Tennis legend says the drug wasn’t a shortcut—it helped reignite her health journey when diet and exercise alone weren’t enough.

August 21, 2025 — Tennis icon Serena Williams is opening up about a deeply personal health journey: she has lost over 31 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 weight-loss medication, combined with a healthy lifestyle. Her goal? To help others feel empowered about seeking help.

A Frustrating Plateau

Williams first noticed postpartum weight gain after giving birth to her daughters Alexis Olympia and Adira River. Despite maintaining rigorous training routines, she struggled to shed the extra pounds. “I had never taken shortcuts… and I could never get down to where I needed to be,” she told People in an exclusive interview.

Choosing GLP-1 After Serious Consideration

After postponing breastfeeding in early 2024, Williams began working with telehealth provider Ro. Following extensive research and medical guidance, she opted for weekly GLP-1 injections. The result? A renewed weight-loss momentum and a 31-pound drop that she describes as life-changing.

More Energy, Less Pain

The improvements extended beyond the scale. Williams says she feels “lighter mentally” and physically—less joint pain and more active energy. Scheduling a half marathon is now part of her wellness plan.

From Skeptical to Supportive

Opening up about GLP-1 drugs—jointly prescribed options like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound—Williams understands the skepticism. Still, she insists, “It’s not a shortcut. It’s healthcare.” She wants to normalize the conversation around medication as a legitimate tool in a health toolkit.

Advocating for Transparency

Williams is now a celebrity ambassador for Ro, appearing in ad campaigns promoting GLP-1 treatments. The goal: dismantle the stigma and encourage candid dialogue about health obstacles—particularly for women and mothers.

Confidence at Every Size

Despite her transformation, Williams stresses that weight loss should never define confidence. “Love yourself at any size”—she tells her daughters this Every Day. Now, she’s practicing it too.