Tennis legend Serena Williams has been making headlines not just for her athletic prowess but also for her noticeable transformation. After fans commented on her significant weight loss in recent weeks, Williams appeared on “The Today Show” to share the details behind her 31-pound weight reduction, revealing she’s been using a GLP-1 medication called Zepbound.
A Postpartum Health Journey
Williams, a mother of two, explained that regaining a healthy weight after welcoming daughters Alexis Olympia Jr. and Adira Ohanian had been a struggle. She cited issues with her joints and blood sugar levels, common challenges many women face postpartum. “I was never able to be at a healthy weight that I could be at,” she shared.
Initially, Williams was hesitant to try GLP-1 medications due to the stigma surrounding them, viewing them as a “shortcut” or an “easy way out” that bypasses healthy eating and exercise. However, after seeing friends find success with the medication and trying it herself, she found it effective. “I tried it and it actually worked,” she stated.
More Than Just Aesthetics: Feeling Healthy
In an interview with People, Williams expressed feeling “great, really good and healthy,” both physically and mentally. She clarified that her motivation wasn’t purely visual; rather, it was driven by the physical pain she was experiencing. “I do feel like my body didn’t like me at that weight. I had pain in my joints and pain in different areas just because of the extra weight that I’m not used to carrying since I had children.”
The tennis icon also touched upon the societal pressure women face regarding their bodies, regardless of size. “Women often experience judgment about their bodies at any size, and I’m no stranger to that,” she said. “So I feel like you should love yourself at any size and any look.”
Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is an investor in Ro, the telehealth company through which she receives her prescription. Other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Sherri Shepherd, and Kandi Burruss have also spoken about using GLP-1 medications, while Charles Barkley has become a brand ambassador for Ro.
What are your thoughts on the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss? Share your perspective in the comments below!