In a recent appearance on the Today Show, Serena Williams, the renowned tennis player with a record 23 Grand Slam titles, opened up about her experience using weight loss medications, revealing her intention to combat the associated stigma. At 43, Williams described her struggle with post-pregnancy weight, likening her excess pounds to a competitor she couldn't defeat through traditional training methods.
Despite her rigorous daily workouts, she found herself resorting to weight loss drugs from the GLP-1 class, after witnessing friends successfully use them. Although she has not publicly identified the specific medication, she acknowledged losing 31 pounds (14 kg) over the last eight months, stating that her decision was not taken lightly and involved considerable effort beyond just taking pills.
This candid admission comes at a time when Williams has partnered with Ro, a company that markets GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Nonetheless, her openness is seen as a significant step in normalizing the conversation around weight loss drugs, which some experts believe are often unfairly dismissed as a shortcut to fitness.
Caleb Luna, an assistant professor of feminist studies, highlighted the importance of Williams’ transparency, seeing it as an opportunity to shift the narrative surrounding the perception of weight loss methods and challenge the stereotype that users are inherently lazy. However, there remains ambivalence about the implications of her revelations for society, with concerns that it may overshadow her athletic achievements.
Williams, who officially retired from tennis in 2022, has been under scrutiny regarding her weight throughout her life. Her recent discussions reflect a broader cultural trend, with other public figures like Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg also advocating for the use of weight loss medications as tools in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Claire Madigan, an expert in behavioral medicine, praised Williams for acknowledging the complexities of post-competitive lifestyle adjustments and the balance between medication, diet, and exercise. While her comments may inspire some, Madigan raised concerns about the broader implications, especially for individuals who view weight loss drugs as the primary solution.
Although Williams reported no significant side effects, experts caution that potential gastrointestinal issues and other health risks associated with such medications are often overlooked in public discussions. Nevertheless, Williams expresses pride in her fitness journey, mentioning improved joint health and increased running capability.
With an eye toward the future, Williams aims to redefine personal goals beyond athletic achievements, embracing the sheer determination required to reach her definition of a "healthy weight." As she prepares for a half marathon, her commitment to a healthy lifestyle continues, demonstrating that even the most accomplished athletes face hurdles in their health journeys.
