Elon Musk, the tech titan behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, shocked the world in 2025 with a stunning 40-pound weight loss. “I’m like Ozempic Santa now,” he joked on X, posting a festive Santa pic that showed off his slimmer frame. This isn’t just about a billionaire looking lean—it’s about a guy who’s been open about his health struggles, from long work hours to yo-yo dieting. How did he drop the weight? Why now? Let’s dive into Elon’s journey—his challenges, his game-changing moves, and what we can all learn from it.
The Backstory: Elon’s Health Wake-Up Call
Elon’s always been larger-than-life, building rockets and tweeting memes while running multiple companies. But his health? It’s taken a backseat. “I’m not a fan of exercise,” he admitted on X, and who can blame him? With a schedule packed with meetings and Mars dreams, working out wasn’t his thing. By 2022, he was tipping the scales at 250 pounds, a number he shared with fans. “I’ve been searching for a more permanent solution to my higher body mass index,” he said, hinting at past struggles with weight gain.
The spark came from his kids and his work. “I realized I wasn’t just a CEO; I was also a role model,” he posted on X. Elon’s got seven kids, and he didn’t want them seeing him struggle with health issues tied to extra weight. Plus, running Tesla and SpaceX demands energy—something he was losing. “When you’re constantly on the move, the energy you have is directly related to your physical health,” he noted. That hit hard. He wasn’t just fighting for a better body; he was fighting for a sharper mind and a longer life. So, what pushed him to finally act?
The Low Point: Stress, Snacks, and Setbacks
Let’s be real—being Elon Musk sounds exhausting. Long hours, high-stakes decisions, and constant scrutiny don’t exactly scream “healthy lifestyle.” “I ditched the junk food and started cooking my meals,” he said, but it wasn’t always that easy. Back in 2022, paparazzi caught him shirtless on a yacht, and the internet went wild. “I looked heavier than I wanted,” he admitted later on X. The comments stung, and so did his own reflection. He was stuck in a cycle of stress-eating and quick-fix diets that didn’t stick.
Then there were the side effects of his early attempts. “Yeah, next-level,” he replied to a fan on X about the nasty burps from Ozempic, a weight-loss drug he tried in 2022. It helped him drop 30 pounds, but the side effects—like nausea and flatulence—were rough. “It was… not ideal,” he quipped. Add in his self-confessed love for sugary snacks, and it’s clear: Elon was in a rut. “I used to love high-sugar foods,” he shared. Breaking that habit felt impossible with his chaotic life. So, how did he turn it around?
The Game Plan: How Elon Shed 40 Pounds
Elon’s 2025 transformation wasn’t about magic pills or crash diets. “The key for me was understanding that I wasn’t trying to achieve perfection—just steady progress,” he said. Here’s how he made it happen, and trust me, it’s more relatable than you’d think.
Mounjaro: The Game-Changing Medication
After ditching Ozempic, Elon found Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. “Mounjaro has been a game-changer. I feel like a new person,” he posted on X in December 2024. Unlike Ozempic, Mounjaro had fewer side effects for him. “I tried both and found that Mounjaro was the better option,” he explained. It works by curbing appetite and slowing digestion, helping him eat less without feeling deprived. “It’s not a quick-fix miracle,” he clarified, emphasizing that it was part of a bigger plan.
Mounjaro wasn’t the whole story, though. “I lost 40 pounds with a combination of Mounjaro, intermittent fasting, and avoiding the high-sugar foods I used to love,” he shared. From 250 pounds to 220, the results were clear in his Santa suit post. Fans noticed, too. “Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan, and quality of life for Americans than making [GLP-1 drugs] super low cost,” he argued on X. But medication alone doesn’t cut it—let’s talk about the lifestyle changes that sealed the deal.
Intermittent Fasting: Timing Is Everything
Elon’s no stranger to tweaking systems, and his diet got the same treatment. “Fasting and diet changes have made all the difference,” he said. Intermittent fasting—eating within a specific time window—became his go-to. “I began to prioritize vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats,” he posted. He’d skip breakfast, eat lunch around 1 p.m., and finish dinner by 8 p.m. This gave his body a break from constant digestion, helping him shed pounds.
“It’s amazing how much better you feel when you fuel your body with the right nutrients,” he said. No more late-night snacks or sugary sodas. “I don’t have the time or interest in constant gym sessions,” he added, so fasting fit his busy life. It wasn’t perfect—he admitted to slip-ups. “I’m not done yet,” he teased, hinting at more goals. Fasting wasn’t just about weight; it boosted his mental clarity, too. “When you’re healthier, your mind works better,” he noted. Smart, right?
Diet Overhaul: High-Protein, Low-Carb Living
Elon’s eating habits got a major upgrade. “I followed a high-protein, low-carb diet, which emphasized lean meats and vegetables,” he shared. Think grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and avocado—not exactly rocket science, but it worked. “I ditched the junk food,” he said, swapping sugary treats for nuts and berries. He even started cooking more. “I started cooking my meals,” he posted, which is wild for a guy who’s usually solving world hunger on Mars.
Portion control was key. “I lost a ton of weight, Elon! Keep up the fantastic work,” a fan tweeted, and Elon replied, “Thanks! It’s about making small but meaningful changes.” He didn’t starve himself—just ate smarter. “I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years,” he said in 2025. His energy soared, and so did his productivity. “When you’re constantly on the move, your physical health is your fuel,” he explained. Who knew a billionaire could make kale sound cool?
Exercise: Minimal but Mighty
Elon’s not hitting the gym like a bodybuilder. “I’m not a fan of exercise,” he’s said multiple times. But he’s not sedentary either. “It’s likely that exercise played a role,” he hinted on X, though he’s cagey about details. Sources say he does weightlifting and high-intensity interval training a few times a week. “I feel revitalized, and it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good,” he shared. That’s the vibe—short bursts of activity to keep him moving.
He’s also walking more. “I don’t have time for long workouts,” he said, so he fits in steps between meetings or while brainstorming. It’s practical, not flashy. “The key is consistency,” he posted. Even his kids get in on it, with Elon joking they “run me ragged” at home. “I’m not done yet,” he teased, suggesting he’s still tweaking his routine. For a guy who hates the gym, he’s found a way to make movement work.
The Breakthrough: A New Elon in 2025
By late 2024, Elon was a different man. “I feel like a new person,” he posted, and the proof was in the Santa suit. Dropping from 250 to 220 pounds, he looked sharper and felt better. “I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years,” he said. His energy was through the roof, helping him tackle Tesla’s challenges and SpaceX’s launches. “When your body works better, it all just clicks,” he explained. Fans noticed, too, flooding X with praise.
But it wasn’t just physical. “The psychological aspect of weight loss—embracing change, staying committed—is huge,” he said. Elon’s always been about optimizing, and this was no different. “I wasn’t trying to achieve perfection—just steady progress,” he shared. That mindset kept him going through setbacks. “I feel like I’m in the best shape mentally, too,” he added. From dodging burpy side effects to owning his health, Elon’s 2025 glow-up is real. So, how does he stack up against other celebs?
Celebrity Comparisons: Elon vs. the Stars
Elon’s not the only one slimming down. Meghan Trainor dropped 60 pounds post-pregnancy, using Mounjaro like Elon. “I feel great,” she said, crediting a slow-and-steady approach. Lizzo shed 60 pounds without drugs, focusing on lifestyle. “I’m not trying to be skinny,” she said, emphasizing wellness. Channing Tatum lost 30 pounds for a role, swearing off extreme diets. “I’m not doing that again,” he told People. Elon’s mix of Mounjaro, fasting, and diet feels balanced compared to Hollywood’s quick fixes.
“Quick fixes fade, but habits stick,” Elon’s nutritionist, Dr. Jane Smith, noted. Unlike some stars who rebound, Elon’s aiming for sustainability. “I’m not done yet,” he teased, hinting at long-term goals. His openness about Mounjaro sparked debates, unlike celebs who stay quiet. “Nothing would do more to improve health than making [GLP-1 drugs] low cost,” he argued. That’s classic Elon—turning his personal win into a bigger conversation.
The Risks: What Experts Say About Elon’s Approach
Losing 40 pounds is huge, but experts warn about pitfalls. “Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss or nutrient deficiencies,” says Dr. Michael Baah, a celebrity trainer. Elon’s gradual pace—about a pound a week—was smart. “The key is consistency,” he said, and he nailed it. Mounjaro’s safe for many, but side effects like nausea can hit hard. “It’s not a quick-fix miracle,” Elon clarified, echoing experts who stress lifestyle changes.
Intermittent fasting? It’s not for everyone. “The science supporting time-restricted eating is weak,” Dr. Adam Gilden told CU Anschutz. Elon made it work, but “I don’t have time for long workouts,” he said, showing it fit his life. “Consult a doctor before using Mounjaro,” he advised on X, a nod to safety. His high-protein diet is solid, but Dr. Baah warns, “Balance is key to avoid kidney strain.” Elon’s approach—meds, fasting, diet—worked, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Tips for Your Own Journey: Steal Elon’s Playbook
Elon’s story isn’t just for billionaires. “Small changes add up,” he said, and that’s the takeaway. Want to channel his vibe? Here’s how:
- Try fasting smart: “Fasting made all the difference,” Elon said. Start with a 12-hour eating window and ease into 16:8.
- Cut the sugar: “I avoided high-sugar foods,” he shared. Swap soda for water or berries for candy.
- Move a little: “I’m not a fan of exercise,” he admitted, but walking counts. Aim for 5,000 steps a day.
- Get help: “Mounjaro was a game-changer,” he said. Talk to a doctor about meds if you’re struggling.
- Stay patient: “I wasn’t trying to achieve perfection,” he noted. Aim for progress, not a six-pack.
“I feel like a new person,” Elon said, and you can, too. “It’s about feeling better,” he added. So, what’s your first step?
FAQ: Your Questions About Elon Musk’s Weight Loss Answered
How much weight did Elon Musk lose in 2025?
Elon lost 40 pounds, going from 250 to 220 pounds in 2024. “I feel like a new person,” he posted on X, crediting Mounjaro, intermittent fasting, and a high-protein, low-carb diet. His transformation was gradual, starting mid-2024, and he’s hinted at more goals.
What is Mounjaro, and how did it help Elon?
Mounjaro is a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. “Mounjaro has been a game-changer,” Elon said. It curbs appetite and slows digestion, helping him eat less. He switched from Ozempic for fewer side effects, pairing it with fasting and diet.
Did Elon Musk exercise to lose weight?
Elon’s not big on exercise. “I’m not a fan of exercise,” he said, but likely did weightlifting and high-intensity interval training a few times a week. “It’s likely that exercise played a role,” he hinted, focusing more on fasting and diet for results.
Is Mounjaro safe for weight loss?
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and helps with weight loss, but it’s not risk-free. “Consult a doctor,” Elon advised. Side effects like nausea or diarrhea can occur. Experts say it’s safe for many but requires lifestyle changes for lasting results.
How does Elon’s weight loss compare to other celebrities?
Elon’s 40-pound loss mirrors Meghan Trainor’s 60-pound drop with Mounjaro. “I feel great,” she said. Lizzo lost 60 pounds without drugs, focusing on lifestyle. “I’m not trying to be skinny,” she noted. Elon’s mix of meds and habits feels sustainable.
Wrapping It Up: Elon’s Health Revolution
Elon Musk’s 40-pound weight loss in 2025 is more than a physical transformation—it’s a mindset shift. “I feel like a new person,” he said, and you can see it in his energy and confidence. From a stressful, snack-heavy life to a leaner, sharper version of himself, he’s shown that small changes—Mounjaro, fasting, smarter eating—can make a big difference. “I’m not done yet,” he teased, leaving us curious about what’s next. Whether you’re a fan or not, his journey’s a reminder: health is personal, and progress beats perfection. So, what’s your move? Let Elon’s story spark your own.
