Tennis legend Serena Williams surprised fans this week by sharing that she has shed 31 pounds with the help of GLP-1, a weight-loss medication. The 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed that her decision to slim down was influenced not only by personal struggles after pregnancy but also by a health condition that runs in her family — diabetes.
Appearing on the Today show in New York, Williams explained that several of her relatives have battled the disease, which motivated her to take her own health more seriously. She also admitted that carrying extra weight had put additional strain on her knees, particularly after the birth of her children, Olympia and Adira. “That definitely affected matches I could have won in my career,” she confessed.
The 43-year-old said she tried for years to return to her pre-pregnancy weight by training and dieting but couldn’t break through a certain plateau. “I did everything right, but I just couldn’t get my weight where it needed to be,” she said, stressing that she never relied on shortcuts during her career.
After months of research and hesitation, Williams began treatment with GLP-1 through Ro, a telehealth company where her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is an investor. She launched a campaign with the brand to show that the medication isn’t simply “an easy way out,” but a tool to support a healthy lifestyle.
Since starting the treatment after finishing breastfeeding her youngest daughter, she’s not only lost over 30 pounds but also feels more energetic and active. “My joints don’t hurt as much, I can do more, and I feel good about myself,” she said.
Williams emphasized that her results came from combining the medication with regular exercise and healthy eating. “GLP-1 enhanced what I was already doing,” she explained, adding that she hopes her story encourages others facing similar struggles.
The star has been showcasing her new figure on social media in swimsuits and gym attire, exuding confidence while also reminding fans about the importance of self-love at every stage of life. “Right now, I love that my body isn’t picture perfect,” she previously wrote, “because it represents a new version of me.”
