Serena Williams has revealed that using a GLP-1 medication has significantly improved her health, helping to lower her cholesterol, stabilise her blood sugar and reduce joint pain.
The tennis legend said the weight-loss drug has left her feeling healthier than at any other stage of her illustrious career. Nearly a year after beginning treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the 44-year-old reports major health gains, including improved cholesterol levels, more consistent blood sugar control and less strain on her joints.
Williams ended her professional tennis career in 2022 after 27 years, during which she claimed 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals.
Despite her dominance on the court, she said she found it difficult for years to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. She also became increasingly worried about her risk of diabetes and heart disease, conditions that run in her family and disproportionately affect Black Americans.
In August, Williams disclosed publicly that she had started taking a GLP-1 medication and entered a partnership with telehealth firm Ro, which prescribes the drugs. Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is both an investor and board member at the company.
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound work by curbing appetite and regulating blood sugar. Some of the medications are approved for diabetes management, weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Over the past year, Williams says she has lost roughly 34 pounds. She also reports that her total cholesterol has fallen by about 30% since 2021, dropping from 185 mg/dL to 129 mg/dL, well below the 150 mg/dL level many doctors regard as ideal. Medical experts note that such a sharp decline is unusual, as most GLP-1 users typically experience around a 5% reduction.
Williams describes the treatment as “a lifetime thing,” noting that discontinuing GLP-1 medication can result in weight regain. She added that the weight loss has eased pressure on her knees, a persistent issue during her playing days.
When asked whether her improved health might open the door to a return to tennis, Williams said she remains open-minded, describing it as “not a yes or a no.”
