Serena Williams, a legendary tennis player and cultural icon, recently shared her journey with weight-loss medication during an interview on the Today Show. At 43, Williams revealed that despite her rigorous training routine, she struggled to lose weight after having children. To combat this, she turned to GLP-1 medications, popular among her friends, to help her shed those extra pounds.

The tennis star emphasized that using medication was not an easy path but insists it was necessary for her well-being after losing 31 pounds in the last eight months. Williams hopes that her candidness about this often-taboo topic can lift the prevailing stigma surrounding weight-loss drugs, which many believe are unfairly criticized as shortcuts.

Experts have weighed in, noting the refreshing nature of her honesty, suggesting it helps challenge negative stereotypes about weight loss. Some, however, express concern that it may inadvertently shift focus away from hard work and create unrealistic beauty standards for everyday people.

Public figures, including Oprah Winfrey and Kelly Clarkson, have also spoken about their experiences with weight-loss medications, indicating a shift in public conversation around body image and health. Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, is now focusing on running and other fitness goals, stating that she feels healthier and more empowered than ever. As she works towards her personal goals, Williams continues to use her platform to encourage discussions about body image, health, and the choices people make regarding weight management.