Concerns about Elon Musk’s health have been spotlighted by a leading physician, who notes the billionaire’s apparent signs of ‘rapid aging.’ Musk, now 54, appeared visibly older and fatigued during his recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, where his eighth guest spot aired last Friday.

Dr. Stuart Fischer, a respected physician based in New York, commented on Musk’s current appearance, noting a significant change since his presence at the Republican National Convention in July 2024. “Even then, he appeared more rejuvenated than he does now,” Fischer remarked, pointing out the physical and emotional toll that stress and public scrutiny may have taken on Musk.

Although Dr. Fischer has not personally examined or treated Musk, he emphasized the broader implications of rapid aging, warning that it can signal heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes. “Stress floods the body with cortisol and adrenaline,” Fischer explained, “which can hasten the deterioration of heart health and increase the likelihood of blood clots.”

‘The exposure, the stress, and the controversy appear to have aged him physically and emotionally.’

Dr Fischer, who did not examine or treat Musk, added that rapid aging doesn’t just show on the face, ‘It puts you at risk of heart attacks and strokes.’

He added: ‘Being stressed all the time floods the body with cortisol and adrenaline, which accelerates wear and tear on the heart and makes blood clots more likely.

‘Chronic stress also reduces nutrient absorption, so essential vitamins and antioxidants aren’t used effectively, causing the ‘rusting: of cells. 

‘Poor sleep and eating poorly when you’re stressed only make it worse.’ 

High levels of stress hormones break down collagen, the protein that gives skin its firmness, elasticity, and smooth texture.

This can lead to skin becoming dull, saggy and loose, dark circles appear and wrinkles form faster. 

Being stressed out also makes it more difficult to sleep, compounding the effects. 

It also takes a toll on the brain.

Elevated cortisol and fatigue physically shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain critical for memory, and impair neural connections, making it harder to focus, retain information, and process emotions. 

Over time, this cognitive strain can make someone appear mentally exhausted, forgetful, and less sharp  — adding to the overall impression of someone ailing.

Stamina did not seem an issue for Musk during his three-hour podcast session with Rogan, but his signature awkward pauses seemed more labored. 

Dr Fischer said: ‘It’s the stress. I don’t think he was ready for the overwhelming stress of winding up in the middle of international politics over the past few years.

‘Even local politics is stressful enough but the divisiveness on the national and international level is different.

‘People who used to love him are now deeply upset with him, it’s very draining, and he’s got his companies to run at the same time.’  

Once celebrated by the left as a visionary of clean energy, Musk was a self‑described Democrat who cast his 2020 vote for Joe Biden.

But his political orientation shifted radically after his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, which he rebranded ‘X’. 

By mid‑2024 a much larger share of his social‑media output focused on conservative causes and by early 2025 he was a Republican government insider.

Dubbed the ‘First Buddy,’ Musk was appointed to lead the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative aimed at slashing federal agencies.