Serena Williams opens up about feeling great after losing 34 lbs with a GLP-1 medication from Ro.
At a Glance
- Serena Williams reports a 30% drop in cholesterol and a 70% reduction in her lifetime heart-disease risk.
- She has been active again, playing tennis, walking, running, and doing Pilates.
- The tennis champion will appear in a Super Bowl commercial launching Ro’s “Healthier on Ro” campaign.
- Why it matters: Her story highlights the health benefits of GLP-1 drugs and may inspire others to pursue similar changes.
Introduction
Serena Williams has long been a symbol of athletic excellence, but after stepping away from professional tennis, she has found new purpose in her health journey. She recently told Jonathan P. Miller that a GLP-1 medication from Ro helped her lose 34 lbs, lower her cholesterol by 30%, and cut her lifetime risk of heart disease by 70%. Now, she’s back to playing tennis and will be featured in a Super Bowl ad that promotes the “Healthier on Ro” campaign.
Weight-Loss Journey
The 44-year-old revealed that she began using a GLP-1 medication to aid weight loss. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, work in the brain to increase satiety. Popular brands include Ozempic and Mounjaro.
> “I feel healthier. I feel lighter. I feel great. It’s a really good feeling,” said Serena Williams. “Something I’ve seen improvement on recently were just my numbers … huge improvements.”
She emphasized that the medication helped her achieve significant results:
| Metric | Change |
|---|---|
| Weight | -34 lbs |
| Cholesterol | -30% |
| Lifetime heart-disease risk | -70% |
These changes are a direct result of the medication’s effect on appetite and metabolism, according to the 44-year-old.
Returning to Sports
The champion said she has become more active and enjoys the freedom of natural movement.
> “It’s just really nice to be able to be totally natural and be able to play and do sports,” she said. “I was playing tennis the last couple of days, just having fun, going for walks and runs and doing Pilates.”
She added that she feels free on the court and wishes she had this experience earlier in her career.
> “It feels free. I always say I wish they had this when I was on tour. I would’ve been really amazing,” she laughed.
She also remarked that she feels “at my healthiest”-a sentiment she says she could not have claimed even during her professional days.
> “I just feel like I’m at my healthiest. And that’s not something I could say even when I was a professional athlete.”
Future Plans and Retirement
Despite the excitement, Williams has no intention of returning to competitive play.
> “I think about it all the time. I think that’s natural though as an athlete, especially a top-level athlete,” she explained. “For me, I only stopped because I wanted to have more kids, not because of anything else, you know? But just because it’s something I think about, doesn’t mean that it’s something I would do.”
She added a playful nod to her sister Venus’s pressure.
> “But the summer of Serena does sound fun,” she quipped.
Impact and Advocacy
Williams believes her openness can help others feel less ashamed about using GLP-1 medications.
> “I’ve had a great impact, bigger than I would have ever dreamed of having,” she said. “I just wanted to naturally share my story and tell everyone that it’s not a shortcut. It had such a stigma and I wanted to be a part of breaking that down.”
She shared a personal anecdote about a fan who credited her for starting GLP-1s.
> “I was at the fair the other day and this random guy came up to me and was like, ‘I started GLP-1s because of you.’ And so I love the impact it’s making, not only with women but with men as well.”
Williams also highlighted her family motivations. She has two daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira River, with husband Alexis Ohanian, and she wants to be present for them.
Super Bowl Commercial
Williams will appear in a new Super Bowl commercial that marks the launch of the “Healthier on Ro” campaign. The ad will feature her alongside Ro GLP-1 patient ambassador Charles Barkley and other patients who have lost weight and improved their health.
> “I love amplifying the story and with me being in sport, there’s no greater stage to be on, to me, than a Super Bowl ad,” she told Jonathan P. Miller. “Just being able to tell my story authentically and continuing to break down the barriers or the stigma of GLP-1s.”
The campaign aims to showcase real-world benefits of the medication and encourage viewers to pursue healthier lifestyles.
Key Takeaways
- Serena Williams has lost 34 lbs and lowered her cholesterol by 30% after starting a GLP-1 medication with Ro.
- Her lifetime risk of heart disease fell by 70%.
- She’s back to playing tennis and is active in walking, running, and Pilates.
- Williams will star in a Super Bowl ad for Ro’s “Healthier on Ro” campaign, partnering with Charles Barkley.
- She hopes her story will reduce stigma around GLP-1 drugs and inspire others to improve their health.
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Categories: Health News, Breaking News
