For years, Serena Williams dominated the tennis courts with unmatched power, grace, and determination. A 23-time Grand Slam champion, her retirement in August 2022 marked the end of an era. But as Serena transitioned into life beyond professional tennis, she faced a new kind of opponent—one that many new mothers know all too well: post-pregnancy weight retention. Today, in a candid and inspiring turn, Serena is opening up about her weight-loss journey in a way that’s reshaping the conversation around body image, motherhood, and medical-grade support.
1. From Tennis Legend to Health Advocate
Serena Williams is no stranger to the limelight. With a legacy that includes multiple Olympic gold medals and being named the greatest female tennis player of all time, she has always been extraordinarily transparent about her journey—on and off the court. Now, she is using that same openness to address a topic that affects many: the challenge of losing weight after children.
Despite maintaining a rigorous fitness routine, healthy eating, and the discipline that defined her career, Serena hit a roadblock after the birth of her daughters—Alexis Olympia in 2017 and Adira in 2023. Traditional methods just weren’t working anymore.
2. Breaking the Stigma: GLP-1 Isn’t a Shortcut
Serena openly addressed the stigma surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists—often promoted as “weight-loss drugs”—to challenge misconceptions. “It’s not the easy way out,” she emphasized, stressing that for her, it was about health, not vanity.
In her own words on the Today show, she explained:
“I literally tried everything… Even now trying to play a professional sport, it was something that I feel like… there’s something my body was missing in particular after having two kids…”.
Serena’s transparency highlights that weight management isn’t always a test of willpower. Biological and hormonal changes, especially postpartum, can play significant roles—and sometimes, professional-level effort and commitment aren’t enough. GLP-1 medications provided that extra support she needed, not a shortcut to bypass hard work ELLERoThe Cut.
3. GLP-1 Medications Explained
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists—a class of medications initially developed to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that increases satiety and slows digestion, helping users feel fuller longer.
Approved GLP-1 medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and the newer Zepbound, all available through telehealth platforms like Ro, which Serena has partnered with
4. The Results that Spark the Conversation
Over an eight-month period, Serena lost 31 pounds using GLP-1 medication combined with her ongoing fitness regimen—running, cycling, stair climbing, and even short stints on the tennis cour.
She described the transformation as both physical and mental—feeling “lighter,” having less joint pain, and regaining agility and energy. For someone as driven as Serena, this new lease on mobility and confidence matters tremendously.
5. Today Show Spotlight: Pushing Back on Prejudice
Serena’s appearance on the Today show solidified her message: she’s reclaiming her narrative and inviting others to do the same. She didn’t shy away from tough questions, instead choosing to emphasize that using medical tools when needed is brave, not shameful.
Addressing misconceptions, she said on Today, “You’re not taking a shortcut, you’re taking care of yourself…” highlighting the courage behind seeking help when your body needs it.
6. Partnering with Ro: A Transparent, Supportive Approach
Serena has become an ambassador for Ro, a direct-to-patient telehealth platform offering GLP-1 medications. Through Ro’s “Ro Body membership,” patients can access medical consultations, provider messaging, and assistance navigating insurance—starting at $145/month ($45 for the first month), excluding drug costs.
Ro’s own site underscores Serena’s journey, with her quote: “It’s not a shortcut. It’s healthcare.” The platform also clarifies that GLP-1s work best when paired with diet and lifestyle changes, offering full transparency and supportive care.
7. Redefining Diet Culture and Motherhood Norms
By speaking out, Serena is doing more than just sharing her story—she’s actively dismantling harmful narratives about weight loss. She frames her decision within a larger conversation about health equity, the diversity of body responses, and the importance of dismantling the “one-size-fits-all” weight-loss myth.
She also emphasizes that she continues to prioritize strength, health, and body positivity for her daughters:
“With me going through what I’ve went through… it’s really important to teach them to be confident at any size…”.
8. Final Thoughts: Serena’s Message of Empowerment
Serena Williams’s journey with GLP-1 medication is more than a weight-loss story—it’s an emblem of resilience, honesty, and modern healthcare. By choosing visibility, especially on a platform as widely watched as Today, she extends an invitation: for everyone—even those with the strongest discipline—to consider every tool in the health toolkit without shame.
She signals that motherhood, aging, and changing physiology deserve tailored support. She reaffirms that confidence and self-love come from within, and that health-enhancing steps are acts of strength.
Whether you’re a fan, a parent, or someone contemplating medical options to help in your own journey, Serena’s narrative offers clarity, support, and empowerment.
