Photo Credit:Sage East/Ro
Serena Williams has revealed that she is using a GLP-1 medication to assist with her weight loss, becoming one of the highest-profile athletes to publicly acknowledge taking the increasingly popular treatment. The 23-time Grand Slam champion made the disclosure during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.
Williams, 43, explained that after retiring from professional tennis in 2022, she found it difficult to manage her weight despite maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. Although the athlete did not reveal the type of GLP -1 drug she was using, she said that the medication, prescribed through the telehealth company Ro, helped her lose 31 pounds over an eight-month period.
GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread use for weight management. They work by regulating blood sugar levels and curbing appetite. Williams said that the medication has not only supported her weight loss but also eased knee pain and improved her overall energy.
“This wasn’t about vanity,” she told Today. “It was about health. I wanted to feel strong again, and I wanted to take care of my body. I put my body through a lot. I understand there’s a lot of side effects, I just didn’t have any.”
Williams emphasized that her decision was personal and health-driven, distancing herself from perceptions that using GLP-1 drugs is a shortcut. She acknowledged the stigma surrounding the treatment but said she wanted to be transparent in order to encourage open conversation about weight management and well-being.
Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is a board member and investor in Ro, which has positioned itself as a leading telehealth provider for weight loss treatments. Williams has also partnered with the company as a spokesperson. Williams, who built a career as one of the most dominant athletes in history, said her focus now is on her long-term health and her family. “I want to feel good for the next chapters of my life,” she said.