“It is a shortcut”: Serena Williams opens up on GLP 1 weight loss journey and 31 pound drop before US Open

Serena Williams, the retired tennis legend, age 43, says she used a GLP-1 weight-loss medication to lose 31 pounds in eight months. She tried everything, running, biking, stair-climbing, even playing tennis professionally but couldn’t reach a weight she felt was healthy.

Now she feels lighter both physically and mentally.

Serena Williams reveals weight loss journey with GLP-1 medication on Today show

On August 21, 2025, on NBC’s Today show, Serena Williams explained why she finally turned to GLP-1 drugs. She said, “I literally tried everything. Running, walking, biking, stair-climber, you name it, I did it … Even now trying to play a professional sport, … I felt like, ‘OK, I don’t want to do this because it is a shortcut…’ But it actually isn’t.” She realized that after having her daughters, her body needed something more to reach a healthy weight.

In interviews with People and others, Serena Williams added that she did lots of research first and consulted a doctor through Ro, the telehealth company she serves as an ambassador for. Around six months after giving birth to her second daughter, Adira, and after she stopped breastfeeding, she began weekly injections. She said the treatment complemented her healthy lifestyle, easing joint pain, boosting energy, and simply helping things work better.

Also Read: “Does anyone really care about her?”: Andy Roddick delivers sharp message as Iga Swiatek gets disrespected following Cincinnati Open victory

Serena Williams pushes back against stigma of weight loss drugs before US Open

Serena Williams wants people to know using the medication is not a lazy shortcut. She said, “If you’re on GLP-1s too, don’t let anybody tell you it’s the ‘easy way out.’ You’re not taking a shortcut, you’re taking care of yourself.”She also said, “I feel light physically and light mentally … I can just do more. I’m more active. My joints don’t hurt as much.”Her timing was telling. This came just days before the U.S. Open, which begins August 24, 2025, an event she has previously won six times.