Serena Williams is flaunting a major body transformation and simultaneously serving an honest, human story, one that many mothers might resonate with.The 23-time Grand Slam champion recently opened up about one of her most personal battles: losing weight after motherhood. Williams revealed that she lost 31 pounds after years of postpartum ups and downs following the births of her daughters, Olympia (2017) and Adira (2023).In new interviews, the 43-year-old says traditional diet and workouts weren’t enough after motherhood, and that’s why she sought help from a GLP-1 weight-loss medication, the same class of prescriptions behind brands like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
A journey toward ‘feeling lighter’
Williams revealed that she hit a wall: she was eating well and training, yet her body “wasn’t responding the way it used to” after two pregnancies and retirement. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Williams, 43, said that she lost 31+ lbs using a doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medicine after traditional diet and exercise stalled following births in 2017 and 2023. “I feel light physically and light mentally,” she said, emphasizing that medication enhanced, not replaced, her workouts and healthy habits. GLP-1s mimic a natural hormone that affects appetite and digestion, helping some patients feel fuller and eat less. Williams began treatment after consulting her physician and after breastfeeding had ended. She also revealed that since she shed 31+ pounds, she has had more energy and relief from nagging joint pain that had limited her activity. Notably, while sharing her story of losing weight with the help of GLP-1 medicine, Williams framed her journey as health-first, body-positive: she’s long said self-worth isn’t tied to a number on the scale.What are GLP-1 medications?GLP-1s are a family of prescription medicines originally designed for diabetes and now approved in some forms for chronic weight management. They’re widely known by brand names like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed to treat type 2 diabetes and later gained approvals for chronic weight management in eligible patients. They work on appetite and satiety signals and are typically paired with nutrition and activity coaching. Like all medications, they can have side effects (commonly gastrointestinal) and aren’t right for everyone; prescribing decisions depend on personal medical history and guidelines. Williams stresses she worked with a clinician and that her story is not a one-size-fits-all plan. And although she shared that her journey to weight loss has been propelled by GLP-1 medication, she didn’t center on any particular brand in her revelation.
What are the benefits of using GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications, primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, offer a range of benefits beyond blood sugar control and weight loss. These include improvements in cardiovascular health, kidney function, and potentially even neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, some users report benefits related to fertility and a reduction in cravings for addictive substances. Specific benefits:Improved glycemic control: GLP-1 medications help lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion. Weight loss: These medications can promote weight loss by slowing stomach emptying, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing appetite. Cardiovascular health: GLP-1 medications have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes. Kidney protection: They can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Potential neuroprotective effects: Emerging research suggests potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as a reduced risk of stroke.
What are the downsides?
Despite offering several perks, as always, these drugs are prescription-only and can have side effects; patients should discuss risks and benefits with their clinicians.GLP-1 medications’ most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically decrease with ongoing treatment. Other side effects can include a loss of appetite, headache, injection site reactions, and a potentially increased heart rate. Serious, though rarer, side effects can involve gallbladder issues and, in some cases, pancreatitis.Disclaimer: This article discusses Serena Williams’ personal health journey. Information provided here is for general awareness only and should not be taken as medical advice. GLP-1 medications and other treatments should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing any medical or weight-loss plan.