Elon Musk says he's Ozempic Santa
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Hey, everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads that shape SpaceX, Tesla, X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. I'm your host, Will Walden. How does Elon Musk's endorsement of weight loss drug clash with RFK Jr.'s views? Now, could this spark a rift within Trump's incoming administration? And what does this controversy say about America's health priorities?

These questions emerge after Elon Musk publicly shared that he's taking Mongero, a drug from the same class as Ozempic, a medication Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has staunchly criticized for its health implications. The contrasting views between Musk and Kennedy, both prominent figures in Donald Trump's soon-to-be administration, highlight a complex debate over wealth, health, weight loss, and drug reliance in the United States.

Now, on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2024, Musk posted a tongue-in-cheek photo to X, formerly known as Twitter, of course, featuring himself dressed as Santa Claus, minus the traditional big belly. He captioned it, Ozempic Santa, adding humor by comparing it to the popular film character, Cocaine Bear. Now, Musk later clarified he was using, uh,

a semi-glutide-based medication similar to Ozempic, joking that the name lacked the same catchy ring. Now, the post sparked attention.

especially given Kennedy's vocal opposition to drugs like semaglutides, which were originally designed to treat diabetes but have surged in popularity for their appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects. Now, Musk's public embrace of the drug stands in sharp contrast to Kennedy's earlier statements. Kennedy, tapped by Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has consistently expressed skepticism about medications like Ozempic.

In October, during an interview with Fox News' Greg Gutfeld, Kennedy criticized the push for semaglutide, particularly in the American market.

He said they make the drug in Denmark and in Denmark, they do not recommend it for a diabetes or obesity. They recommend dietary and behavioral changes. He added that Americans addiction to quick fix solutions rather than long-term lifestyle changes is part of the problem. He said they're counting on selling it to Americans because we are so stupid and so addicted to drugs.

Now, he reiterated his belief that improving food quality could address obesity far more effectively. Now, Kennedy's remarks align with his broader mission to make America healthy again, a platform that emphasizes preventive care and lifestyle adjustments over medication. However, Musk has directly contradicted the stance, claiming in past comments that broadening access to drugs like Ozempix could greatly improve public health.

Nothing would do more to improve public health, Musk said, underscoring his belief in the drug's transformative potential. Now, this tension between Musk and Kennedy is particularly striking given their roles in Trump's incoming administration. Musk, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy,

has been selected to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, in office designed to eliminate bureaucratic waste and streamline government operations. Meanwhile, Kennedy has been charged with spearheading HHS, with Trump granting him significant leeway to overhaul health policies.

policies, so long as they do not conflict with Trump's energy goals. The differing philosophies between Musk and Kennedy could lead to disagreements in policymaking, particularly in areas where health intersects with budgetary priorities.

Now, the debate over semaglutide reflects broader societal and governmental discussions about obesity in healthcare. During his final days in office, Joe Biden's administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for semaglutide drugs, including Ozempic, to make them more accessible. And advocates argue that such medications can address obesity-related conditions and improve public health outcomes.

Opponents, like Kennedy, caution against an over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, arguing for addressing root causes like diet and lifestyle. Kennedy's skepticism about semaglutide isn't the only potential conflict within Trump's health-focused team.

Dr. Oz, Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has publicly supported drugs like Ozempic. Oz has highlighted their benefits for weight loss and cardiovascular health, even predicting they could provide long-term advantages in reducing obesity-related inflammation.

In a video posted to his Instagram last year, Oz remarked, I think the amount of good done by these medications by helping people lose weight and improve their cardiovascular system is massive. And if confirmed, Oz would report directly to Kennedy, setting the stage for potential disagreements over drug policy. Now, the public debate also shows the cultural divide over how to address the obesity epidemic in the U.S.,

Kennedy has consistently emphasized the importance of better dietary practices and higher quality food access as primary solutions. The first line of response should be lifestyle.

It should be eating well, making sure that you don't get obese, Kennedy told CNBC during a brief interview on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Yet in a subtle shift, he acknowledged that drugs like Ozempic might have a place in certain contexts, signaling a possible softening of his position as he seeks Senate approval for his HHS nomination.

Kennedy's evolving rhetoric may also reflect the political balancing act required as he moves closer to taking office. Both Musk and Oz, prominent figures in Trump's circle, have endorsed the medications, and Kennedy may be calibrating his stance to avoid alienating key allies. Still, his core message remains rooted in promoting healthier lifestyles as the cornerstone of addressing America's obesity crisis. As the debate unfolds,

Public interest in semi-glutide drugs like Ozempic and Monjaro continues to grow. These medications developed for diabetes management have found a new audience among individuals seeking weight loss. However, questions about their long-term safety, affordability, and cultural impact linger. A rise in demand for cheaper, unregulated knockoffs has sparked additional concerns about quality control.

in consumer safety. Now, representatives from Musk, Kennedy, and Trump transition team declined to comment when approached by our show, the Elon Musk podcast. And the silence leaves the public to speculate on how these philosophical and policy differences might play out in Trump's administration. Now, as Musk and Kennedy navigate their roles, the potential for conflict looms, especially in an administration that has yet to fully reconcile differing viewpoints on healthcare and government efficiencies.

Now, Elon Musk's public endorsement of these drugs is a stark divide within Trump's incoming administration. And while Musk champions these drugs, Kennedy remains skeptical, advocating for a focus on lifestyle changes and also food quality. This could be a battle in the middle of Trump's new administration.

Now let me know what you think. If you have comments on your podcast platform, please leave a comment about this. Are you in favor of these drugs or do you think that a healthy lifestyle, better eating, better food, cleaner food is the answer? I'll tell you my opinion on this. I think for some people, drugs like Majero or Ozempic are necessary. And if you need them, go for it. It's their own personal choice, but also,

Just try to eat better. That makes sense, right? That makes a lot of sense. Eat better, eat healthier, put down the hot dogs and start eating food that's healthy and good for you. Now, if you really like this podcast, please take a second and go to clubelon.supercast.com. There is a link in the show notes or the description below.

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Bored with your boring cardio? Stop pedaling that snooze cycle to Nowheresville and try some cardio that's actually fun. Supernatural Fitness, available on MetaQuest. Isn't that right, Jane Fonda? Cardio will never be boring again. Sweat to the beat of thousands of chart-topping songs inside stunning virtual landscapes. Bet your stationary bike can't do that. Visit GetSupernatural.com and join the next fitness revolution. Supernatural VR Fitness, only on MetaQuest. Wait a team for team.

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