Serena Williams Opens Up About Weight Loss Journey, Challenges Stigma Around Anti-Obesity Drugs

Serena Williams, one of the most decorated athletes in history, has once again stepped into the spotlight—this time not for her dominance on the tennis court, but for her candid admission about using weight-loss medication. In doing so, she’s ignited a broader conversation about the stigma surrounding anti-obesity drugs and the evolving narrative around body image, health, and self-care.

In a recent interview and campaign video for telehealth company Ro, Williams revealed that after years of intense training, clean eating, and disciplined routines, she hit a wall in her post-pregnancy journey. “I was doing everything right—working out, eating clean, following the plan. But my body wasn’t responding the way it used to,” she said. “I knew my body was missing something it needed”⁽¹⁾.

That “something” turned out to be GLP-1 receptor agonists—a class of medications that includes brands like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Saxenda. These drugs mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and signal fullness to the brain, making them effective tools for weight management. Williams, now a spokesperson for Ro, has lost 31 pounds over the past eight months using GLP-1s, though she hasn’t disclosed the specific brand⁽¹⁾.

Her openness about the journey is striking, especially given her legacy as a symbol of strength, athleticism, and body positivity. Williams has long defied conventional beauty standards, embracing her muscular build and challenging the narrow definitions of femininity in sports. Her decision to speak out about using weight-loss medication is not just personal—it’s political.

“If you’re on GLP-1s too, don’t let anybody tell you it’s the ‘easy way out.’ You’re not taking a shortcut, you’re taking care of yourself, and that takes courage,” Williams said in the campaign⁽¹⁾.

Her words resonate deeply in a culture that often shames people—especially women—for seeking help with weight loss. The stigma around anti-obesity drugs is rooted in outdated notions of willpower, discipline, and moral judgment. For years, using medication to lose weight was seen as a failure to “do it the right way.” Williams is challenging that narrative head-on.

Ruth Clegg, a health and wellbeing reporter for the BBC, noted that Williams’s admission could be a turning point. “Her honesty will hit a nerve for many,” Clegg wrote. “She says she is speaking out to take away the shame that so many women feel when it comes to using drugs to help them lose weight”⁽²⁾.

Caleb Luna, assistant professor of feminist studies at the University of California, called Williams’s revelation “a breakthrough.” Luna emphasized that it helps dismantle the stereotype that weight-loss drugs are only for “lazy” or “incompetent” people. “It gets rid of the stereotype that these drugs are for fat people who are being lazy,” Luna said. “In that respect, it’s maybe a good thing”⁽²⁾.

Still, Luna also expressed mixed feelings, noting that it’s “slightly terrifying” that even someone as disciplined and physically gifted as Williams felt she had no choice but to turn to medication. “It makes me feel a little bit sad,” they added⁽²⁾.

Williams’s journey is not unique. In recent years, other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey have also opened up about using weight-loss medications after decades of struggling with body image and public scrutiny. These admissions have helped normalize the conversation, but Williams’s status as a global icon and elite athlete adds a new layer of complexity and influence.