Why Zuckerberg and the 1% are signaling their health as the latest status symbol — and why you can't fake it with Ozempic

“We’re also lucky that you got into Jiu-Jitsu because I think that had an effect on you,” Rogan said. “You look different.”

Zuckerberg said having a solid neck was not only a “weapon” in martial arts, but part of his strategy for longevity as a corporate leader. He often posts videos of his workouts on Instagram.

Meanwhile, fellow tech billionaire Jeff Bezos is garnering similar attention for his before-and-after transformation from computer nerd to alpha male.

This wealth-health obsession is not just about the “masculine energy” that Zuckerberg says is needed in business today. As Time reports, wealthy women like Jeff Bezos’s wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos are working out too, showing off their toned arms to the public.

A fit body has become one of the most popular status symbols of the 1% and, according to observers, there’s more to the trend than meets the eye.

Why physical health is a status symbol in 2026

As Victor Ahonsi writes in Style Rave, the uber-rich face a unique 21st-century challenge when it comes to standing out.

Once upon a time (like, the late 20th century), the rich could demonstrate their wealth by sporting Rolex watches, strutting around in bespoke suits, clutching Hermès handbags or wearing expensive colognes.

But today, all those status symbols can be bought on credit or faked with cheap knockoffs. Meanwhile, AI and social media filters allow people to manipulate images and convey wealth that they may not have.

So, what’s a rich person to flaunt? The one thing that can’t be faked: exceptional physical health.

It’s the perfect status symbol, as it takes a lot of money to purchase home gyms, personal trainers, nutritionists and everything else required to sculpt one’s body long term. It also requires another luxury: time.

But Ahonsi notes that in 2026, even a buff body isn’t enough to separate the 1% from the rest of us, as Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are making it easier to look slim.

That’s driven the rich to even more extreme health pursuits. In fact, some are now dropping up to $10,000 at Mayo Clinics and private medical centers for so-called executive physicals. That buys them genetic tests, MRI scans, cardiac tests and longevity assessments — along with bragging rights.

They’re even flying overseas to do it, with monied tourists traveling from the U.S. to destinations like Seoul, South Korea for medical workups.