Tennis champion Serena Williams is the latest celebrity to use weight loss drugs
Robert Price | Last update: 24th August 2025
In another step towards removing any stigma for those of us using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, like Mounajro and Wegovy, tennis star Serena Williams has said she is using them.
Serena, who’s 43, retired from professional tennis in 2022 after winning 23 Grand Slam titles. She’s said in multiple interviews that she started her weight loss drug journey, believed to be with Mounjaro, after struggling to return to her pre-pregnancy weight. Like most of us it wasn’t about shortcuts, but about health, longevity and self-acceptance
“I Tried Everything”
After giving birth to daughters in 2017 and 2023 Serena found that the weight she gained during pregnancy was harder to shift than any opponent she faced on the tennis court.
She tried everything to lose weight including training for hours each day, 20,000 steps, cycling, stair climbing and vegan, vegetarian and high-protein diets. She didn’t get the results she wanted.
“I literally was playing a professional sport, and I could never go back to where I needed to be for my health,” she admitted.
Adding to the challenge were knee problems and a family history of diabetes
Weight loss drugs
After her second child she started GLP-1 treatment. Since then she has lost 14kg and says the benefits go far beyond the number on the scales. This is the same for many of us in the SlimrChat community.
She has said her blood sugar levels have normalised, her joints feel lighter and she has renewed energy. She’s now training for a half-marathon, running further than ever. She has had no side effects.
“I just feel normal again,” she explained.
Tackling the stigma
Serena says one of her main reasons for speaking out is to tackle the idea that using GLP-1s is “the easy way out.” It’s worth saying she is also a spokesperson for an American ‘telehealth’ company called Ro.
“A lot of people are actually on GLP-1s but don’t really want to talk about it,” she said. “There’s still so much stigma.”
Her views challenge the stereotype that GLP-1 drugs are only for “lazy or incompetent” people. She joins other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Robbie Williams who have spoken publicly about their use and support of GLP-1’s.
She is determined to pass on a message of body confidence to her daughters, regardless of size. “Self-love and confidence come first,” she said.
The debate
Experts have praised her honesty and openness but also asked for balance. Dr Claire Madigan, senior research associate at Loughborough University, told the BBC that Serena’s comments about diet and activity were important but warned that her experience may not reflect what the “average person” can access.
Of course, this is very true when we consider the rising cost of Mounjaro. For Serena the cost isn’t an issue but for many people it really is. It limits their ability to get these incredible treatments, and maybe change their life.
SlimrChat view
Our view is that every step towards removing the stigma and building understanding about GLP-1 weight loss drugs is positive. It’s not just about celebrities though. And that’s why we’re passionate about building our SlimrChat community.