UPDATE: In a surprising and controversial move, tennis legend Serena Williams has publicly endorsed weight-loss drugs as part of a multi-year campaign with telehealth company Ro, promoting medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. The announcement, made during a media blitz on Thursday morning ahead of the US Open, has ignited a fierce debate online about the implications of her partnership.
The media rollout featured exclusive interviews across multiple platforms, including People, Vogue, and NBC’s Today show, all coinciding with a strict press embargo. Williams discussed her recent 31lb weight loss, attributing part of her journey to the use of these weight-loss drugs, which have become increasingly popular in the U.S. market.
“This medicine is what my body needed after kids,” Williams stated in one of her ads, emphasizing her struggles to maintain a healthy weight despite rigorous training and exercise. Her comments reflect a broader trend where even the most disciplined athletes are turning to pharmaceutical solutions for weight management.
Critics are expressing concern that Williams, a figure long celebrated for challenging beauty norms, is now endorsing a culture that promotes weight loss as a primary goal. Many fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with some questioning the message sent to millions who look up to her. “If even Serena needs medication to lose weight, what hope do the rest of us have?” one fan lamented on Twitter.
Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is on Ro’s board, raising eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest in her endorsement. Ro has been making headlines for its aggressive marketing strategies, including controversial subway campaigns and endorsements from other celebrities like Charles Barkley.
Experts warn that the glamorization of GLP-1 drugs could exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare. While these drugs can benefit individuals with obesity or diabetes, access remains limited, with many pharmacies struggling to keep them in stock. Critics argue that Williams’ association with Ro may further entrench the societal obsession with thinness, a culture she once fought against.
Williams’ career has been built on breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, and her recent pivot towards promoting weight-loss drugs has led many to reflect on her legacy. “This feels like a diminishment of everything she stood for,” one commentator noted.
As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on Williams, not just for her performance on the court, but for the broader implications of her endorsement. The conversation surrounding body image, health, and celebrity influence is more relevant than ever, and Williams’ role in it will likely continue to evolve.
This developing story raises critical questions about the intersection of health, celebrity culture, and societal pressures. As more public figures endorse weight-loss drugs, the dialogue about body image and health will undoubtedly intensify. What remains to be seen is how this will impact Williams’ legacy and the perceptions of millions of her fans.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation as it continues to resonate across social media and beyond.
