Serena Williams Reflects on ‘Difficult August’ on Instagram After Weight-Loss Medication Backlash
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, has openly shared her journey with GLP-1 weight-loss medication, revealing a 31-pound weight loss over eight months. Despite maintaining a disciplined lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise, Williams found it challenging to shed postpartum weight after the births of her daughters in 2017 and 2023. In 2024, she began using a GLP-1 medication, later transitioning to Zepbound through telehealth company Ro, where her husband, Alexis Ohanian, serves on the board. More recently, she posted about the “difficult August” she had via Instagram following her Zepbound announcement.
Serena Williams posted about her ‘difficult August’ following her GLP-1 weight-loss medication announcement
Serena Williams began using the GLP-1 medication Zepbound in early 2025, following her second pregnancy. Despite maintaining a rigorous fitness regimen and a healthy diet, she struggled to lose postpartum weight. In a campaign for Ro, a telehealth company, Williams shared that she had lost 31 pounds over eight months with the help of Zepbound. She emphasized that the medication complemented her lifestyle changes rather than serving as a shortcut. She also noted that her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is an investor and board member of Ro.
Williams’s decision to use Zepbound was influenced by her desire to regain her pre-pregnancy fitness levels and alleviate joint pain, which had been exacerbated by the extra weight. She began the medication after completing breastfeeding her daughter, Adira, in early 2025. Ro, which offers access to GLP-1 medications like Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy, provided her with a convenient and supportive platform to manage her weight loss journey.
Williams’ choice to take Zepbound came with public backlash. In September 2025, she posted a series of photos of herself in a red dress on Instagram with a caption about the “difficult August” she had in the wake of her announcement.
“Dearest gentle reader,” the post reads, “My summer started out well, but I was plunged into a difficult August. Like many of you, I faced challenges that tested my spirit and resilience. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters — your mental health and well-being. I took some time away to breathe, to reconnect with myself, and to remember that it’s perfectly OK to pause and reconnect. Even if it’s just a quiet night to yourself. Anything counts.”
She also noted that she’s learning to “let go and live life one moment at a time.”
Many fans showed their support in her Instagram post comments
Fans were divided on Serena Williams’ GLP-1 usage for weight loss. While some fans applauded her decision to do what’s right for her health and body, others were disappointed. Many of the comments on Williams’ post remained positive.
“So beautiful and yes, yes, to finding time to concentrate on you and take time needed away from things,” one fan commented. “Always good to find balance.”
“All versions of you are beautiful,” another fan wrote. “Go girl!!!”
However, some fans criticized the athlete in the comments for using weight-loss medication.
“We have to really teach our daughters to love the body God gifted you,” another fan wrote. “I used to brag about Serena and her natural body …. Whhhyyyyyy????”
Jameela Jamil caused a stir with her comments in the wake of Serena Williams’ weight loss
In August 2025, Jameela Jamil posted about GLP-1 usage. She later clarified that she does not take issue with Serena Williams using weight-loss medication. However, Jamil wants others to be careful when it comes to celebrity endorsements.
“Serena Williams is selling GLP-1s,” Jamil posted to Instagram on Aug. 24, 2025. “The thing I feel most uncomfortable with here is that celebrities have access to doctors most others don’t have access to. These ‘miracle’ weight loss drugs come at a price. The side effects can include paralysis of the gastric system, pancreatitis, cancer, hair loss, osteoporosis, severe malnutrition, muscle mass loss, depression …, thyroid issues, blindness, and they can really wreak havoc on your metabolism.”
“This post is about transparency, not judging Serena’s body,” Jamil wrote in the post’s caption. “Nor is it judging you or your decision to take a GLP-1. It’s a literal, FACTUAL, evidence-based plea to make sure you have adequate medical support if you DO take these drugs.”
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