United States tennis champion Serena Williams has openly shared her journey of losing more than 31 pounds (14 kilograms) with the assistance of weight-loss medication. The 23-time Grand Slam winner revealed in a recent interview that she started using a GLP-1 medication after the birth of her second child, marking a turning point in her health and wellness journey.
Williams candidly addressed the stigma around weight-loss drugs, emphasizing that her success was not a shortcut but a tool that complemented her existing efforts. “I don’t take shortcuts,” she stated, pointing out that despite rigorous training, including walking up to 20,000 steps a day and trying various diets such as veganism, vegetarianism, and high-protein regimens, reaching a healthy weight remained a challenge, especially after childbirth.
The weight-loss drug, part of the GLP-1 class (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), helps regulate appetite by signaling fullness to the brain, slowing digestion, and improving blood sugar control. Serena highlighted the health benefits beyond the scale, reporting increased energy, reduced joint pain, and overall improved well-being since beginning the medication.
The tennis star, who turned 44 in September 2025, explained that she started the medication after stopping breastfeeding early in 2024 for her daughter Adira. She collaborated with the healthcare company Ro, which provides telehealth services and promotes these medications, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with their use.
Serena Williams’ openness is helping to normalize medical approaches to weight management, showing that even elite athletes can face weight and health challenges and may benefit from innovative options.