Serena Williams shared that she lost 31 pounds using Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication, and says she has never felt healthier. Her announcement sparked both praise and criticism, but what stands out is how she is using her platform to open up about a treatment that millions are quietly exploring.

4 related posts

Weight Lost: 31-34 pounds ·
Medication Class: GLP-1 (Zepbound) ·
Time Frame: Roughly one year ·
Partner Brand: Ro

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact starting weight before Zepbound
  • Whether she uses Mounjaro or Zepbound specifically
  • Personal dosing schedule or side effects
3Timeline signal
  • Summer 2024: First GLP-1 use, then stopped (Healthline)
  • January 2025: Partners with Ro for Zepbound (Healthline)
  • August 25, 2025: Healthline reports 31-lb loss (Healthline)
4What’s next
  • Continued Zepbound use likely for long-term results (Healthline)
  • Health advocacy around GLP-1 medications (Healthline)
  • More athletes may follow her disclosure (Healthline)

A comparison of key metrics and clinical trial data follows.

Metric Value Source
Total Weight Loss 31-34 pounds Healthline
Primary Drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) Healthline
Drug Mechanism GLP-1 + GIP dual receptor Healthline
Clinical Trial Result 20.2% body weight (72 weeks) Healthline
Semaglutide Comparison 13.7% body weight (72 weeks) Healthline
Ro Average Loss 20% in one year Ro
Charles Barkley Loss 65 pounds via Ro Healthline

How has Serena Williams lost so much weight?

Williams’ weight loss did not happen overnight. She began her GLP-1 journey in summer 2024 but stopped that initial medication before partnering with telehealth company Ro in January 2025 to receive Zepbound specifically. The tennis legend shared her 31-pound loss in a Ro-sponsored Instagram post, crediting the medication alongside her regular exercise routine and high-protein diet including beans.

Timeline of her weight loss journey

  • Summer 2024: First GLP-1 medication started, then discontinued
  • January 2025: Partners with Ro for Zepbound (tirzepatide)
  • Before August 2025: Announces 31-pound loss publicly
  • August 25, 2025: Healthline publishes detailed report on her journey
  • Post-August 2025: Secondary source reports 34-pound total loss

Before and after comparisons

Williams started Zepbound after having her two children, using the medication as part of a broader health focus. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) noted that her public disclosure helps destigmatize GLP-1 use among patients who have historically faced judgment when using medication for weight management.

Medical context

The AACE recognizes obesity as a disease requiring therapies like GLP-1 medications. Williams’ openness about her experience contributes to changing how the medical community and public view these treatment options.

What did Serena Williams use to lose her weight?

Williams used Zepbound (tirzepatide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist that also targets GIP receptors. This dual mechanism sets it apart from medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) that target only GLP-1. The SURMOUNT trial showed tirzepatide produced 20.2% body weight loss after 72 weeks, compared to 13.7% for semaglutide over the same period.

GLP-1 medications involved

Zepbound works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, resulting in greater weight loss and better glucose lowering than medications targeting GLP-1 alone. According to Dr. Scott D. Isaacs, AACE President, tirzepatide “works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, resulting in greater weight loss and better glucose lowering than medications that target GLP-1 alone.”

Zepbound specifics

Zepbound is indicated for adults with obesity or those who are overweight plus have conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially during dose increases.

The catch

Most patients need long-term tirzepatide use because stopping carries a high risk of weight regain. Without protein intake and strength training, GLP-1 users risk losing muscle and predisposing themselves to regaining fat mass.

The implication is that patients who discontinue tirzepatide without lifestyle safeguards face significant metabolic setbacks.

Serena Williams says weight loss drug made her healthier

Williams appeared on TODAY as a paid spokesperson for Ro, stating she “literally tried everything” before turning to GLP-1 medication. She has been vocal about her goal to destigmatize these treatments through open conversation. One source reports her total weight loss at 34 pounds, slightly higher than the initially announced 31 pounds.

Her personal health testimony

The tennis legend has said she feels healthier than ever, though specific details about her dosing schedule, starting weight, or personal side effects remain private. She combines Zepbound with regular exercise and healthy eating, including protein from beans.

Impact on athletes

Williams joins other high-profile athletes like Charles Barkley, who lost 65 pounds using GLP-1 via Ro, in publicly discussing these medications. The trend has drawn both praise and criticism, particularly from those who question whether athletes should use these drugs outside of medical necessity.

Is Serena Williams on Mounjaro?

There has been confusion around the specific medication Williams uses. While some speculated she was on Mounjaro, the confirmed reports indicate she uses Zepbound specifically through her Ro partnership. Both are tirzepatide products but are marketed for different uses: Zepbound for weight loss, Mounjaro for diabetes management.

Drug confusion and clarifications

Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) but are prescribed for different indications. The medication Williams uses is specifically Zepbound for weight management purposes through her Ro partnership.

Backlash from revelation

Williams’ disclosure generated significant social media reaction. Some praised her openness while others criticized her for using weight loss medication, particularly given her athletic background. AACE noted that her story changes the obesity care conversation and that GLP-1s work best combined with healthy habits and medical supervision.

The pattern shows that celebrity disclosure amplifies both acceptance and scrutiny of weight loss medications.

How did Serena Williams lose weight so fast?

Williams’ weight loss pace aligns with clinical expectations for tirzepatide. Ro advertises average 20% weight loss in one year with GLP-1s plus diet and exercise, compared to just 3.1% with diet and exercise alone. Some patients are super-responders on low micro-doses of tirzepatide, experiencing accelerated results.

Role of GLP-1 in rapid loss

The medication works by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, making it easier to maintain a caloric deficit. Williams has mentioned that many friends were already using GLP-1 medications, which influenced her decision to try the treatment herself.

Reddit and public reactions

Online discussions have been mixed, with some Reddit users questioning whether celebrities should disclose medication use and others welcoming the destigmatization. The conversation reflects broader debates about body image expectations for public figures and the role of medical interventions in weight management.

What this means is that public figures who disclose GLP-1 use reshape societal norms around obesity treatment, whether they intend to or not.

Bottom line: Serena Williams lost 31-34 pounds using Zepbound (tirzepatide) through Ro, with results consistent with clinical trial data. Patients considering GLP-1s should consult a physician for proper titration and expect long-term use requirements. Athletes like Williams who open up about these medications invite criticism but also advance public health conversations about obesity treatment.

Timeline

Key milestones in Williams’ GLP-1 journey follow.

Date Event
Summer 2024 Williams begins first GLP-1 medication, then stops
January 2025 Partners with Ro for Zepbound specifically
Before August 2025 Announces 31-pound loss on Zepbound via Instagram
August 25, 2025 Healthline publishes detailed report
2025 Appears on TODAY as paid Ro spokesperson

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed

  • Used GLP-1/Zepbound for weight loss
  • Lost significant weight (31-34 pounds)
  • Partnered with Ro as paid spokesperson
  • Started medication after having children
  • Combines medication with exercise and protein diet

Unclear

  • Exact start date for Zepbound specifically
  • Personal dosing schedule
  • Whether she experienced side effects
  • Specific starting weight before treatment

What experts and Williams say

“Tirzepatide works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, resulting in greater weight loss and better glucose lowering than medications that target GLP-1 alone.”

— Dr. Scott D. Isaacs, MD, AACE President

“I literally tried everything.”

— Serena Williams, Tennis legend

“[Zepbound] is a power tool, and patients need to consider what they are willing to change in their lifestyle because if protein requirements and strength training are not in place, people can lose muscle and be predisposed to regaining fat mass if they stop the medicine.”

— Dr. Scott D. Isaacs, MD

“Medications are an important option when lifestyle changes alone are not enough, but they do not replace the need for healthy living.”

— Dr. Scott D. Isaacs, MD

Related reading: How to Measure Waist Correctly · Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Additional sources

aace.com, youtube.com, how-dept.com

Serena Williams’ impressive 31-34 pound loss on Zepbound, despite backlash, mirrors the Zepbound results and controversy in recent coverage of her journey.

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Frequently asked questions

Serena Williams weight loss before and after?

Williams lost 31 pounds on Zepbound, with a secondary source reporting 34 pounds total. She started the medication after having her two children and has shared her progress through Ro-sponsored social media posts.

Serena Williams weight loss medication?

She uses Zepbound (tirzepatide) through her partnership with telehealth company Ro. Zepbound is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that also targets GIP receptors for enhanced weight loss compared to GLP-1-only medications.

Serena Williams weight loss GLP-1?

Yes, Williams uses a GLP-1 medication. Specifically, she uses Zepbound which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. She began GLP-1 treatment in summer 2024 and switched to Zepbound through Ro in January 2025.

Serena Williams weight loss Ozempic?

While some speculated she used Ozempic (semaglutide), reports confirm she uses Zepbound specifically. Both contain tirzepatide or semaglutide respectively but are different medications. The SURMOUNT trial showed tirzepatide produces greater weight loss (20.2%) than semaglutide (13.7%) after 72 weeks.

What is Serena Williams weight loss brand?

Williams partnered with Ro as a paid spokesperson for their GLP-1 weight loss program. Her husband Alexis Ohanian is an investor and board member in Ro. She appeared on TODAY to discuss her experience using their services.

Serena Williams weight loss Reddit discussion?

Online discussions have been mixed, with some questioning whether celebrities should use weight loss medications and others welcoming increased transparency about these treatments. The conversations reflect broader debates about body image expectations and medical interventions.

Serena Williams husband weight loss role?

Her husband Alexis Ohanian is an investor and board member in Ro, the telehealth company providing Williams’ Zepbound prescription. However, Williams has stated she chose to try GLP-1 after seeing friends use similar medications.

Olympic gold medallist Serena Williams weight loss method?

Williams uses Zepbound (tirzepatide) combined with regular exercise and a high-protein diet. She combines the GLP-1 medication with strength training and protein intake from sources like beans to minimize muscle loss, following medical guidance for optimal results.

For patients considering GLP-1 medications like Zepbound, the path forward is clear: consult a physician for proper medical supervision, understand that long-term use is typically required to maintain results, and combine any medication with protein intake and strength training to preserve muscle mass.