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Any time someone in the limelight loses weight, the masses must know how they did it. Elon Musk was no exception when he achieved a body Twitter fans were admiring with words like "ripped" and "fit." When he mentioned Wegovy, which is the brand name for the Peptide Semaglutide, as one of his great tools for weight loss, the media went wild, exploring how this seeming wonder drug works and exploring whether it's available outside the circles of the rich and famous. Here's how Musk lost weight and what the possibilities of Semaglutide for weight loss might mean for you.

Elon Musk's Strategy for Weight Loss

Elon Musk has shown off an impressive amount of weight loss over the last year, prompting many to inquire about his chosen strategies. In August 2022, Musk tweeted "On advice of a good friend, I've been fasting periodically and feel healthier." He went on to note that "The Zero fasting app is quite good." When asked how much weight he lost by fasting, Musk replied that he was "Over 20 pounds down from my (unhealthy) peak weight."

Fasting isn't the only strategy that Musk ultimately chose to use to support his weight loss, however. In October 2022, Florida real estate agent Eva McMillan took to Twitter to ask Elon Musk about his weight loss secret, noting that he looked "awesome, fit, ripped, and healthy" in a recent photo. Musk responded by echoing his earlier statement that fasting was at work, then added a second comment noting, "And Wegovy."

In the weeks since media outlets have given this simple statement a slew of publicity because it gives a big-name endorsement to this burgeoning product that many aren't yet familiar with. Elon Musk is an eccentric serial tech entrepreneur who leads a number of industry-leading companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. With so many innovative businesses under his belt, it's no wonder Musk is someone who garners a great deal of attention with his choices. If Wegovy worked for him, it's worth asking who else it might work for.

What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy is one of the brand names for a drug called semaglutide, which is also sold under the brand name Ozempic. Semaglutide was originally designed as a diabetes treatment. This drug mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor to help control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. However, the drug was soon found to assist with weight management as well. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy for chronic weight management.

The GLP-1 receptor that Wegovy mimics helps trigger a feeling of fullness. This hormone helps control appetite, so users will typically eat less. Wegovy should be used in conjunction with physical exercise and healthy eating for the greatest benefits. This likely explains why it worked for Elon Musk alongside his fasting regimen, as Wegovy would help him enjoy a feeling of fullness even with a reduced caloric intake.

Typical Results With Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Studies have shown that patients using Wegovy for 16 months lose 12% of their body weight on average. Though individual results vary, Wegovy routinely outperforms placebos in weight loss studies. The best results come from individuals who are dedicated to a plan that includes reduced caloric intake and more physical activity. Patients who don't make these changes will not see that same dramatic weight loss.

Though semaglutide assists with weight loss when administered at a dose of just 1 mg a week, patients can take up to 2.4 mg weekly. At this higher dosage, semaglutide may offer additional benefits, helping to treat or prevent conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea.

How To Use Semaglutide

Patients typically use semaglutide as a once-weekly injection. This medication produces notable weight loss results at very low doses. Health care providers will typically begin with a low dose of the medication and gradually increase it as needed. You should only use semaglutide medications under the supervision of a health care professional. At the biostation, we perform a detailed intake session and take a comprehensive blood panel to determine whether a patient is a good fit for a semaglutide weight loss plan.

At the biostation, we administer semaglutide as part of a well-rounded weight loss regimen that includes weekly monitoring and a complete weight loss protocol that includes nutritional guides and expert recommendations. Known as our bSlim peptide weight loss program, this plan provides a host of benefits that go beyond weight loss. Patients who successfully complete the regimen can enjoy perks like:

  • Reduced inflammation.
  • Lower risk for cardiovascular events.
  • Better glycemic control.
  • Lower blood pressure.

Patients using semaglutide are typically asked to reduce their intake by about 500 calories a day and get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. These lifestyle changes will help you get the most out of your semaglutide treatment plan.

Semaglutide works best as a short-term supplement to promote weight loss. Over the course of your weight loss program, you'll learn how to adopt a new relationship with food. This includes adjusting portion sizes, changing your eating schedule, and focusing on healthier foods with a lower caloric density. If you maintain these eating habits, you can retain your weight loss long after you've stopped using semaglutide.

If you're interested in learning more about semaglutide, contact our team at the biostation. We can help determine whether this weight loss regimen is a good fit for your needs and recommend the healthiest way to pursue your goals for fitness and wellness.

Image by jurvetson is licensed with CC BY 2.0