Elon Musk looks fitter than ever: Secrets behind his rapid and lasting weight loss

It has been two years since billionaire tech magnate Elon Musk lost an astounding 30 lbs and stunned many with his drastic transformation. Musk credited part of his rapid weight loss to the weight-loss drug semaglutide, marketed under the names Ozempic and Wegovy. However, critics of the drug have highlighted concerns about potential weight regain after stopping its use.
Taking the drug along with making healthy lifestyle changes seems to be the mantra behind maintaining weight over a period of time. Musk has combined the weight loss drug with certain simple lifestyle adjustments that may have helped him achieve this massive weight loss.

How Musk’s weight loss journey began

Musk’s weight loss journey gained public attention in 2022 when fans noticed his fitter appearance. When asked about his transformation on X (formerly Twitter), Musk credited his progress to three lifestyle changes: intermittent fasting, the appetite-suppressing drug Wegovy (a brand of semaglutide), and keeping tasty foods out of sight.
Let’s discuss how each of these lifestyle changes might have helped Musk shed pounds and maintain his weight loss over two years:

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting (IF), a practice of eating within a specific time window, seems to have proved a game-changer for Musk. According to John Hopkins Medicine, intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, and one can eat only during a specific window. It is considered a very effective way to lose and maintain weight over a period of time. Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent or even reverse some forms of disease. The meal plan is quite easy to follow as it doesn’t require any specific modifications in the diet.

Wegovy

Musk also said that he took Wegovy, a weekly injectable medication initially designed for diabetes management but now approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. Semaglutide, the active ingredient, works by suppressing appetite, regulating hunger hormones, and slowing digestion. This combination leads to reduced food intake and significant weight loss over time. Musk lost significant amount of weight with this drug. However, it is important to note that taking this drug alone won’t ensure sustainable weight and it’s important to make other healthy lifestyle changes to remain fit over years.

Avoid munching

Eating snacks in between meals is the hidden obstacle that can derail your weight loss journey in no time. It is important to replace your sugary, salty and high-calorie snacks with wholesome, fibre-rich, and nutrient-filled foods that can help cut fat and help you maintain your weight.
Interestingly, Musk has never been a fan of the gym. He has openly admitted to disliking workouts and preferring treats like doughnuts.

Exercise

While Musk doesn’t have a stringent fitness routine, he engaged in various forms of exercise, including resistance training, cardiovascular workouts, and stretches. Not just exercise, Musk made sure he remained active by walking or cycling short distances, taking the stairs instead of elevators, and participating in outdoor sports.