Serena Williams Breaks the Silence on Weight Loss Medications: Aiming to Change the Narrative
Serena Williams, one of the most accomplished athletes in history, has recently opened up about her experience with weight loss medications, aiming to lift the stigma surrounding their use. As a trailblazer in both sports and advocacy, will her candid remarks inspire confidence in others who are considering similar treatments? And can her honesty help silence the critics?
At 43, Williams has redefined fitness and athleticism, boasting an impressive record of 23 Grand Slam titles. However, like many women, she has faced challenges in managing her weight post-pregnancy. During an appearance on the U.S. "Today Show," Williams shared her unique perspective on her weight: she viewed it as "an opponent." Despite dedicating significant time to training—five hours a day filled with running, walking, biking, and stair climbing—she found it difficult to shed the extra pounds. Ultimately, she decided to "try something different."
Influenced by friends who were using GLP-1 medications, known for their weight loss benefits, Williams opted to explore this route herself. Although she refrained from disclosing the specific brand, she emphasized that this approach was no "quick fix." Over the last eight months, she has successfully lost 31 pounds (14 kg) through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise.
Some skepticism surrounds her timing, as Williams has recently become a spokesperson for Ro, a company that offers GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound (known as Mounjaro in the UK). Notably, her husband is an investor in the company. Despite these connections and the potential side effects associated with these medications, Williams’s openness resonates with many. She aims to combat the shame often associated with using weight loss drugs.
Caleb Luna, an assistant professor of feminist studies at the University of California, views Williams’s candidness as a significant breakthrough. Luna notes that her comments challenge the stereotypes that label users of weight loss drugs as lazy or incompetent. However, they also express concern that this revelation could overshadow the hard work and dedication required to achieve success in any form.
Williams’s experiences highlight the persistent scrutiny surrounding body image, even for someone with a decorated athletic career. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards is relentless, regardless of one’s accomplishments.
While Williams is one of the most prominent figures to discuss her use of weight loss medications, she is not alone. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg have also spoken out about their experiences with GLP-1 medications, sharing how these tools, combined with exercise and nutrition, have aided their weight management journeys.
Since retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Williams has continued to focus on achieving what she describes as her "healthy weight," particularly after the birth of her second child, Adina. During her interview with the "Today Show," she expressed that she felt her body was "missing something" and struggled to reach her comfort level despite rigorous training.
Experts like Dr. Claire Madigan, a senior research associate in behavioral medicine at Loughborough University, recognize that elite athletes often face unique challenges when it comes to weight management post-career. Dr. Madigan appreciates Williams’s acknowledgment that her weight loss journey involved more than just medication; it required a commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes. However, they caution that the message might be lost on some women who may feel discouraged by the idea of needing medication to achieve weight loss.
The potential side effects of weight loss drugs, including gastrointestinal issues and rare complications, have not been widely discussed in the context of Williams’s announcement. Nevertheless, Williams reports that she has not experienced any negative side effects and is enjoying the benefits of her hard work, including improved joint health and stable blood sugar levels.
Though no longer on the tennis court, Williams continues to break personal records, currently training for a half marathon. "I am running farther than I ever have," she proudly states.
As Williams continues to navigate her post-tennis life, her willingness to discuss weight loss medications openly may pave the way for a more compassionate dialogue about body image and health, encouraging others to share their journeys without fear of judgment.
