Tennis legend Serena Williams has revealed that she turned to weight-loss medication to help shed more than 30 pounds after years of struggling to regain her pre-pregnancy body. Speaking to People magazine, the 23-time Grand Slam champion shared that despite her dedication to fitness and nutrition, she found it frustratingly difficult to lose weight after giving birth to her daughters Olympia in 2017 and Adira in August 2023.
“After Olympia, I never was able to get to the weight I needed no matter what I did,” Serena admitted. “It was crazy because I worked so hard, ate healthy, and still couldn’t change that number on the scale. I had never been in a place like that before.”
The former world No. 1 explained that she initially resisted using medication, wanting to ensure she wasn’t taking a shortcut. “I did a lot of research on it,” she said. “I wanted to know the benefits, the risks, and whether it was the right choice for me before starting.”
After breastfeeding Adira for six months, Serena began weekly GLP-1 injections through healthcare company Ro. These medications, which include brands like Ozempic and Mounjaro, have gained popularity for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss.
Since starting treatment, Serena says she feels stronger and more energetic than she has in years. “I lost over 31 pounds using my GLP-1 and I was really excited about that,” she shared. “I can do more, I’m more active, my joints don’t hurt as much, and I just feel really good.”
Importantly, Williams emphasized that the medication worked alongside not in place of her healthy lifestyle. “GLP-1 helped me enhance what I was already doing: eating well and working out,” she explained. “It’s important for people to know my story, because so many can relate.”
For Serena, the decision wasn’t just about appearance but about reclaiming vitality and balance. Her journey highlights the challenges many women face after pregnancy and the growing role of medical support in achieving sustainable health goals.