Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently upgraded his weight-loss regimen, switching from Ozempic to Mounjaro, a new medication that has been dubbed the “King Kong” of weight-loss drugs, the Daily Mail reports.
Musk, 53, shared his progress with followers on his social media platform X, posting a festive picture of himself dressed as Santa Claus in front of a Christmas tree, humorously referring to his new weight-loss aid. He jokingly captioned the photo, “Ozempic Santa,” adding:
“Like Cocaine Bear, but Santa and Ozempic! Technically, Mounjaro, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.”
Musk had previously used Ozempic, a diabetes medication commonly used for weight loss, but he experienced unpleasant side effects, including excessive gas and burping. According to Musk, Mounjaro, which is similar to Ozempic, seems to have fewer side effects and appears to be more effective in his weight-loss journey. The drug, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management in November 2023 under the brand name Zepbound, has been gaining attention for its impressive results.
Mounjaro, an injectable GLP-1 inhibitor, works by reducing food cravings and slowing the stomach’s emptying process, leading to reduced calorie intake. Research suggests that patients using Mounjaro can lose up to 20% of their body weight, significantly more than the weight loss seen with competitors like Ozempic or Wegovy.
The drug’s popularity has sparked debate, with some experts calling it a “game-changer” in the fight against obesity, while others have raised concerns about potential side effects. These include severe gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach paralysis and pancreatitis, as well as gallbladder problems. While these side effects are rare, doctors have cautioned patients to carefully weigh the risks before starting treatment.
Musk has been vocal about his support for weight-loss medications. Just weeks ago, he tweeted that making GLP inhibitors like Mounjaro more affordable and accessible would have a major positive impact on public health, especially for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. His stance has sparked conversation about the role of medication in combating obesity, with some political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for lifestyle changes as a primary approach.
