Billionaire James Packer Struggles with Ozempic Use and Secret Sugar Addiction Amid Personal Battles

James Packer has disclosed his current use of the weight-loss drug Ozempic, while acknowledging challenges in his weight management linked to a private addiction. In a revealing conversation with Channel Seven’s reporter Liam Bartlett aboard his superyacht, Packer opened up about his mental health struggles and the implications they have had on his personal relationships.

James Packer discusses mental health issues and personal struggles

During a candid interview, Packer revealed that he has faced severe mental health challenges for over thirty years, with his first breakdown occurring at age 33 after the collapse of his telecom company, One.Tel, in May 2001. This failure not only led to a substantial debt of $327 million but also affected his marriage to his first wife, Jodhi Meares, significantly contributing to his emotional turmoil. He commented on the public scrutiny he faced, stating it felt like the "biggest story."

Impact of family loss and professional changes on Packer's life

Following the death of his father, Kerry Packer, in December 2005, he transitioned from media investment to significant involvement in Crown Resorts. This shift, coupled with immense financial pressure, adversely impacted both his mental health and his marriage to his second wife, Erica Baxter. Packer admitted to becoming "self-destructive," resorting to substance abuse as a coping mechanism that ultimately led to their divorce in 2013. Reflecting on his marriage, he expressed remorse, stating that Erica deserved better and acknowledged his own descent into mania around that time.

Former relationships and their emotional repercussions

Packer also discussed his tumultuous relationship with pop star Mariah Carey, with whom he was engaged briefly. He shared that their split was marred by misunderstandings, which further complicated his emotional state. The aftermath of this high-profile breakup prompted Packer to seek professional help in late 2016, and he ultimately quit alcohol in 2017. A troubling hallucination soon thereafter solidified his decision to address his mental health, leading to time spent in McLean Hospital, where he received a bipolar diagnosis.

Medication challenges and ongoing journey

Packer remarked on the challenges posed by psychiatric medications, describing negative experiences with treatments like lithium, which left him feeling like a "zombie." He currently uses multiple medications, including Ozempic, which he claims is not effectively aiding his weight management. He admitted to increased sugar consumption, expressing concern about potentially replacing one addiction with another.

Packer's outlook on mental health and weight management

Now weighing approximately 130 kg, Packer prioritizes his mental health over weight concerns, indicating that he feels significantly better than he did six months ago. Acknowledging the importance of managing his mental well-being before tackling weight loss, he emphasized that his journey is ongoing and complex. He concluded the discussion by acknowledging the challenges still ahead, reassuring viewers that he is committed to improving his overall health.