Serena Williams, an iconic 23-time Grand Slam Champion, recently opened up about her journey back into fitness after giving birth. However, her efforts at getting in shape caused some controversy on social media; some commenters even speculated Ozempic may be responsible for her leaner appearance; but Serena chose this momentous occasion to respond directly and share her perspective of these comments and share her side of the story.
Williams shared during an intimate discussion, that throughout her life she has encountered both positive and negative comments regarding her physique. Williams stated, “Over time I’ve heard both negative comments as well as countless compliments about my body; for lack of a better term I no longer care what people are saying; what matters to me most is transparency.”
Williams recollected a moment from her HBO documentary where her coach suggested she lose weight, a challenge intensified after giving birth. It was then that she turned to a GLP-1 drug, Zepbound, after conventional methods didn’t yield the desired results. This decision was not made lightly, especially given her husband, Alexis Ohanian’s, investment in Ro, the telehealth company associated with the medication.
“My whole life is being in the gym, working out, running, training, HIIT training, dancing, every single thing you can think of. I would always get to a certain point on the scale, but I could never get below that. That’s when I decided that it was time to try something different and got on the GLP-1 with Ro,” Williams explained. Her choice was driven by a determination to make a change for herself, mindful of its implications on her family life.
The Impact of Williams’ Weight Loss
Williams clarified that her decision to use Zepbound wasn’t a result of impatience or frustration, but rather a calculated move in her ongoing quest for health and fitness. “I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally,” Williams shared regarding her current state post-weight loss, emphasizing how GLP-1 was a complement to her rigorous exercise and healthy eating habits.
Williams’ journey parallels that of others who have used GLP-1 agonists as part of an overall plan to enhance fitness regimens; notable figures like Charles Barkley and Oprah Winfrey both employed GLP-1 agonists during their weight-loss journeys, similar to Williams. For her, however, these medications simply played one part of an integrated fitness strategy.
Williams’ open discussion of her weight-loss journey illustrates her dedication to transparency, as she seeks to inspire others with her story of struggle and change. By sharing openly her journey she hopes to facilitate honest dialogue about body image issues and health choices we make as individuals.