Serena Williams, one of the most iconic athletes in history, has recently addressed her experience with weight loss drugs in a bid to destigmatize their use. The 43-year-old tennis star, who has an impressive career marked by 23 Grand Slam titles, shared her struggles with weight management, particularly after having children, during an interview on the Today Show in the US.
Williams candidly described how she began to view her extra weight as an “opponent” in the same way she did during her competitive tennis career. Despite her rigorous training routine, which included five hours of daily exercise, she realized that traditional methods were not enough in her quest for a healthier body, pushing her to explore alternative solutions. Following the encouragement of friends who were using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, she took the step to try it herself, though she refrained from disclosing the specific brand.
The tennis star emphasized that her journey with the medication was challenging and far from a quick fix; it contributed to her losing 31 pounds (about 14 kg) over the past eight months. Despite her recent association with Ro, a company offering GLP-1 brands such as Wegovy and Zepbound, some skeptics question the timing of her openness. Williams insists that her goal in discussing her use of weight-loss drugs is to lift the shame surrounding such treatments that many women experience.
Experts have noted that Williams's testimony represents a significant shift in the perception of anti-obesity drugs, as voices like hers can help counteract the stigma often associated with their use. Caleb Luna, an assistant professor of feminist studies at the University of California, highlighted that her honesty can challenge misconceptions about weight-loss drugs being a “lazy” option. Additionally, he recognized the potential drawbacks of focusing excessively on appearance rather than championing hard work and dedication.
Williams's experiences underline the societal pressures on women regarding body image, regardless of their accomplishments. Numerous other public figures, including Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, have spoken openly about their own journeys with weight-loss drugs, furthering the conversation around these treatments.
Having officially retired from professional tennis in 2022, Williams has expressed a desire to achieve what she considers a "healthy weight" since the birth of her second child. She explained that despite her extensive physical training, she often felt unsatisfied with her body. Dr. Claire Madigan, a behavioral medicine researcher, acknowledged the challenges elite athletes face in transitioning their health and dietary habits post-retirement, especially in relation to calorie consumption and body image.
Finally, while Williams reassures that she has not experienced significant side effects from the drugs, there is a need for more comprehensive discussions about their potential risks. She encourages both transparency and persistence in finding effective weight-loss strategies, citing improvements in her physical health that accompany her weight loss and increased physical activity.
As Williams gears up to run a half marathon, she aims to showcase that, even in retirement, her determination and focus continue to drive her, defying the traditional narratives surrounding body weight and performance.
