Serena Williams Claims GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Enhances Her Health Beyond Tennis Career

Serena Williams has disclosed that a weight reduction medication has greatly improved her health, surpassing her condition during her illustrious career in tennis.

Having started a GLP-1 receptor agonist roughly a year ago, the 44-year-old tennis superstar notes considerable enhancements in her overall well-being, with decreases in cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and diminished joint pain. Williams stepped away from professional tennis in 2022 after an acclaimed 27-year journey, in which she clinched 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals.

Despite her prominent status in the sport, Williams battled for years to shed extra weight through diet and exercise alone. Additionally, she grew increasingly concerned about the familial risks of diabetes and heart diseases, conditions that disproportionately impact Black Americans.

In August, Williams made it known that she had begun using a GLP-1 medication and collaborated with the telehealth firm Ro, which prescribes these medications. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, a co-founder of Reddit, is an investor and board member at Ro.

GLP-1 medications, which include drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, function by curbing appetite and managing blood sugar. Some of these have obtained approval for treating diabetes, managing weight, and lessening cardiovascular risks.

Williams reports that she has lost around 34 pounds over the last year, alongside a reduction in her total cholesterol from 185 mg/dL to 129 mg/dL, which is significantly below the 150 mg/dL benchmark that many health professionals consider optimal. Experts observe that such a drastic reduction in cholesterol is rare among GLP-1 users, who typically experience about a 5% decrease.

Describing the medication as “a lifetime solution,” Williams recognizes that halting GLP-1 usage may lead to regaining weight. She also highlights that her reduced body weight has alleviated some of the pressure exerted on her knees, a persistent issue throughout her career.

When inquired if her improved health might inspire a return to tennis, Williams expressed that she is open to the idea, noting that it is “not a yes or a no.”