should be considered a short-term remedy.’ Another added, ‘Opting for Keto or carnivore diets result in weight reduction in a healthier manner’. There also emerged apprehensions about potential lawsuits due to Ozempic’s adverse side-effects.
Contrasting Musk’s viewpoint on weight loss medications stands the Department of Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His stance was critical of the routine use of drugs such as Ozempic, pointing out the 9 million written prescriptions annually in the U.S.
Arguing the burden of these medications on the economy, RFK Jr. observed, ‘We expend $1.6k a month on this medication alone. Currently, there is a proposal in Congress that aims to make it accessible for every overweight individual… this could cost our country $3 trillion per annum.’
RFK Jr. went on to argue that by investing about twenty percent of this astronomical amount in providing quality food for everyone, the country could potentially resolve the problem of obesity and diabetes practically overnight.
In an interview on December 12, he stressed, ‘The initial counteractive response should be a lifestyle alteration. This involves adopting a wholesome eating pattern and preventing obesity.’
This volatile situation between Musk and RFK Jr. saw President Trump intervening by humorously dismissing claims of Musk’s dominance in politics. He clarified Musk’s role by stating, ‘He won’t be governing the country. There’s no ambiguity on this matter. It’s certain. He can’t be president since he wasn’t born on American soil.’
Despite all controversies, Musk’s immense net worth, holding the title of the richest person globally and his substantial contribution of over $250 million to President Trump’s re-election campaign, undeniably make him a formidable player on the global stage.