Serena Williams, a retired tennis legend, has publicly admitted to using weight-loss medication to achieve her body transformation, aiming to reduce stigma around such drugs. This revelation comes as she embraces a new role as a health ambassador, highlighting her personal journey with weight loss post-pregnancy.
Serena Williams, who is 43 years old and a former professional tennis player with 23 Grand Slam titles, is the central figure in this news story. After retiring from tennis in 2022, she has been open about her struggles with weight management, particularly after the birth of her second child, Adira.
The key event is Williams’ candid discussion about using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as those offered by telehealth company Ro, where she now serves as a spokesperson. She revealed this in interviews, including with the Today Show in the United States, emphasizing that it was not an easy shortcut but part of a broader health regimen.
This announcement was made public through various media outlets on August 22, 2025, with articles published by reliable sources like the BBC. The timing aligns with her new ambassadorial role, though she has been using the medication for about eight months prior.
The location of this story is primarily in the media sphere, with Williams speaking out in US-based interviews and through her association with Ro, a company that provides weight-loss programs. Her message is being disseminated globally through news platforms.
Williams’ motivation for speaking out is to combat the shame and stigma associated with using weight-loss drugs. She wants to normalize the conversation around medical assistance for weight management, especially for women who face similar post-pregnancy challenges. She described her excess weight as an opponent she couldn’t defeat through exercise alone, despite intense training routines.
How she achieved her weight loss involved a combination of GLP-1 medication, which she started after friends recommended it, along with maintained diet and exercise. She lost 31 pounds (14 kg) over eight months, without reporting side effects, and emphasized that the drugs were a tool rather than a sole solution.
The impact of Williams’ admission is multifaceted. Positively, it could help reduce societal stigma and encourage open discussions about weight-loss medications. However, there are concerns about the high cost of these drugs, potential side effects like gastrointestinal issues, and whether her elite athlete status might make the message less relatable to average individuals. Experts like Dr. Claire Madigan note that it might demotivate some women who lack access to similar resources.
Looking ahead, Williams is focusing on her health goals, including training for a half marathon, and continues to advocate for balanced approaches to weight management. Her story may influence public perception and policies around obesity treatment, but it also raises questions about the commercialization and accessibility of such medications.