[Times column] Jeremy Clarkson: “Ozempic left me sick. Now I’m on the snail caviar”
Posted by FlipStig1@reddit | thegrandtour | View on Reddit | 127 comments
Jeremy Clarkson is trying to lose some weight, and he tried to do that with Ozempic. That wasn’t a success, so he’s now trying another drug called Mounjaro (which he playfully called “Muntjac” in his column). Here’s a preview:
“When you are on Muntjac, you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds. And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
“So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.”
(Please note that these are solely Clarkson’s views and that the possibility of a paywall encounter exists with this link.)
BeardedAvenger@reddit
He should try Keto. I lost almost 4 stone now just by mainly eating copious amounts of meat and drinking Pepsi Max. Losing so much weight and so fast feels like a cheat code.
Geezheeztall@reddit
Not sure why you’re being downvoted so badly. Keto works. I brought down my blood sugar to normal levels, lost weight and greatly improved my health. It’s not magic, you just forgo eating shit-tier foods and heavy carb sources.
BeardedAvenger@reddit
It's actually revelatory how good this diet is for me and my partner. Exactly the same results as you. The last time I was this light or felt this good was when I was able to go for a run every morning.
The quality of the food I eat has gotten so much higher, even if it's just a decent steak or burger patties. But I like that I have the option of shit-tier food as well. Gotta get fast food? Just ditch the chips. Fancy a kebab? Just eat it without the naan. Want chocolate? A bit of 85% dark chocolate is fine!
Geezheeztall@reddit
Oh totally agree. Two portions of 85% Lindt, skip the grains fruit and starch, and strategize when your meal options are less than ideal.
I seem to be one that’s afflicted with the rare side effects of medications. I understand the science behind Ozempic but the fine print really had me weary. I opted for daily time release insulin and a significantly improved diet.
Jeremy’s story seems typical. One can take Ozempic or equivalents, but the best results need a drastic change in diet and mindset. The drug can’t be doing all the work, but a good diet more often than not can.
Breakthecyclist@reddit
Keto and intermittent fasting work astonishingly well.
BeardedAvenger@reddit
Yeah the intermittent fasting worked great as well. Had done that for years with limited success but it's so much easier to stick to it now on keto as I feel fuller for longer and have less temptation to break the fast.
ElaBosak@reddit
Keto was excellent for me. I did it for a 2 month spell then remained in a slight calorie deficit whilst bringing carbs back in. Never put weight back on and so much healthier.
BeardedAvenger@reddit
That's my plan once I hit my target weight. Ease back into it while staying off the junk!
blizzard7788@reddit
I was on semaglutide for three months. Lost 15 pounds. Felt like I had the worst hangover for 5 days after every shot. Started out at 5 units shot. I also had colon surgery last year where 2/3 of my colon was removed. The results were I had very frequent explosive diarrhea for three days after the shot. I was drinking plenty of water, and it would go in one end and come out the other a hour later. It just doesn’t work for me. Dr suggested I not try Mounjaro.
Vegetable_Mix_1843@reddit
Хрюк?
jrewillis@reddit
For those who don't want the paywall
https://archive.is/LaWxM
joke21Toil@reddit
Started Mounjaro around 4-5 years ago. Lost ~ 40lbs. and my A1C is down to pre- diabetic numbers!
joke21Toil@reddit
Yep! Old as fuck here, don’t remember shit!
fjbrahh@reddit
Mounjaro was first approved in May 2022 in the US (first place to approve it, and only for diabetes treatment initially), so unless you took it for over 2 years before it was approved that’s completely wrong.
I’m not saying this as a Mounjaro hater because I’m actually currently on it, I’m saying this as someone who hates people openly lying online
Clegko@reddit
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they've been on a GLP-1 antagonist for that long, not necessarily Mounjaro.
ProtoplanetaryNebula@reddit
or confused years with months.
ProtoplanetaryNebula@reddit
Did you mean to write years ago? I didn't know it was around back then?
kedde1x@reddit
BS. Mounjaro wasn't on the market 4-5 years ago. It was approved less than 3 years ago.
Benville@reddit
Also 40lb on MJ in 5 years is far from a success. I've been on it since October and lost more.
redheadartgirl@reddit
You're assuming he had more than 40 lbs to lose.
Benville@reddit
Then it wouldn't take 5 years.
redheadartgirl@reddit
He didn't say it took him the whole time, he just said he started it years ago. It sounds to me like he started it when it came available, lost the weight he was trying to lose, and is now saying he's in a much healthier place.
kedde1x@reddit
He didn't start it 4-5 years ago seeing it was approved less than 3 years ago. The comment is BS.
redheadartgirl@reddit
Or hear me out: he lost track of exactly what year he started it. I have also lost track of time since covid.
fjbrahh@reddit
Mounjaro can be prescribed for life for diabetics under certain conditions. It wasn’t intended as a weight loss drug but rather a diabetes management drug, and then it turned out it worked great for weight loss too. You can absolutely be on it long term and not lose much weight if you’re taking it for diabetes
blosch1983@reddit
I’m currently using mounjaro, got maybe one more month until I start coming off it. I’ve lost more than 20 kgs and have entirely changed my eating habits. The side effects for me have been minimal thankfully. I know that will power will be required post mounjaro but I kicked smoking so hopefully I can avoid rebounding too far 😂
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
29kg since October 😎
blosch1983@reddit
Many congrats, I hope it’s changed your life 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Comfortable-Leek-729@reddit
Had similar results with Ozempic, I’ve heard Mounjaro is different..but I never tried it myself. Doing it the old fashioned way now
tech_auto@reddit
Good for you for going the traditional way! exercise and good eating habits.
I doubt Clarkston ever attempted that 😆
Comfortable-Leek-729@reddit
It’s not something everyone can do. I’m coming off several injuries and it’s rough. I’m in my 30s. I can’t imagine keeping up this tempo of workouts/dieting in my 60s, it would be near impossible.
I think these drugs have their place, I just had bad side effects.
tech_auto@reddit
I can't speak for everyone, I imagine it's difficult coming from injury (both mentally and physically). Coming off injury I heard about how Tommy Rivs (ifit trainer) managed to slowly come back just talking small steps walking then back to running.
I can't imagine doing it in the 60s, it's good to start now and set up a good base, not everyone realizes it then it's too late.
Chaise91@reddit
What was your initial dose of ozempic?
Comfortable-Leek-729@reddit
Lowest one possible, I think I got 2 months out of the first pen
Chaise91@reddit
It's a shame it didn't work, even at the lowest dose. I asked because I heard of people jumping right into 2mg, getting sick, and complaining that it makes them feel bad.
potato_analyst@reddit
If you can do it and maintain it that's the best way of doing it. For everyone else, there are drugs 😂
HelloW0rldBye@reddit
He mentioned that in his article. Losing weight used to be applauded, but now it's like completing a marathon in a car.
memcwho@reddit
It is, but the goal was never run the marathon from point A, it was to arrive at point B.
ElaBosak@reddit
False. If you run the marathon you learn so much more and are much better off mentally than taking shortcuts. It says a lot about someone who would rather pop a pill than work hard at something.
BabyWrinkles@reddit
Would you shit on someone with autism for struggling to deal with complex social situations?
Would you shit on someone with bipolar for taking an SSRI?
You’re all over this thread pretending like everyone can lose weight with just a bit of willpower and determination when science is increasingly telling us that that’s just not the case.
Yes, there are a billion and one mitigating factors for gaining and losing weight - I don’t see anyone pretending there isn’t - but certainly if there’s a low-side-effect shortcut to becoming more healthy and the folks who need it can access it and those for whom it makes it easy enough to do can get on the bandwagon too? Awesome. That’s better for everyone.
Stop gate keeping either people’s medical decisions and be happy for those who can get what they need?
memcwho@reddit
What does it say about them?
wulleybully@reddit
The thing is many people who lose the weight on these drugs will put it back on.
Clegko@reddit
Only if they don't create new habits or have the meds taken from them cold turkey.
In reality, GLP-1 meds like this are lifelong medications but insurance and (some) doctors don't treat them that way.
wulleybully@reddit
Also they are not lifelong medications they have long term side effects, they shouldn’t be taken for more than a year
Clegko@reddit
They treat chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. You wouldn't just stop cholesterol medicine because your cholesterol dropped. That doesn't mean you're cured, that means the medicine is working
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/expert-insight-long-term-glp-1-use-often-necessary-to-maintain-weight-loss-health-benefits
wulleybully@reddit
They also cause things like osteoporosis in long term usage… they are NOT lifetime drugs please talk to a medical professional. They are a short term answer and aid to treat type 2 diabetes. Also, when your A1C has reached an acceptable level your doctor will take you off medications that treat such things. Some people, myself included, get off all of the meds they were once taking. Losing weight and eating a proper diet can often be enough to control type 2 diabetes.
Clegko@reddit
The list of medicines that *could potentially* cause osteoporosis is longer than the list of ones that may not. Not a great argument there.
But go off on how this one specific medicine is bad for us.
wulleybully@reddit
Also at what point did I ever say you shouldn’t work with your doctor? Additionally it absolutely fucking is the BEST way to manage type 2 diabetes any doctor would tell you this. Drugs are there when proper diet exercise and lifestyle habits do not work. It’s never drugs first and lifestyle second… fuck I hope no one ever takes any type of health advice from you.
Clegko@reddit
Did you really have to make a 2nd comment an hour after your last one? Just move along and we can agree to disagree.
wulleybully@reddit
Yes because you are so fucking wrong people need to read it. It’s not a disagreement, it’s a warning for anyone reading the bullshit you’re spewing.
Clegko@reddit
If you say so.
wulleybully@reddit
Brother did I say it was bad for anyone? I literally took a glp1 medication. It helped me lose an additional almost 100lbs after losing 50lbs before starting. They are a fantastic aid, but it’s an aid it requires true changes in habits and lifestyle to maintain. These drugs were not purposely developed for weight loss and are not meant to be taken long term. If you don’t understand the side effects of long term use I feel bad for you, because they are SERIOUS. Osteoporosis was just one example of a long term complication I’m not going to sit here and rattle them all off because they are many and some depend on your personal health. Speak with a medical professional…
wulleybully@reddit
Yes most people are not forming new habits they look at this like a short cut instead of an aid, I’ve seen it in literally hundreds of people
Comfortable-Leek-729@reddit
It is wholeheartedly kicking my ass, but I’m making progress. Lots of soreness from daily workouts
IronSkywalker@reddit
My fiancé and I are both on mounjaro now. It just turns off cravings, it's really weird, but amazing. She has binge eating disorder and it just stopped all her compulsion too.
Towards the end of the week it starts getting a little harder to resist things, but still not really a problem. We've been on the lowest dose for 6 weeks now and haven't felt the need to increase
ElaBosak@reddit
Losing weight isn't about the end product, it's about the journey getting there. You are missing out on the mental resilience and learning about nutrition that you get by doing it properly.
IronSkywalker@reddit
You're making some wild assumptions about how we're doing things beyond taking the injections every week bud
ElaBosak@reddit
You take the injections which is enough in itself mate. Try doing it properly rather than looking for shortcuts.
IronSkywalker@reddit
Sorry, didn't realise you know everything about us and what we've tried.
Fingers crossed for you, they might invent something to cure being a total cunt
ElaBosak@reddit
Glad you're leaning into the hope and expectation you have that there is drug to fix everything.
bananas21@reddit
I've tried both, mounjaro is much better, hands down.
SpudsRacer@reddit
Clarkson is a walking advertisement for Metabolic Syndrome. I'm really glad he's taking his weight seriously.
Weak-Citron7097@reddit
He's looked terrible these last few years. Like he's been sleeping rough in a hedge on his farm.
existential_chaos@reddit
I’m surprised the fact he got stuck in a car and it had to be disassembled around him to get him out wasn’t a moment for him where he was like ‘Huh, maybe I should do something about this’.
Paynekiller997@reddit
His “beer gut” is insane. Looks like a hernia.
frozendumpsterfire@reddit
If everyone there was a poster child for a body type that does not need ozempic, it's Jeremy Clarkson. Those skinny legs and arms need some deliberate exercise. Caloric deficit will drive muscle loss and his knees will continue to bow further inward.
Dude needs to start doing some diddly squats
ProtoplanetaryNebula@reddit
I'd say he needs to do some exercise, but he also needs the Mounjaro. He's not realistically going to lose the weight without taking it, because he doesn't have the willpower.
frozendumpsterfire@reddit
I sincerely doubt he was wildly overweight and the muscle loss at this age is far more detrimental to long term health than the extra weight. No need to lose weight if a person is cardiovascularly fitter and stronger.
ProtoplanetaryNebula@reddit
He was definitely getting quite fat lately.
https://www.reddit.com/r/thegrandtour/s/PBPc5YYyob
No reason why he can’t lose the weight and gain muscle.
frozendumpsterfire@reddit
He's been fat for a long while.
As we age, it becomes harder to gain muscle. Calorie restriction will result in muscle loss at this age.
And don't think I didn't notice you ignored the cardiovascular fitness
mrgtiguy@reddit
Good for him. He was looking pretty unhealthy. And with his heart issue. Most people get the instructions wrong. They keep upping the dosage while getting sick.
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
Most people have great results and don't get sick.
South_Dakota_Boy@reddit
Here here.
I Lost 80lbs on Wegovy. Wife lost 40 and is now on Mounjaro. Wegovy was making her mildly sick but Mounjaro isn’t.
Many people who get sick (not all, as I’ve witnessed firsthand) simply keep eating a lot, probably out of habit.
That will make it rough.
mrgtiguy@reddit
It’s not that kind of sick. It’s Nausea and gastric issues.
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
I'm 29kg down on mounjaro, but I do believe theres some people just have a bad time with it, like all meds.
MisterrTickle@reddit
He's trying to force feed himself on them. He went on Waverley for six months and put on half a stone/8lbs/1.1KG through sheer determination to keep on eating.
Johnno74@reddit
Ahhh think you have a conversion stuffed up there. Or else I weigh about 55 stone 🤪
MisterrTickle@reddit
TY I was doing lbs to kilos.
MisterrTickle@reddit
TY I was doing lbs to kilos.
Clegko@reddit
People follow the titration schedule too closely. That's a universal guideline, meant for 'most' people. But if you fall outside of it, but still stick with it, you get suboptimal results... like getting sick.
RateBetter9492@reddit
unless Clarkson cuts out the booze too, he’s not gonna drop the weight. That gigantic gut usually comes from overindulgence in alcohol.
budgefrankly@reddit
Well, that’s half it.
What causes your gut to flop out is two fold: first the weight behind it; second the lack of muscle in front to hold that weight back.
This is which exercise is useful: even if it doesn’t usually help you lose weight if you’re eating poorly, it can add on muscle to help contain the weight you have (as well as all the cardio etc benefits)
ragnarok_klavan@reddit
What could he do realistically to start for a guy his age?
ba_Animator@reddit
30 minute walk a day, cut down on portion sizes and food amount. That is all you need to do. None of these tablets or medicines….
SmallHeath555@reddit
RFK jr is that you? Cause science says that diet and exercise alone DONT work for most people. But hey, you do you boo….
TalkKatt@reddit
This is harmful misinformation.
ElaBosak@reddit
All you need is a calorie deficit. It's extremely simple. If you are doing exercise and diet and not losing, you are not doing exercise or diet enough.
SmallHeath555@reddit
and smoking is good for you right? Doctors advised that until science told them that wasn’t true
ElaBosak@reddit
What? So you're basing your original comment on a hope that science is wrong like it was 60s one time?
ba_Animator@reddit
It is widely known portion control and exercise does work, just a case of whether you can stick to it or not and have the determination.
ElaBosak@reddit
Who needs determination when you can pop a few pills
MillyMcMophead@reddit
GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro replace certain hormones that are missing or very depleted in some people. This is fact. No amount of exercise or portion control will do that.
RateBetter9492@reddit
for some people, once they’ve put on a lot of weight, it becomes hard to move. Sometimes they need a kick starter -that’s where meds can come in. I have no idea what it’s like to go around dragging 300 extra pounds or whatever, but I can’t imagine I’d even wanna walk a block let alone for a half an hour every day, so I try to have sympathy.
ba_Animator@reddit
But that’s where the mentality and determination factors a lot into it. Often takes a health scare to finally force someone to do something about their weight.
Schwartzy94@reddit
Why is it the norm to go with medicine and wonder pills first instead of cleaning diet and moving your legs...
Even when people start biking its more often electric bike :/
tech_auto@reddit
Laziness and lack of determination.
I remember Clarkston bragging about how much Rose bottles he drank during COVID. If he cut off the booze it would go a long way along with some strength training.
ElaBosak@reddit
People like quick fixes and too lazy to do it properly. You miss out on so much by not doing it properly.
Bedouin79@reddit
Thanks you all for the info advice and links to get around the paywall.
smashing-gourds127@reddit
If he stopped drinking beer, he'd lose weight.
FlipStig1@reddit (OP)
Clarkson did mention in one of his previous columns that his doctor made him temporarily cut out alcohol consumption and go on a diet of boiled fish and vegetables for health reasons. He has since resumed his normal diet routine, but if he resumed that strategy on a regular basis, he will eventually lose the weight (albeit at a slower but healthier pace).
That said, I think he has a lot of stress behind running his farm and pub these days, which is definitely a contributing factor to him being on the heavier side of things.
MisterrTickle@reddit
It's called Nouvelle Cuisine and has been around since the '70s.
coffeebribesaccepted@reddit
Also, there are versions of small plates in many cultures around the world.
JohnTheBlackberry@reddit
It’s actually called “sharing a single meal with your wife”
Mindless_Count5562@reddit
I always called it ‘being broke’
Arne_Slut@reddit
Just started this one myself and it’s mental the difference it makes.
Early days yet but honestly feels life changing right now.
Kalepsis@reddit
I've been on tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) for 12 weeks. I was pre-diabetic, and really needed to control my blood sugar.
I've lost 51 pounds so far. This stuff is amazing.
I don't mind the side effects he's talking about, I'm happy to not be constantly thinking about food. This stuff has probably saved my life.
Mclarenrob2@reddit
Quite surprised at him for trying that shit.
devarnva@reddit
I'd be way more surprised if he'd write a column about losing weight by exercising and a healthy diet
Optimaximal@reddit
I'd imagine if you're working a farm, you get lots of transient exercise by just being active, but probably can't find time to actually do proper exercise.
What's more surprising is Clarkson being able to get onto one of these weight-loss drugs for what amounts to metabolic syndrome due to poor lifestyle. I wonder if he got it via his GP or via other means?
(No, I won't read the article - I'm not giving the Times a click!)
devarnva@reddit
Working on the farm also means sitting in your tractor for very long hours. It also means eating a lot.
Also why wouldn't he qualify for it? He's clearly obese (BMI >30) which is one of checks for which you can legally acquire the medicine
Optimaximal@reddit
The medicines are in short supply on the NHS due to demand. Lots of people buy them on the internet through private or overseas suppliers.
adviseribex@reddit
Private prescriptions are legal, as long as you’re over 30 BMI and some other minor criteria.
Optimaximal@reddit
I didn't say it wasn't legal - I was referring to the NHS having to restrict supplying it because so many people are getting it privately that suppliers in the UK (it's imported) can't keep up.
Source - someone who works in the NHS.
fjbrahh@reddit
That’s completely wrong. The NHS are limiting their prescription because they absolutely cannot keep up with 2 things
The cost, instead of people going private and paying the £180 ish a month, they’ll pay a tenner and the NHS bears the remaining cost (even if it’s a reduced cost down to say £100 that’s still a massive gap for them to cover)
The regular care, check ups, and administrative costs. The NHS cannot cope with having to do weekly or even monthly check ins for everyone eligible to take a GLP1. A private pharmacy can because they charge for you the man hours it takes. The NHS don’t have close to the staff for the amount of monitoring you need while on the drug for sometimes up to 18-24 months
adviseribex@reddit
Load of wallop by the way. It’s easy to manufacturer, plenty of sources have it readily available.
The supply is just being limited to induce demand and keep prices up.
Bedouin79@reddit
Any chance of the article without the paywall
Benville@reddit
Stick archive.is in front of the URL
Glittering_Virus8397@reddit
Good for him. My fiancé had a bad reaction to ozempic(really bad nausea and her skin was sensitive all over, not just the injection site) and switched to what Jezza is using and so far so good
patlo911@reddit
If you want to bypass the paywall: https://removepaywalls.com/https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/jeremy-clarkson-ozempic-left-me-sick-now-im-on-the-snail-caviar-g39qkhgzr
-Akos-@reddit
Or just this https://archive.is/LaWxM
potato_analyst@reddit
That was a great read 😁 Thank you.
Mason_Caorunn@reddit
https://12ft.io
In case anyone is having trouble reading it.
RizlaSmyzla@reddit
My mam started on the Ozempic (doctor prescribed, she is pretty ill too) and it genuinely looked like it was killing her. Horrible stuff
FlakkenTime@reddit
I’ve had several friends use it with great success. Seems like it just hits people differently
kedde1x@reddit
I mean, gastrointestinal side effects are pretty well known side effects of GLP-1 drugs so it's not really surprising people have these side effects sometimes.
RizlaSmyzla@reddit
Most likely, aye
SSJ4_cyclist@reddit
Good on him, Tirzepatide is way better than Semaglutide, just gets rid of the background thoughts of wanting to eat.