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Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk revealed his use of Mounjaro, a GLP-1 inhibitor primarily prescribed for type-2 diabetes, to manage weight. Musk shared this revelation in a social media post featuring him dressed as Santa Claus, captioned, "Ozempic Santa," a nod to the more widely recognized weight-loss drug. Musk's admission, while lighthearted, sheds light on a serious national conversation about obesity and weight management in America.
Mounjaro, approved by the FDA in late 2023 under the brand name Zepbound, is among several GLP-1 inhibitors, including Ozempic and Wegovy, repurposed for weight loss. These drugs regulate blood sugar and insulin levels while suppressing appetite, making them effective for obesity treatment. However, their growing popularity has sparked debates over affordability and accessibility. Musk has been a vocal supporter of making such drugs widely available. On December 11, he posted, "Nothing would do more to improve Americans' health and lifespan than affordable GLP-1 drugs. Nothing else is even close."
This stance pits Musk against Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the President-elect's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy has criticized the cost of GLP-1 medications, estimating that their widespread use would cost the U.S. $3 trillion annually. He has instead advocated for addressing obesity through improved diet and food access. In a November interview, Kennedy stated, "With one-fifth of that budget, we could provide healthy meals to every American and solve the obesity crisis overnight."
Musk's influence, however, extends beyond his 53 million followers on social media. As a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, Musk's endorsement of GLP-1 drugs has sparked bipartisan discussions. The billionaire's presence in Trump's inner circle has led to criticisms from Democrats, questioning whether Musk's agenda is shaping health policies.
Critics of GLP-1 inhibitors often cite their side effects and cost, which can reach $1,600 monthly. Musk himself admitted that high doses of Ozempic caused discomfort, leading him to prefer Mounjaro. Meanwhile, public figures like Whoopi Goldberg have shared success stories with these medications, bolstering their appeal. Goldberg recently revealed she lost significant weight using Mounjaro, declaring, "Elon's right on this!"
While GLP-1 drugs offer hope for millions, their widespread adoption raises pressing questions about equity and sustainability.
