Tennis legend Serena Williams has revealed that she has been taking a GLP-1 medication to support her recent weight loss journey.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion made the disclosure in an interview with TODAY, marking the first time she has spoken publicly about it.
Williams explained that her decision came after difficulties managing her weight following the births of her two daughters.
Despite years of intense training, running, and walking, she said her body never returned to what she considered a healthy state.
“This all started after I had my first kid,” Williams said. “No matter what I did running, walking for hours, even while playing a professional sport I could never get back to where I needed to be for my health.
After my second kid, it got even harder, so I decided to try something different.”
She also shared that she tried vegan and vegetarian diets but found little success in reaching her target weight.
Weight Loss and Health Benefits
Since starting the medication about a year ago, Williams said she has lost 31 pounds and noticed major improvements in her health.
At her most recent medical checkup, doctors confirmed her blood sugar levels had improved. She also noted her joints, particularly her knees, felt “lighter,” reducing the issues she previously struggled with.
“I had a lot of knee problems, especially after giving birth, and I was never able to return to my normal weight levels,” she said. “That definitely had an effect on some wins I could have had in my career.”
Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions
Williams admitted she initially struggled with the stigma around taking medication for weight loss. She emphasised that using GLP-1 is not a shortcut but a personal health decision after years of trying other methods.
“A misconception is that it’s a shortcut,” she said. “As an athlete and someone who has done everything, I just couldn’t get my weight to a healthy place. Believe me, I don’t take shortcuts.”
She added that she has not experienced any side effects from the medication and feels comfortable with her choice.
Asked whether she plans to stay on the medication long-term, Williams said yes. “I feel like, after having my kids, my body was missing something.
“I don’t know if it’s something in the GLP-1, but I just feel normal again.”
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, mimic a natural hormone the body produces after eating. They help reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, and make people feel full faster.
Beyond weight loss, these medications are also approved for treating diabetes as they stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
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