United Kingdom, July 25 -- Sacha Baron Cohen insists he was "only joking" when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role.

The 53-year-old actor appeared on the cover of Men's Fitness UK this week, debuting his dramatic body transformation ahead of playing the villain Mephisto in Marvel's Ironheart miniseries.

Alongside images from the shoot, Sacha posted on Instagram: "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three."

He added: "This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this. Debuting my new character. Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes."

Sacha also thanked his trainer Alfonso Moretti, writing: "Thanks @theangry...