Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Fake' Abs Said To Be AI-Generated - or Result of Ozempic? Actor Sets the Record Straight

Sacha Baron Cohen sparked a wave of online speculation after debuting a shredded physique on the cover of Men's Fitness UK in July 2025. The 53-year-old actor, known for his comedic roles and unconventional characters, addressed the viral reaction to his transformation, answering questions about whether artificial intelligence or the diabetes drug Ozempic played a role in his appearance.

His candid statements come as he prepares for a major Marvel role and navigates life after his divorce from Isla Fisher.

'This is not AI': Cohen Shuts Down Digital Editing Rumours

Following the release of the Men's Fitness cover, fans flooded social media with speculation over whether Cohen's muscular body was real or digitally enhanced. Many joked that artificial intelligence had been used to create the image.

Cohen responded directly via Instagram story, posting: 'This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this.' The actor's comments aimed to dispel any belief that the photos were the result of generative AI tools or manipulated imagery. The magazine also confirmed that no digital body enhancements were used beyond standard retouching practices.

Ozempic Confusion: A Joke That Spread Fast

In his Instagram Stories, Cohen made a tongue-in-cheek comment that only intensified speculation. He wrote: 'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three.'

His quip was widely interpreted by fans and media outlets as confirmation that he had used the weight-loss drug Ozempic, originally intended for managing Type 2 diabetes. However, Cohen clarified the following day that the remark was satirical.

'Despite reports, I did not take Ozempic,' he stated. 'I got this body the honourable way – paying a personal trainer a lot of money.'

Inside the Actor's Fitness Regimen

Cohen's transformation was not a product of technology or pharmaceuticals, but of intensive physical training and strict nutrition. He enlisted the help of celebrity trainer Alfonso 'The Angry Trainer' Moretti, who designed a programme focused on sustainable gains.

The routine reportedly included:

• 100 push-ups each day
• Daily high-intensity interval workouts lasting approximately 25 minutes
• A low-sugar, high-fibre meal plan
• Continuous oversight from a personal chef and nutritionist

Moretti praised Cohen's discipline and adherence to the plan. 'He never complained. Never gave up. Ever. That's what made the difference,' he told Men's Fitness UK.

Transformation Timed With Major Life Events

The release of Cohen's new look closely followed a significant personal event. In June 2025, he and actress Isla Fisher finalised their divorce after nearly 14 years of marriage. The former couple issued a joint statement stressing their mutual respect and shared commitment to co-parenting.

The actor's striking transformation in the weeks following the separation drew added attention from the public, with some speculating that it marked a deliberate reinvention or personal reset.

Marvel Role as Mephisto Required Physical Overhaul

Another motivating factor behind Cohen's transformation was his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He recently surprised his fans portraying Mephisto in the finale of the Disney+ series Ironheart. According to Deadline, because of this transformation, his costume fittings had to be resized multiple times to accommodate his changing physique.

As reported by Games Radar, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that fans should expect more of Cohen's Mephisto in future MCU instalments, suggesting the actor's commitment to the physical demands of the character is long-term.

The combination of professional preparation and personal milestones has fuelled the public fascination with Cohen's new look, and the actor has used humour to address the questions it raised.