Whatever Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, says, dons, or does becomes news. On Christmas Day, the man who is the force behind companies like Neuralink, The Boring Company, and X (formerly Twitter) stunned all with a social media post.
Ozempic Santa pic.twitter.com/7YECSNpWoz
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2024
Appearing noticeably slimmer, Musk, 53, shared on Wednesday that he uses Mounjaro, a weight-loss medication, after previously endorsing similar drugs as potential solutions to address the US’ obesity crisis.
In a thread of posts on X, he humorously posed in a Santa Claus outfit complete with a flowing white beard, and referred to himself as “Ozempic Santa”. Musk further joked in the post, “Like Cocaine Bear, but Santa and Ozempic!” He later clarified, “Technically, Mounjaro, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it.”
Musk, who has openly expressed his dislike for exercise, previously revealed in 2022 that he used Wegovy, another GLP-1 inhibitor. He has consistently advocated for the broader adoption of GLP-1 inhibitors as a strategy to address obesity.
Explaining his preference for Mounjaro over Ozempic, Musk shared that taking “high doses” of Ozempic caused side-effects that made him “fart & burp like Barney from The Simpsons”. He added, “Mounjaro seems to have fewer side-effects and is more effective.”
Notably, Musk has been announced as the incoming head of President-elect Donald Trump’s ‘Department of Governmental Efficiency’.
What Are Ozempic And Mounjaro?
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic belong to a class of GLP-1 inhibitors, originally developed to assist diabetics in managing blood sugar and insulin levels.
Ozempic (generic name semaglutide) is a medication originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class, which mimics a hormone that regulates blood sugar, slows digestion, and reduces appetite.
The drug slows digestion, reduces hunger, and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping people consume fewer calories.
This mechanism not only helps control blood glucose but also aids in significant weight loss, leading to its use in obesity treatment.
Common side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s typically administered as a once-weekly injection and requires a prescription.
The drug, manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, has become a massive commercial success. Its popularity, along with that of other semaglutide-based drugs like Wegovy, has significantly boosted Denmark’s economy. Novo Nordisk is now one of the largest companies in Europe by market value, contributing substantial revenue and taxes to its home country.
Mounjaro (generic name Tirzepatide), developed by Eli Lilly, is an injectable medication aimed at managing type 2 diabetes and addressing obesity. By mimicking the action of two crucial metabolic hormones, it offers an innovative approach to treatment.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1):
- This hormone is secreted by the digestive system and helps regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release when glucose levels rise.
- It also promotes satiety, helping to curb appetite.
GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide):
- Plays a role in enhancing insulin production in response to food intake.
- Works synergistically with GLP-1 to optimise blood sugar control.
Key Advantages
- Improved Blood Sugar Regulation: Mounjaro enhances the body’s ability to maintain stable glucose levels, a crucial factor in managing diabetes.
- Reduced Appetite: By influencing hunger signals, it leads to decreased food consumption.
- Weight-Loss Benefits: Its dual hormonal action supports significant weight reduction, making it valuable for obesity treatment.
Impact Of Mounjaro On The Body
Mounjaro shifts how the body responds to food, inducing a sense of fullness more quickly and improving metabolic processes, which helps in controlling blood sugar and reducing weight. This dual-action mechanism makes it a powerful option for individuals managing diabetes and obesity.
Drug giant Eli Lilly plans to introduce Mounjaro in India sometime in 2025, with a pricing strategy that ensures competitiveness and suitability for the market, potentially providing much-needed relief for patients battling these chronic conditions.
The writer is an independent journalist.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]
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