Serena Williams Opens Up About Using Weight Loss Medication After Struggles Post-Pregnancy

Tennis legend Serena Williams revealed Thursday that she has been taking weight loss medication after years of struggling to shed pounds through diet and exercise following the births of her daughters, Olympia and Adira.

In an interview on NBC’s TODAY, Williams said she had exhausted traditional methods of weight management but still could not reach a healthy weight.

“As an athlete and as someone that has done everything, I just couldn’t get my weight to where I needed to be at a healthy place,” she said. “I do everything but shortcuts.”

Williams explained that her challenges began after Olympia’s birth in 2017, despite rigorous training and hours of walking and running. “I literally was playing a professional sport, and I could never go back to where I needed to be for my health … no matter what I did, I couldn’t go lower than that one number.”

Beyond performance, there were medical concerns. With a family history of diabetes and recurring knee issues, Williams said her weight posed additional risks. “That, quite frankly, definitely had an effect on maybe some wins that I could have had in my career,” she acknowledged.

On Thursday, Williams launched a campaign with Ro, a telehealth company that prescribes GLP-1 medications, aiming to challenge the perception that using the drugs is an “easy way out.” Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, sits on Ro’s board and is an investor.

Williams joins a growing list of public figures—including Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Meghan Trainor, and Charles Barkley—who have spoken about using the medications.

Nearly a year ago, after the birth of her second daughter, Adira, Williams began using GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The medications suppress appetite and are also prescribed for diabetes and heart disease prevention. Williams said she has been consistent with treatment since April and has lost 31 pounds.

She added that she has not experienced common side effects such as nausea or digestive issues, which some patients report. Doctors typically consider the drugs long-term for those managing obesity or diabetes, as weight is often regained once treatment stops.

“I just feel normal again,” Williams said. “It feels really good.”

According to a 2023 poll by health policy nonprofit KFF, roughly one in eight U.S. adults has taken a GLP-1 medication. While the drugs have drawn criticism for being overprescribed or relied upon for rapid results, supporters argue they provide a critical option for people who cannot achieve healthy weight through lifestyle changes alone.

Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a career that included 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals, said she views the medication as a long-term solution to maintain her health.