To no one’s surprise, Elon Musk just dubbed himself “Ozempic Santa” in a tongue-in-cheek social media post.
The Tesla CEO, 53, shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of himself dressed as Santa Claus—complete with a red suit, white beard, and a twinkle in his eye—posing in front of a Christmas tree.
Musk used the post to confirm his use of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, a GLP-1 inhibitor often compared to its better-known cousin, Ozempic.
Elon Musk’s Weigh Loss Drug Of Preference
“Technically, I’m taking Mounjaro,” Musk clarified, “but that doesn’t have the same ring to it. “Like Cocaine Bear, but Santa and Ozempic!” he wrote via X, formerly Twitter.
Musk’s journey with GLP-1 inhibitors began with Ozempic, which he credited for helping him shed weight in the past. However, he switched to Mounjaro after experiencing undesirable side effects.
“Mounjaro seems to have fewer side effects and be more effective,” Musk explained when questioned by a follower on X.
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are diabetes medications, originally developed to regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
However, their appetite-suppressing properties have catapulted them into the spotlight as weight-loss aids. Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, takes things a step further by mimicking two key hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to slow digestion, curb hunger, and control cravings.
Musk has become an outspoken advocate for making GLP-1 inhibitors more affordable and accessible to the public. Earlier this month, he posted that “nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan, and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors super low cost.”
His comments align with broader discussions about obesity management in the U.S., particularly as Medicare currently doesn’t cover these medications.
While medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are often hailed as game-changers, they are not without controversy or side effects.
Rapid weight loss can lead to issues like “Ozempic Face” (a gaunt, aged appearance), digestive distress, hair loss, and even emotional blunting.
For Elon, however, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. As he said, “Effort always pays off”—though in this case, it seems the right medication doesn’t hurt either.
