Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to the public eye. Known for his ambitious goals, groundbreaking ventures, and larger-than-life persona, Musk has also recently turned heads for a different reason—his impressive weight loss. In 2024, Musk revealed that he had shed 40 pounds, sparking both admiration and curiosity among his fans and followers. His transformation isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s about embracing a new lifestyle, managing stress, and making intentional changes to his health.
This article takes a deeper dive into Elon Musk’s weight loss journey, exploring the methods he used, the psychological and emotional aspects of his transformation, and how his approach to health and wellness might resonate with anyone seeking to make meaningful changes in their own lives.
The Turning Point: Facing Personal Health Realities
For years, Musk had been open about his unconventional lifestyle, juggling his many companies, personal life, and ambitions. But, like many people, he found that his health and weight had become an issue. Musk had struggled with his weight in the past, and the pressures of his high-stress career and irregular eating habits began to take a toll on his well-being. In early 2024, Musk admitted that at his heaviest, he was struggling with his weight, which had ballooned during the stresses of work and life.
“I was at a point where I weighed around 250 pounds, and it wasn’t healthy,” Musk shared in a candid tweet. “I didn’t like the way I felt, and I realized I needed to make a change if I wanted to be healthier and feel better.”
Musk’s weight gain came not only from lifestyle choices but also from the time he had spent during the pandemic, when he had less structured daily routines. As a result, he decided to take control of his health and embark on a weight loss journey to improve his overall well-being.
The Role of Mounjaro: Weight Loss Medication as a Key Tool
Musk’s weight loss journey would not be a quick fix. In fact, he turned to weight-loss medication as part of his strategy. In December 2024, Musk publicly revealed that he had been using Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication that has gained attention for its ability to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting fat loss.
“I’ve been using Mounjaro, and I’m a big fan,” Musk said in a tweet, where he also humorously dubbed himself “Ozempic Santa” after his significant transformation. “It’s been a game changer for me. It helps me keep hunger at bay and makes it easier to stick to my health goals.”
Mounjaro, along with its counterpart Ozempic, has gained popularity for helping individuals manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. However, for Musk, the medication was just one piece of a larger health puzzle. While it helped him reduce his appetite and manage his cravings, he also adopted a combination of lifestyle changes to ensure his weight loss was sustainable.
Dietary Changes: Intermittent Fasting and Healthier Choices
In addition to taking Mounjaro, Musk adopted a dietary approach that aligned with his busy lifestyle and his health goals. One of the most significant changes he made was adopting intermittent fasting. This approach involves limiting eating to specific windows of time, often skipping meals or restricting calorie intake to certain periods during the day. Musk has previously spoken about using intermittent fasting to help him stay focused and manage his weight.
“I don’t really eat breakfast, and I try to keep my meals smaller,” Musk explained in an interview. “Intermittent fasting works well for me. It helps me stay on track and feel more energized.”
Alongside fasting, Musk began focusing more on making healthier food choices. Rather than opting for quick, unhealthy meals, he chose meals that would fuel his body for the long haul. This shift involved cutting back on processed foods and increasing his intake of protein-rich foods, vegetables, and healthy fats. For Musk, it wasn’t about following a strict diet but rather making mindful choices that aligned with his goals.
“I try to eat more whole foods—lean proteins, veggies, and things that give me more energy without feeling sluggish,” Musk shared. “I’ve stopped eating as much junk food. It’s about balance, not perfection.”
Exercise: Building Strength and Staying Active
Though Musk has always had a demanding schedule, exercise became another key element in his weight loss journey. Musk, like many people, had struggled with consistency in his exercise routine. But this time, he committed to staying more active, focusing on activities that he found engaging and rewarding. Rather than pushing himself into intense workout regimens, Musk opted for a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercises that worked for his lifestyle.
“I’m not a huge fan of going to the gym, but I do try to stay active. I lift weights a few times a week, and I make sure to walk a lot,” Musk shared. He has often been spotted walking around his SpaceX or Tesla campuses, a habit that supports his fitness goals.
Musk also incorporated activities that helped him unwind and manage stress. Walking and light cardio, combined with a few strength training sessions per week, created a balanced routine that didn’t feel overwhelming.
Mindset and Psychological Growth: Managing Stress and Anxiety
For Musk, losing weight wasn’t just a physical journey—it was also a mental one. As the CEO of multiple billion-dollar companies, Musk’s life is often filled with immense pressure and stress. Managing these pressures and learning to balance his career with his health became a central part of his transformation.
Musk has always been candid about the mental toll that his career can take. He has talked openly about dealing with anxiety, burnout, and the challenges of juggling multiple high-stakes ventures. In the past, his work habits often led to a lack of focus on his personal health. However, as part of his weight loss journey, Musk began adopting strategies to help manage his mental health as well.
“I realized that mental health is just as important as physical health. If I’m not in the right headspace, it’s much harder to focus on my body,” Musk said. To cope with stress, Musk incorporated meditation into his daily routine, along with practicing mindfulness during his busy days. He has mentioned in interviews that taking moments throughout the day to step back and focus on his breathing or do some quick meditation helped him reduce stress and stay on track with his health goals.
“Meditation and mindfulness are a big part of staying balanced,” Musk shared. “It’s not just about working hard—it’s about working smart and taking care of yourself.”
Overcoming Social Pressures: Staying Focused on His Health Journey
Musk’s public weight loss journey has not been without its share of social media commentary. While many have celebrated his transformation, others have expressed concerns or doubts about his use of weight loss medication. Musk has been transparent about using Mounjaro and has faced both praise and criticism for it. Despite this, he has remained focused on his health goals.
“I know there are mixed opinions about weight loss drugs, but for me, it’s about getting my health back on track,” Musk shared. “I’m doing what works for me. And honestly, I feel better than I have in years.”
Musk’s willingness to speak openly about his weight loss choices, including the use of medication, reflects his pragmatic approach to health. He has always been a figure unafraid to challenge norms, and in this case, he’s challenging the traditional notions of how weight loss should be achieved.
The Outcome: A Healthier, More Energized Elon Musk
After losing 40 pounds, Musk now looks fitter than ever. He credits his success to a combination of medication, intermittent fasting, healthier food choices, exercise, and mental health management. The weight loss has allowed him to feel more energized, improve his physical health, and boost his confidence.
“I feel great. I have more energy, I sleep better, and I’m more focused at work,” Musk said. “It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and being able to keep up with everything in my life.”
Musk’s journey has been a powerful reminder that even the busiest and most successful people can prioritize their health. Through determination, openness, and a willingness to embrace change, Musk has demonstrated that making small, consistent changes can lead to big results.
A Source of Inspiration for Health and Change
Elon Musk’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of personal growth and self-care. It shows that no matter how busy or high-profile someone is, they can still make health a priority. Through his transparency about the challenges he faced and the methods he used, Musk has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired others to take their health into their own hands.
For anyone looking to make a change in their own life, Musk’s approach offers valuable insights. It’s about balancing work, life, and health while being kind to oneself and focusing on long-term well-being. With the right mindset and commitment, anyone can achieve their own version of success, just like Musk has done with his health transformation.