This post was originally published on Defender Network
Serena Williams is the latest public figure to share her experience using GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs originally designed for diabetes but increasingly prescribed for weight loss.
In an interview with NBC’s Today show, Williams said she struggled for years to maintain a healthy weight, particularly after the birth of her daughter.
“I just couldn’t get my weight to where I needed to be at a healthy place and believe me, I don’t take shortcuts. I do everything but shortcuts,” Williams said.
Williams revealed she has lost 31 pounds since starting the medication in 2023. She has also partnered with telehealth company Ro to launch a campaign aimed at reducing stigma surrounding the drugs.
Across the United States, demand for GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro has surged. National surveys show millions of adults have tried the injections for weight loss, with usage especially high among those living with diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Black adults are among the most likely to report having used these medications.
The effectiveness of GLP-1 medications is widely reported. Nearly two-thirds of users say the injections helped them lose weight, with current users more likely than past users to describe the results as “extremely effective.” Weight loss typically ranges between 5% and 21% of body weight, though many patients regain weight if they stop treatment. Long-term therapy is generally recommended.
Still, the cost remains a major barrier. Monthly list prices range from $936 to $1,349 before insurance, and more than half of patients who have used GLP-1s report difficulty affording them.
Doctors typically prescribe the drugs for adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher, or 27 with weight-related conditions. Obesity rates in the United States have risen sharply over the past three decades, with more than 42% of adults now affected.
Williams said her decision to start treatment was rooted in her health struggles. “I had a lot of issues with my knees, especially after I had my kid. That, quite frankly, definitely had an effect on maybe some wins that I could have had in my career,” she said. “I just feel normal again. It feels really good.”
Backlash
The tennis star’s fans and followers, however, don’t seem happy with her decision and have been vocal about it on social media.
“Why the f- is there an ad for a GLP-1 with Serena Williams??? A woman with peak physical fitness??? This ozempic and weight loss s- is out of control,” said one X user.
A Growing Market
The market for GLP-1 medications continues to grow. In 2023, semaglutide-based drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy generated more than $21 billion in revenue for Novo Nordisk, with the majority of sales coming from the United States. Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro recorded more than $5 billion in its first full year on the market.
Williams said her goal now is not only to continue her health journey but also to help others feel empowered to explore the treatments available. By speaking out, she joins a growing number of high-profile figures normalizing conversations around weight, health and access to care.
