Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has made a candid admission about his health, revealing that the weight loss medication he is using is having a significant impact on his body composition.
The 'muscle-eating' side effect
In a recent column for The Times, the Clarkson's Farm host disclosed that scientific research indicated his medication, Mounjaro, is "eating my muscles". The drug, also known as Tirzepatide, is an injectable treatment designed to aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, according to NHS guidance.
Clarkson, 65, stated that to counteract this loss of lean muscle mass, he "absolutely must do weights in the gym". However, he confessed a strong reluctance to follow this advice, quipping about the human tendency to know what's good for us but not act on it.
Remarkable results and a weight 'plateau'
The presenter's journey with the drug began over six months ago, and he has described the results as "astonishing". He told The Sun's Sun Club that he had shed an impressive three stone during that period, even joking that his shoes were now falling off his feet.
However, Clarkson confirmed he has now "plateaued" and is no longer losing additional weight. He continues to use Mounjaro as it effectively controls his appetite, preventing any regain. "It really is an astonishing drug," he reiterated.
Understanding the science behind the loss
Clarkson's experience aligns with information from healthcare providers. Online pharmacy Chemist4U notes that weight lost on Mounjaro is not exclusively fat. It cites studies suggesting up to one-third of the reduction can come from "non-fat mass", which includes muscle and bone.
When discussing other potential side effects with The Sun, Clarkson said he had avoided common issues like constipation. He humorously questioned whether a diminished libido was due to the drug or his age. His partner, Lisa Hogan, has noted he has become slightly more irritable, and Clarkson admitted to feeling "a little bit duller and not quite as sharp".
Faced with the choice between combating muscle loss with exercise or stopping the treatment, Clarkson's solution is straightforward. "Come off Mounjaro probably," he said. "I really can't abide being out of breath."
