Serena Williams turns to GLP-1s for postpartum weight loss support
Serena Williams has opened up about her struggle to lose weight after giving birth to her second child, Adira. Despite years of discipline, training, and a healthy diet, her body did not respond the same way it once had.
“I trained at the highest level, ate a clean diet, pushed myself, and still, after having kids, my body just wouldn’t respond,” Williams explained. She later realized the challenge was not willpower, but biology.
To move forward, she turned to Ro, a telehealth platform that offers access to GLP-1 medications. The treatment marked a turning point in her postpartum health journey.
How GLP-1s help with weight management
GLP-1s are medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes. They act like natural hormones that regulate blood sugar and control appetite. Studies show that patients on GLP-1s can lose 10 to 15 percent of their body weight in a year, with some losing even more.
Brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda have become popular as tools for weight loss. For Williams, the medication that worked was Zepbound. With one weekly shot, she began to notice lasting changes in her energy and body.
“My body actually feels better than it ever has—I feel lighter, my joints aren’t in pain, and I have a lot of energy,” Williams shared.
Training for new goals after recovery
Now, two years after giving birth, Williams says she feels strong enough to take on a new challenge. She is training for a half marathon, something she could not imagine before starting GLP-1 treatment.
“I feel so good that I am training for a half marathon, which has been really fun for me,” she told ESSENCE. Her recovery highlights how medical support, combined with determination, can help women regain strength after childbirth.
Her story resonates with many mothers, especially Black women who are more likely to retain postpartum weight. Williams emphasized that her journey was not about shortcuts but healthcare.
The role of Ro in Serena Williams’s health journey
Ro is not just a prescription service. It provides patients with one-on-one coaching and a full year of support while using GLP-1 medications. This includes ongoing care, educational resources, and progress tracking.
Zach Reitano, CEO and co-founder of Ro, praised Williams’s openness. “By opening up about her own health, Serena is opening doors for millions of people who have felt shamed for needing support to lose weight,” he said.
Williams added, “I know others are struggling too, and everyone deserves access to the treatment they need. This isn’t a shortcut. It’s healthcare.”
Celebrity influence on GLP-1 awareness
Williams is not the only athlete to speak about using GLP-1s. In 2024, NBA legend Charles Barkley shared his experience with the medication through Ro. He set a weight loss goal of 65 pounds and credited the program for giving him results.
The involvement of public figures like Williams and Barkley helps reduce stigma around weight loss medications. Their transparency allows others to see that seeking help is a form of strength, not weakness.
For Serena, the focus is not only on weight but on reclaiming her health. She has moved from a place of physical struggle to one of renewed energy and confidence.
