Sam Altman Reveals Early Use of Semaglutide and Resulting Hospital Visit

In a candid conversation, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman shared that he dabbled with semaglutide before it became well-known—a choice that led to an unexpected hospital stay.

This drug, marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovy, is typically prescribed for weight management and managing type 2 diabetes. While discussing his current lifestyle habits with Tyler Cowen on a podcast, Altman said, 'These days, I practically do nothing regarding my health. I find myself indulging in unhealthy food and not exercising enough.'

A Busy Life's Impact on Health

As the leader of OpenAI, Altman handles a hectic schedule as he also embraces responsibilities of first-time fatherhood and frequently travels to garner support for AI developments. This busy lifestyle has taken a toll, shifting his focus away from personal wellness.

During the 'Conversations with Tyler' show, Cowen queried Altman about his most eccentric health perspective. Altman frankly admitted that his health mindfulness varied with his workload fluctuations. 'When my schedule was lighter, I maintained healthier habits—ate well, limited alcohol, and worked out regularly,' he added.

Experimentation with Semaglutide

Reflecting on his experiment, Altman recounted, 'I tried semaglutide before it hit the mainstream and ended up hospitalized.' However, he didn't provide details about what led to this situation, such as dehydration or fatigue.

Semaglutide, known for its appetite-suppressing and weight loss-inducing properties, is not only used by those with medical conditions. Even those who don't face obesity or diabetes have been using it off-label.

Altman isn't the only prominent figure experimenting with such medications. Elon Musk, once a friend now at odds with Altman following recent social media exchanges, announced in 2022 his use of Wegovy to achieve his health goals.

Other Health Ventures

Another example includes George Arison, CEO of Grindr, who skips morning meals because he consumes Mounjaro—a similar GLP-1 drug involving tirzepatide.

Altman has dabbled in various substances aimed at longevity. The MIT Technology Review highlighted in 2023 that he also consumes metformin, a drug associated with potential slowing of aging and weight loss.

Aging remains a significant interest for Altman, who finances Retro Biosciences, a company dedicated to extending life expectancy.

A Shift Away from Health

Despite his occasional forays into health strategies, Altman confessed to recently letting go of these pursuits. He laments, 'I've reached a point where I hardly do anything beneficial for my health.'

Indulgences and Comparisons

Like Musk, Altman shares an appreciation for fast foods, previously demonstrating a penchant for Jack-in-the-Box and frequenting doughnut shops daily.

While discussing dietary preferences, Cowen questioned the appeal of junk food, saying, 'To me, it doesn't compare with fine dining like sushi.' Altman countered, 'Junk food does hit the spot for me.'

Dietary Choices Through the Years

Altman has explored various dietary habits. In 2018, he adopted 15-hour intermittent fasting, identifies as vegetarian, and supplemented his diet with protein shakes.

The Late-Night Snack Temptation

Staunch in his position, Altman admits to the allure of midnight snacks, saying, 'Sometimes, all I want is a cookie at 11:30 PM, and I just give in.'