Tennis legend Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has opened up about her personal weight-loss journey, revealing for the first time that she turned to GLP-1 medication to regain her health after giving birth to her second daughter. In a candid interview, Williams admitted that despite years of discipline as a professional athlete, postpartum changes to her body made weight loss an uphill battle.
“I tried everything—running, walking, training like an athlete, even 20,000 steps a day. But no matter what I did, I couldn’t get back to where I needed to be for my health,” Williams explained.
The 43-year-old icon, who has been vocal about the realities of motherhood, revealed that after her second child, Adira, was born in 2023, losing weight became even more difficult. This struggle prompted her to seek additional support through Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare company where she now serves as a spokesperson.
How GLP-1 Changed Serena’s Health
GLP-1 medications, often prescribed for diabetes or obesity, mimic a hormone released after meals, helping regulate appetite and blood sugar. Popular brands include Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Williams disclosed that she began her treatment nearly a year ago and has since lost 31 pounds. The benefits, however, were not only cosmetic:
- Her blood sugar levels normalized at her most recent doctor’s visit.
- She noticed that her joint pain eased, particularly in her knees.
- She described feeling lighter both physically and mentally, a transformation that has brought her confidence back.
“I put my body through a lot in my career. I know what hard work looks like, and I never believed in shortcuts. This wasn’t about vanity—it was about health,” she clarified.
Fighting the Stigma Around Weight-Loss Medications
Despite her success, Williams admitted she initially hesitated to go public with her story. “A lot of people are on GLP-1s but don’t want to talk about it. There’s still a stigma. I felt it too,” she shared.
Her new mission is to normalize conversations around medical support for weight loss, especially within communities at higher risk of diabetes, like African Americans. “This is not about giving up. It’s about making choices that support long-term health.”
As a high-profile athlete, her voice carries weight—literally and figuratively. By speaking out, Williams hopes to inspire others who silently struggle with similar issues.
Life After Tennis, Family, and Health First
Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022 but has continued to make headlines, not only for her business ventures and fashion empire but also as a mother to two daughters—Olympia, 7, and Adira, 2—with husband Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit.
Balancing motherhood, business, and health has been a challenge, but Williams insists she finally feels back in control:
“After my kids, my body was missing something. I don’t know if it’s the GLP-1, but I finally feel normal again.”
Her openness has sparked discussions worldwide about the evolving role of GLP-1s in healthcare and how even world-class athletes face the same struggles as everyone else.
The Bigger Picture
GLP-1 medications are becoming increasingly common, with millions turning to them for both diabetes management and weight loss. However, Williams emphasizes that they should not be seen as “magic fixes” but as tools alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Her story resonates with many women facing postpartum challenges—reminding them that health is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
