Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has abandoned the weight loss drug Ozempic after it failed to deliver the desired results, instead opting for an alternative diabetes medication—along with an unusual dietary choice.
The former Top Gear presenter, 64, opened up about his struggles with weight loss following an emergency heart operation last year. Writing in The Times, Clarkson admitted to trying Ozempic, a drug originally intended for diabetes treatment but widely used for weight loss by celebrities.
However, rather than shedding pounds, Clarkson found himself half a stone heavier by the time he discontinued its use.
Clarkson’s disappointing experience with Ozempic
Describing his experience with the drug, he wrote:
“My body lost the ability to deal with gluttony but once the initial enthusiasm had worn off, my mind still wanted to breakfast on Cadbury Fruit & Nut.”
He went on to explain that Ozempic-induced nausea often led him to believe he could indulge again after being sick:
“This meant I was sick a lot. And after I had vomited, I figured I was empty and could have another bottle and maybe another bar of chocolate too.”
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Clarkson decided to switch to another type 2 diabetes drug, Mounjaro, which he has been taking for the past three months. He claims this alternative has been far more effective in curbing his cravings, particularly for chocolate.
A new diet featuring snail caviar
Despite successfully reducing his chocolate intake, Clarkson has found a new indulgence—snail caviar.
He revealed:
“I’ve also discovered snail caviar, which is… actually unborn snails. But weirdly, it does taste and feel like the real deal. So you can pop a teaspoon of that onto half a Ritz cracker and you have yourself the 21st century’s answer to a medieval banquet.”
While an unconventional choice, the luxury delicacy appears to be part of Clarkson’s new approach to maintaining his health following a major health scare.
A wake-up call following heart surgery
In February, Clarkson candidly spoke about his efforts to avoid another health crisis after undergoing heart surgery in October last year. The Clarkson’s Farm star had a stent fitted to improve blood flow after experiencing a “sudden deterioration” in his condition.
Determined to extend his lifespan, he has since made various lifestyle changes to improve his health and fitness.
Clarkson, who is a grandfather to Arlo Rose, two, and one-month-old Xanthe Fiadh from his eldest daughter Emily, has expressed his desire to prioritise his well-being so he can spend more time with his grandchildren.
Trying Pilates and rejecting traditional fitness
Aside from taking Mounjaro, Clarkson has also been incorporating Pilates into his fitness routine—a significant shift for someone who has previously resisted exercise.
He admitted that his past attempts at fitness had failed due to his dislike of discomfort, lack of enthusiasm for cycling, and general disdain for gym culture.
However, he has now embraced Reformer Pilates, a low-impact, full-body workout performed on a machine equipped with springs and ropes. In typical Clarkson fashion, he jokingly remarked that he doesn’t “unenjoy” the sessions, adding:
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“Mostly because it’s done in slow motion.”
Recognising the signs of a health emergency
Clarkson first became aware of his declining health while on holiday last year. He recalled an incident where a simple swim in the Indian Ocean left him struggling with stairs.
Upon returning home, his condition worsened, with symptoms including clamminess, chest tightness, and pins and needles in his left arm. Alarmed by the news of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond’s fatal heart attack, Clarkson decided to seek medical advice.
After being taken to hospital by ambulance, doctors informed him he was potentially just “days away” from a severe health crisis. The decision was made to fit him with a stent—an intervention that has since helped prevent further complications.
A lifestyle overhaul
Clarkson’s wake-up call has led him to embrace a healthier lifestyle, cutting out smoking after a severe bout of pneumonia on a previous holiday in Spain. Now, with a combination of Mounjaro, Pilates, and a newfound appreciation for snail caviar, he appears committed to keeping his health in check.
While his unorthodox methods may raise eyebrows, Clarkson seems determined to ensure that his journey to better health is anything but conventional.
