Serena Williams Shares How GLP-1s Help Her Feel Healthiest and Reflects on Their Impact During Her Tennis Career

Serena Williams.
Credit: Ro

NEED TO KNOW

• Serena Williams discusses feeling great after losing 34 lbs. with a GLP-1 medication.
• The 44-year-old reported a significant reduction in her cholesterol levels.
• The tennis champion is set to feature in a Super Bowl ad for the “Healthier on Ro” campaign.

Serena Williams asserts she is healthier now than during her professional athletic career.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the tennis champion shared her positive experiences since using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss associated with Ro. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, impacts appetite and satiety, with popular brands including Ozempic and Mounjaro.

“I feel healthier. I feel lighter. I feel great. It’s a really good feeling,” the 44-year-old said, noting “huge improvements” in her health metrics since beginning the medication.

Williams has lost 34 lbs. since starting the treatment, which has contributed to a 30% reduction in her cholesterol levels. Additionally, her lifetime risk of heart disease has decreased by an estimated 70%.

The athlete expressed that the changes have encouraged her to engage more in physical activities. “It’s really nice to be able to play sports naturally,” she remarked, adding that she recently enjoyed tennis, walks, runs, and Pilates.

Serena Williams.
Credit: Ro

Although Williams is enjoying a renewed passion for sports, she has no plans to return to professional tennis, even amidst encouragement from her sister, Venus Williams. “I think about it all the time,” she admitted. “But I only stopped because I wanted to have more children, not for any other reason.” Despite her reflections on her past career, she emphasized that returning to competition is not in her immediate plans.

“But the summer of Serena does sound fun,” she added playfully.

Serena Williams.
Credit: Ro

For Williams, her choice to utilize weight-loss medications was not about exerting more effort but about achieving a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle as a mother to daughters Alexis Olympia and Adira River, whom she shares with husband Alexis Ohanian.

She expressed pride in her openness regarding her health journey, noting how her story has resonated with others amidst the complex conversations surrounding GLP-1 medications. “I’ve had a great impact, bigger than I would’ve ever dreamed of having,” Williams stated. “It’s not a shortcut; I wanted to help break the stigma associated with it.”

Williams recalled a recent encounter at a fair when a man shared that he began his own journey with GLP-1 medications because of her influence. “I love the impact it’s making, not only with women but with men as well,” she added.

Looking ahead, Williams is set to star in an upcoming Super Bowl commercial promoting the “Healthier on Ro” campaign. The commercial will highlight her and fellow Ro GLP-1 ambassador Charles Barkley, along with other individuals who have experienced health improvements through weight loss.

She aims to further her messaging around health and wellness during this high-profile opportunity. “There’s no greater stage to be on than a Super Bowl ad,” Williams remarked, emphasizing her commitment to sharing her authentic story and dismantling the stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications.