Elon Musk — whether admired or criticized — never stays out of the spotlight. Recently, attention shifted from his tech empire to his torso.
Viral Image Fuels Speculation
On November 10, an image showing Musk with an exaggerated stomach and chest went viral on X (formerly Twitter). The post quickly spread, prompting rumors about a possible health issue — particularly “barrel chest,” a condition where the chest appears unusually rounded.
Twitter
But the Image Was Fake
Despite the online frenzy, the photo wasn’t real. Media outlets and fact-checkers confirmed it was digitally altered. Still, the false image racked up over 17 million views and 423,000 likes. It originated from the now-archived X account “evan loves morf,” which claimed Musk always posts AI-enhanced photos to hide his real appearance.
What Is Barrel Chest?
Barrel chest isn’t a disease but may signal underlying lung conditions. When the lungs overfill with air, they push the ribs and chest outward. This can create a puffed-out look and elevate the collarbone and sternum. Naturally, the image led many to wonder if Musk was hiding a medical issue.
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Tracing the Photo’s Origins
In reality, the fake image was based on a frame from a June 2024 YouTube video titled First Look Inside SpaceX’s Starfactory. Around the 2-minute mark, Musk appears on screen. Someone edited that moment to exaggerate his chest and stomach — and the altered version went viral.
Musk’s Response? Silence
While the internet buzzed, Musk said little. But it wasn’t the first time his physique made headlines.
Shirtless on a Yacht
A few years earlier, Musk was photographed vacationing shirtless in the Aegean Sea. Those images also went viral — and triggered a wave of body-shaming. Unbothered, Musk joked on Twitter:
“Haha damn, maybe I should take off my shirt more often … free the nip!!”
Musk’s Weight Loss Journey
At 53, Musk has shared details about his health. He admitted to losing over 20 pounds after reaching what he called his “unhealthy peak weight.” He credits intermittent fasting and Wegovy — an FDA-approved weight loss drug — for his transformation.
Despite his results, Musk maintains quirky eating habits. He once tweeted, “I eat a donut every morning. Still alive,” mocking anti-sugar warnings. His diet includes steak, sushi, chocolate, and caffeine-free Diet Coke — but rarely vegetables.
Always Under the Microscope
Whether it’s his eating habits or body shape, public interest in Musk’s appearance never fades. The recent fake photo may have stirred rumors, but Musk seems unfazed. He continues living his life — donuts, jokes, and all.