Musk admits he takes controversial weight loss drug opposed by RFK Jr
Billionaire entrepreneur and top adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has recently revealed that he has been benefiting from a controversial class of weight-loss drugs, despite criticism from fellow top Trump adviser Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Musk took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Christmas Day to share his experience with the weight-loss drug, alongside a festive image of himself dressed as Santa Claus in front of a Christmas tree, showing off his slimmer figure.
The weight-loss drug in question is called Ozempic, but Musk clarified that he is actually taking the brand-name version known as Mounjaro. He humorously compared himself to “Cocaine Bear” in his post, highlighting the drastic transformation in his appearance thanks to the drug.
Musk, who has been appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, is a strong advocate for the benefits of Ozempic. On the other hand, Kennedy, who is set to head the Department of Health and Human Services under Trump, has expressed concerns about the widespread use of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.
Kennedy has criticized the marketing push for Ozempic in the U.S., pointing out that in Denmark, where the drug is manufactured, it is not recommended for diabetes or obesity. He believes that dietary and behavioral changes are a more effective solution to addressing weight issues. However, Musk disagrees and believes that making Ozempic more accessible could significantly improve public health.
During President Joe Biden’s administration, there were proposals to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for semaglutides, aiming to make the drug more accessible to those seeking weight-loss benefits. This move could potentially clash with Kennedy’s stance on the drug.
Despite Kennedy’s initial criticism of Ozempic, he has since softened his stance, acknowledging that anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic have a place in the American medical community. This shift in perspective could be attributed to his efforts to gain support for his nomination from members of Congress.
It remains to be seen how the debate over weight-loss drugs like Ozempic will unfold under the new administration. Both Musk and Kennedy have strong opinions on the matter, and their differing views may lead to further discussions and potential policy changes in the future.
