Fans Slam Serena Williams for Promoting Weight-Loss Medication
Serena Williams—recently retired tennis legend, mom of two, and global icon—now finds herself at the center of a heated backlash. The reason? Her new role as ambassador for GLP-1 weight-loss medications through telehealth company Ro, combined with candid admissions about her own experience using them.
Serena Williams Using GLP-1
In a national campaign, Williams revealed she used GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound to shed 31 pounds after her second pregnancy, calling the treatment “the medicine my body needed” and emphasizing that it wasn’t a shortcut, but a healthcare tool that supported her disciplined lifestyle. Serena’s husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is also an investor and board member at Ro—adding fuel to critics’ concerns about potential conflicts of interest. But not everyone is on board with the message.
Why Fans and Critics are Outraged
Many fans argue that Williams—already admired for her athleticism and resilience—risks reinforcing dangerous ideals about body image. Social media lit up with commentators calling the campaign “disappointing” and warning that framing weight-loss drugs as essential post-pregnancy sends a harmful message to young women and athletes.
Critics and commentators suggest the partnership could blur the line between genuine health advocacy and corporate promotion. One opinion piece in The Indian Express questioned the ethics of serving as a patient-ambassador for a healthcare brand tied to one’s spouse, arguing that medical decisions deserve scrutiny, not marketing gloss.
Actress and body-positivity advocate Jameela Jamil publicly criticized Serena for promoting GLP-1 drugs, pointing to a litany of potential side effects—from depression to malnutrition—and warning that celebrity endorsements can obscure the serious medical supervision required.
In lifestyle media, a new mother expressed disappointment, emphasizing that postpartum should be a time for recovery—not enforced weight loss. She lamented how statements like Serena’s could add pressure on women who simply need rest, nourishment, and support—not medical interventions.
Final Thoughts on Serena Williams using GLP-1
Serena Williams’ decision to step into the GLP-1 spotlight has ignited a complex debate at the intersection of health, celebrity, and ethics. On one hand, she’s praised for her transparency—though critics say that transparency is entangled with corporate interests. On the other hand, her message troubles many for turning a deeply personal health choice into mainstream marketing.
At a moment in cultural history when conversations about body autonomy and medical empowerment are front and center, Serena’s campaign is raising essential questions: Can promoting weight-loss drugs ever be free from stigma—or conflict? And what responsibility do influential figures carry when discussing tools that might not be right for everyone?
