An AI-generated image has recently surfaced, presenting a humorous and exaggerated vision of Elon Musk if he were to let himself go. The 54-year-old tech titan has been open about using the weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, even playfully dubbing himself ‘Ozempic Santa’ last Christmas. Musk has yet to address persistent rumors about undergoing hair transplants, a trend that has gained traction in recent years. Nonetheless, speculation continues, fueled by his once-receding hairline, which now appears remarkably restored.

In an imaginative move, the Daily Mail captured an image of Musk from his latest appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience and used Microsoft Copilot to ponder, “What would Elon Musk look like without hair transplants or weight-loss aids?” The AI platform delivered an exaggerated portrayal, more reminiscent of Dr. Evil than Musk himself. This new conversation with Rogan has sparked health concerns from a leading doctor, who claims Musk is showing signs of ‘rapid aging.’

During his eighth stint on the Joe Rogan Experience, released last Friday, Musk appeared weary and fatigued. Dr. Stuart Fischer, a physician based in New York, commented to the Daily Mail, “Even at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, Musk looked more rejuvenated than he does now. It seems that exposure, stress, and controversy have taken a toll on him both physically and emotionally.” While Dr. Fischer has not personally examined Musk, he warned that rapid aging isn’t just a cosmetic issue, as it could increase the 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 appearing and wrinkles forming 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 as 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.